[Script Info] Title: [Events] Format: Layer, Start, End, Style, Name, MarginL, MarginR, MarginV, Effect, Text Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In 1989, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,an artist by the name of Dread Scott, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who has also graced the TED stage, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,created a piece of art in Chicago Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where he simply placed\Nan American flag on the ground Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and then invited you the viewer\Nto go and stand on that flag Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and record how it felt in a journal. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And to me, one of the most powerful things\Nwritten in that journal in essence says, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,why are we so OK Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with homeless people, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with human beings laying on the ground, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but not flags? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And to some of you,\Nthis piece of art is quite disturbing, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and that's kind of the point of this talk, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,not to upset you or to make you mad Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but to prove to you that flags\Nhave an incredible power, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and that even if you think\Nyou don't care about flags, you do. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You know you do. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,All right. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,By the end of it,\NI hope that you're inspired Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to go out and harness this power of flags\Nand fight for a better world, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but before we get there, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we're going to start\Non the opposite end of the spectrum, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and before I show you the next stuff,\NI need to say that anything I show here Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is not an endorsement, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it's usually quite the opposite, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but more than anything,\Nwhat I want to do is create a space here Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where we can look\Nat these flags, these designs, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and examine how they make us feel. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We're going to talk about our emotions. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Is that OK with everybody? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,OK. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You ready for your first flag? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Cool, we'll start with an easy one. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That was a joke. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So, some of you may be a little bit uneasy\Nsitting in a room with this. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I'm certainly feeling uneasy\Nstanding in front of it. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Some of you may be feeling\Na little bit of pride. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that's understandable. This is Texas.\NThis is not a rare sight, is it. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But let's start with the facts. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So this is not the Confederate flag. OK? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is the battle flag\Nof the Army of Northern Virginia Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,led by General Robert E. Lee, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so next time someone tells you\Nthat this is their heritage, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,unless their family fought\Nfor that very specific militia, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they're wrong. All right? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And you have a flag expert's\Npermission to tell them so. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This flag rose into prominence\Nduring the mid-1950s and '60s Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as a response to the growing\NCivil Rights Movement. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And then, of course, today Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it has come to represent\Nthe Confederacy to most of us. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But I shouldn't have to remind you\Nwhat the Confederacy is. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It was a rogue nation Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that rose up against the United States, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,waged war on the US, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and at one point in time Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,this was one of the most\Nun-American things you could have. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But yet, this flag is protected Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,by the same laws that protect\Nthe United States flag Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in the states of Florida, Georgia, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,South Carolina, Mississippi and Louisiana. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But let's pick on Georgia\Nfor a second, shall we? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So in 1956, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a few years after desegregation\Nwas mandated in public schools, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Georgia changed their state flag to this. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I think everyone watching can agree Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that this was not meant to be a flag\Nthat every Georgian was proud to fly Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,outside of their home, was it. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Just like all of the Confederate statues\Nerected in the mid-1950s and '60s, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,this was meant to be a symbol\Nof who was in charge Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and who was not. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This remained the flag of Georgia Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,until the year 2001, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and in that year they changed their flag Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to this. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, as a flag expert, I can tell you\Nthis is officially ugly. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,OK? It's OK to laugh at this flag. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's ugly, and because it's so ugly, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that's one of the reasons\Nthey changed it just two years later. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They had a referendum Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where they got to choose\Nbetween that thing Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and then what is now\Nthe current flag of Georgia. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now some of you might be wondering, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,wait a second, Michael, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,if that before wasn't\Nthe Confederate flag, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,what was the Confederate flag? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Georgia flies the first flag\Nof the Confederate States of America Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to this day. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They just slapped their state seal on it. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Well let's go back\Nto our emotions for a second. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That didn't punch you in the gut\Nas much as the other one did, did it. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Right? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that's why I love flags. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They are the simplest pieces of design, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,usually just two or three colors, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,just some bars or stripes, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but yet they can invoke\Nthe deepest emotions within us. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They'll make us swell with pride\Nor burn with hatred. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We will die for a flag Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or even kill for one. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,One of my favorite designers,\Nhis name is Wally Olins, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they call him the father\Nof nation branding, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and he's quotes as saying Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that everyone wants to belong, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and then they want to display\Nsymbols of belonging. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And it's crazy that these pieces of cloth\Nthat are just sewn together or dyed Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,come to be such a sacred item, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and that's because they become\Nparts of our identity. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They are powerful tools to unify Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but equally powerful tools to divide. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You ready for the next flag? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Right. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Take a moment. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Really examine how you felt\Nwhen this hit the screen. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I'm going to change\Nthe slide pretty quickly Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so you don't take pictures of me\Nin front of this one. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,All right? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So Germany after World War I, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it was in a pretty bad state, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and a young Adolf Hitler had a lot of,\Nlet's call them ideas, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of how Germany got to where they'd gotten Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and how to get them out. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He spent entire chapters\Nin his book "Mein Kampf," Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which I don't recommend reading, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,about how Germany lost World War I Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,partially because the British\Nhad better graphic design Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and better propaganda. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So, as the Nazi Party rose, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Hitler created one of the thickest\Nbrand guides I've ever seen. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's thicker than most\Ncompany brand guides today, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and in it he details titles and uniforms Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and lots and lots of flags. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Hitler knew the power of flags. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He says in "Mein Kampf," Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"The new flag... should prove\Neffective as a large poster," Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because "in hundreds of thousands of cases Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a really striking emblem Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,may be the first cause\Nof awakening interest in a movement." Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He was an artist, after all. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He knew the power\Nof visual identity and uniforms Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,could reignite the German identity. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And to millions of Germans\Nthis was a welcome sign. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But of course this was\Na mark of death to others. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We don't often think of flags as weapons, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but like the Confederate battle flag, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the Germans used their flag Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to make an outgroup feel unwelcome Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and less than. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You see, when you create a flag,\Nyou immediately do two things. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You create an ingroup, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a group that's meant\Nto be represented by the symbol, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but then inevitably\Nyou create an outgroup. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And usually that's subtle. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's a byproduct. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's usually not the intent. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But the Germans were very clear\Nas to who was represented by the swastika Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and who was not. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In 1935, Jewish people were banned\Nfrom flying German flags. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And in this way, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the Germans, maybe more than\Nany other time in history, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,used the dual power of flags Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to unite but also to divide. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Flags were used as identity weapons. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And now, in 2019, the Nazi flag\Nis banned from being flown Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,by anyone in Germany, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and anyone in Austria, in Hungary,\Nin Russia and in Ukraine. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Think about that. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's a piece of cloth, but it's banned. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,On its face, that sounds crazy, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but I don't think anyone\Nin this room would disagree Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that it's probably good. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Sounds a lot like a weapon. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As a vexillologist, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,sometimes the most interesting\Nthing about a flag Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is not so much its design, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but it's those laws around the flag. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For instance, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in India, to create an Indian flag, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you must use a hand-spun\Ncloth named Khadi. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If you make a flag out of anything else, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you could go to jail\Nfor up to three years. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's crazy. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Here in Texas, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we've all heard Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that the Texas flag is the only state flag\Nthat can fly at the same height Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as the US, flag, right? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Because we were a nation\Nbefore we were a state. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Who here has heard that? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Yeah. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Well, I'm here to tell you\Nthat is completely false. OK? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,First of all, we were not the only state\Nthat was a nation before joining up, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and secondly, all state flags can fly\Nat the same height as the US flag Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,according to the US flag code. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I don't have to ask you\Nhow you feel about this one, right? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Most of us grew up pledging allegiance\Nto this every morning, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,knowing we should never\Nlet it touch the ground, etc. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We take our flag code very seriously\Nhere in the United States. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You remember, recently some NFL players\Nkneeling during the national anthem. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It was a big controversy. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They were breaking the flag code. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It states during the national anthem, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,stand at attention,\Nhand at the heart, etc. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But what was fascinating to me\Nas a vexillologist is that I didn't see Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,anyone getting upset Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when something like this happens. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The flag code says the flag should never\Nbe carried flat or horizontally, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but always aloft and free. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So sometimes during\Nthe exact same national anthem, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,this was being done and no one's upset. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Or this. This happens all the time. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The flag code is clear. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,No part of the flag should ever be used\Nas a costume or on an athletic uniform. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is Texas A&M baseball, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,not to get them in trouble,\Nbut this happens all the time, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,especially in November. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I'm sure, I can almost guarantee\Nwhen you leave here tonight, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you will see on the back\Nof someone's car or truck Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a black and white American flag\Nwith a blue stripe, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a thin blue line, right? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Blue Lives Matter. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That breaks the flag code\Nin multiple ways, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but all of these things are done\Nwith the best intent. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,No one's here to argue that. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But of course they break\Na section of the flag code Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,titled "Respect for the Flag," Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so by putting this on your uniform, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you are legally disrespecting the flag. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And what I find interesting Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is that those NFL players\Nkneeling during the anthem Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and the people who would put\NBlue Lives Matters stickers on their car Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,are both on the opposite end\Nof a very big issue, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but they're both breaking\Nthe exact same law, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a law that is 100 percent unenforceable. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In fact, it was Dread Scott's\Npiece of art in 1989 Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that led the Supreme Court to rule\Nthat the flag code is just a guideline. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You cannot be prosecuted\Nfor breaking the flag code. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You cannot be forced to be patriotic. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So why, then, have all of these\Nlittle laws around how we use our flag Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,if you can't enforce them? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that's because a nation Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is a fragile collective idea. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It only exists in our minds. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,See this? Thank you. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Sometimes a flag is the only\Ntangible symbol of that idea. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Right? Our unity is sometimes\Nonly held together by literal threads. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that's powerful. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The flag code is meant to preserve\Nand protect that fragile idea, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,while also protecting\Nyour right to break it. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that's what's special\Nabout the United States, right? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that's what's unique about our flag. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Our flag is amazing. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It has changed more than\Nany other flag in the world. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's the flag code that says\Nwhen a new state is created, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a star shall be added\Nto the union of the flag, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and such addition shall take place\Non the fourth day of July. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Our flag is unique because\Nit is meant to grow as we grow. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,By design and by law, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it is meant to change with us. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's a living symbol of our individuality, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,our diversity in the stars, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and our unity. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We have a gift in the United States\Nto have a flag that is inclusive. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If the Nazi flag was an identity weapon, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the United States flag, by design alone,\Nstands in direct contrast. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I have to say,\Nas a vexillologist in 2019, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,using this flag Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as an identity weapon against anyone Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,disrespects it far more\Nthan letting it touch the ground Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or any one of the other little laws\Nthat we break every day. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Right? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This flag is a symbol of our union. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We should never use this as a weapon\Nagainst someone else. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I resonate so deeply with the person\Nwho wrote in Dread Scott's journal, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"We should never value the symbol\Nover the thing that it symbolizes. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We should never value a piece of cloth\Nover a human life." Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And if you're ever going to use\Na piece of cloth as a weapon, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you should never use this one, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,not when it has always\Nhad room for more stars. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Hopefully by now, you've felt\Nthe power of flags Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and you can see what they can do. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So what if we harnessed that power Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and we used it to fight\Nfor something greater? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is the flag of Earth, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,designed by Oskar Pernefeldt of Sweden. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Just imagine with me for a second, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,what if we celebrated our humanity Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as much if not more Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,than we celebrate our nationalities? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As we become a spacefaring civilization\Nand we go off into the stars, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,what do our nations mean anyway\Nwhen you're standing Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,on the surface of Mars\Nor any other planet? Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And then of course, back here on Earth, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as our planet is facing a climate crisis, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as our climate could be unlivable in\Nour children or grandchildren's lifetime, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I believe we need a strong symbol, a flag, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to unite us to fight, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,not just as nations, Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but as a species. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thank you. Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Applause)