[Script Info] Title: [Events] Format: Layer, Start, End, Style, Name, MarginL, MarginR, MarginV, Effect, Text Dialogue: 0,0:00:01.06,0:00:02.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In 1989, Dialogue: 0,0:00:02.86,0:00:05.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,an artist by the name of Dread Scott, Dialogue: 0,0:00:05.12,0:00:08.03,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who has also graced the TED stage, Dialogue: 0,0:00:08.05,0:00:10.45,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,created a piece of art in Chicago, Dialogue: 0,0:00:10.48,0:00:14.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where he simply placed\Nan American flag on the ground Dialogue: 0,0:00:14.13,0:00:18.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and then invited you the viewer\Nto go and stand on that flag Dialogue: 0,0:00:18.52,0:00:21.23,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and record how it felt in a journal. Dialogue: 0,0:00:22.23,0:00:26.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And to me, one of the most powerful things\Nwritten in that journal, in essence, says, Dialogue: 0,0:00:26.78,0:00:28.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"Why are we so OK Dialogue: 0,0:00:28.99,0:00:30.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with homeless people, Dialogue: 0,0:00:30.62,0:00:33.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with human beings laying on the ground, Dialogue: 0,0:00:33.40,0:00:35.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but not flags?" Dialogue: 0,0:00:36.99,0:00:40.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And to some of you,\Nthis piece of art is quite disturbing. Dialogue: 0,0:00:40.84,0:00:43.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that's kind of the point\Nof this talk -- Dialogue: 0,0:00:43.35,0:00:46.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,not to upset you or to make you mad Dialogue: 0,0:00:46.13,0:00:51.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but to prove to you that flags\Nhave an incredible power, Dialogue: 0,0:00:51.28,0:00:54.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and that even if you think\Nyou don't care about flags, you do. Dialogue: 0,0:00:54.26,0:00:55.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You know you do. Dialogue: 0,0:00:56.11,0:00:57.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Alright. Dialogue: 0,0:00:57.29,0:00:59.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,By the end of it,\NI hope that you're inspired Dialogue: 0,0:00:59.61,0:01:03.09,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to go out and harness this power of flags\Nand fight for a better world. Dialogue: 0,0:01:03.11,0:01:04.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But before we get there, Dialogue: 0,0:01:04.98,0:01:07.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we're going to start\Non the opposite end of the spectrum. Dialogue: 0,0:01:08.25,0:01:12.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And before I show you the next stuff,\NI need to say that anything I show here Dialogue: 0,0:01:12.18,0:01:13.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is not an endorsement, Dialogue: 0,0:01:13.80,0:01:15.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it's usually quite the opposite. Dialogue: 0,0:01:15.76,0:01:19.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But more than anything,\Nwhat I want to do is create a space here Dialogue: 0,0:01:19.76,0:01:22.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where we can look\Nat these flags, these designs, Dialogue: 0,0:01:22.87,0:01:25.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and examine how they make us feel. Dialogue: 0,0:01:26.00,0:01:27.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We're going to talk about our emotions. Dialogue: 0,0:01:27.94,0:01:29.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Is that OK with everybody? Dialogue: 0,0:01:29.59,0:01:30.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,OK. Dialogue: 0,0:01:30.92,0:01:32.65,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Are you ready for your first flag? Dialogue: 0,0:01:34.70,0:01:36.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Cool, we'll start with an easy one. Dialogue: 0,0:01:36.91,0:01:39.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That was a joke. (Laughs) Dialogue: 0,0:01:39.38,0:01:44.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So, some of you may be a little bit uneasy\Nsitting in a room with this. Dialogue: 0,0:01:44.14,0:01:46.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I'm certainly feeling uneasy\Nstanding in front of it. Dialogue: 0,0:01:47.50,0:01:50.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Some of you may be feeling\Na little bit of pride. Dialogue: 0,0:01:50.68,0:01:55.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that's understandable. This is Texas.\NThis is not a rare sight, is it? Dialogue: 0,0:01:55.83,0:01:57.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But let's start with the facts. Dialogue: 0,0:01:57.74,0:02:01.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So this is not the Confederate flag. OK? Dialogue: 0,0:02:01.46,0:02:04.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is the battle flag\Nof the Army of Northern Virginia Dialogue: 0,0:02:04.68,0:02:06.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,led by General Robert E. Lee. Dialogue: 0,0:02:07.24,0:02:10.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So next time someone tells you\Nthat this is their heritage, Dialogue: 0,0:02:10.29,0:02:13.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,unless their family fought\Nfor that very specific militia, Dialogue: 0,0:02:13.27,0:02:14.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they're wrong, alright? Dialogue: 0,0:02:14.55,0:02:17.41,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And you have a flag expert's\Npermission to tell them so. Dialogue: 0,0:02:18.36,0:02:22.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This flag rose into prominence\Nduring the mid-1950s and '60s Dialogue: 0,0:02:22.96,0:02:25.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as a response to the growing\NCivil Rights Movement. Dialogue: 0,0:02:26.27,0:02:27.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And then of course today, Dialogue: 0,0:02:27.95,0:02:32.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it has come to represent\Nthe Confederacy to most of us. Dialogue: 0,0:02:33.84,0:02:36.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But I shouldn't have to remind you\Nwhat the Confederacy is. Dialogue: 0,0:02:36.70,0:02:38.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It was a rogue nation Dialogue: 0,0:02:38.17,0:02:40.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that rose up against the United States, Dialogue: 0,0:02:40.98,0:02:43.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,waged war on the US, Dialogue: 0,0:02:43.07,0:02:44.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and at one point in time, Dialogue: 0,0:02:44.32,0:02:47.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,this was one of the most\Nun-American things you could have. Dialogue: 0,0:02:48.25,0:02:51.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But yet, this flag is protected Dialogue: 0,0:02:51.34,0:02:54.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,by the same laws that protect\Nthe United States flag Dialogue: 0,0:02:54.94,0:02:56.100,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in the states of Florida, Georgia, Dialogue: 0,0:02:57.02,0:03:00.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,South Carolina, Mississippi and Louisiana. Dialogue: 0,0:03:01.57,0:03:04.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But let's pick on Georgia\Nfor a second, shall we? Dialogue: 0,0:03:04.83,0:03:06.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So in 1956, Dialogue: 0,0:03:06.50,0:03:10.21,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a few years after desegregation\Nwas mandated in public schools, Dialogue: 0,0:03:10.24,0:03:12.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Georgia changed their state flag to this. Dialogue: 0,0:03:14.64,0:03:17.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I think everyone watching can agree Dialogue: 0,0:03:17.56,0:03:21.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that this was not meant to be a flag\Nthat every Georgian was proud to fly Dialogue: 0,0:03:21.45,0:03:23.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,outside of their home, was it? Dialogue: 0,0:03:23.64,0:03:24.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,No. Dialogue: 0,0:03:25.02,0:03:29.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Just like all of the Confederate statues\Nerected in the mid-1950s and '60s, Dialogue: 0,0:03:29.64,0:03:33.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,this was meant to be a symbol\Nof who was in charge Dialogue: 0,0:03:33.30,0:03:34.79,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and who was not. Dialogue: 0,0:03:35.92,0:03:37.65,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This remained the flag of Georgia Dialogue: 0,0:03:37.67,0:03:39.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,until the year 2001, Dialogue: 0,0:03:40.87,0:03:43.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and in that year, they changed their flag Dialogue: 0,0:03:43.32,0:03:44.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to this. Dialogue: 0,0:03:45.05,0:03:49.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, as a flag expert, I can tell you:\Nthis is officially ugly. Dialogue: 0,0:03:49.42,0:03:51.23,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,OK? It's OK to laugh at this flag. Dialogue: 0,0:03:51.25,0:03:53.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's ugly, and because it's so ugly, Dialogue: 0,0:03:53.97,0:03:56.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that's one of the reasons\Nthey changed it just two years later. Dialogue: 0,0:03:56.96,0:03:58.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They had a referendum Dialogue: 0,0:03:58.14,0:04:00.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where they got to choose\Nbetween that thing Dialogue: 0,0:04:00.32,0:04:03.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and then what is now\Nthe current flag of Georgia. Dialogue: 0,0:04:04.19,0:04:05.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now some of you might be wondering, Dialogue: 0,0:04:05.91,0:04:07.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"Wait a second, Michael -- Dialogue: 0,0:04:07.22,0:04:09.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,if that before wasn't\Nthe Confederate flag, Dialogue: 0,0:04:09.76,0:04:12.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,what was the Confederate flag? Dialogue: 0,0:04:14.17,0:04:18.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Georgia flies the first flag\Nof the Confederate States of America Dialogue: 0,0:04:18.51,0:04:19.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to this day. Dialogue: 0,0:04:20.09,0:04:22.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They just slapped their state seal on it. Dialogue: 0,0:04:23.34,0:04:25.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Well, let's go back\Nto our emotions for a second. Dialogue: 0,0:04:25.69,0:04:29.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That didn't punch you in the gut\Nas much as the other one did, did it? Dialogue: 0,0:04:30.35,0:04:31.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Right? Dialogue: 0,0:04:31.53,0:04:33.81,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that's why I love flags. Dialogue: 0,0:04:34.18,0:04:37.03,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They are the simplest pieces of design, Dialogue: 0,0:04:37.05,0:04:39.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,usually just two or three colors, Dialogue: 0,0:04:39.55,0:04:41.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,just some bars or stripes. Dialogue: 0,0:04:41.75,0:04:45.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But yet, they can invoke\Nthe deepest emotions within us. Dialogue: 0,0:04:45.74,0:04:48.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They'll make us swell with pride Dialogue: 0,0:04:48.57,0:04:50.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or burn with hatred. Dialogue: 0,0:04:51.06,0:04:53.05,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We will die for a flag Dialogue: 0,0:04:53.62,0:04:55.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or even kill for one. Dialogue: 0,0:04:56.87,0:04:59.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,One of my favorite designers,\Nhis name is Wally Olins, Dialogue: 0,0:04:59.92,0:05:02.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they call him the father\Nof nation branding, Dialogue: 0,0:05:02.71,0:05:04.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and he's quoted as saying Dialogue: 0,0:05:04.43,0:05:07.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that "Everyone wants to belong, Dialogue: 0,0:05:07.32,0:05:10.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and then they want to display\Nsymbols of belonging." Dialogue: 0,0:05:11.40,0:05:15.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And it's crazy that these pieces of cloth\Nthat are just sewn together or dyed Dialogue: 0,0:05:15.89,0:05:18.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,come to be such a sacred item, Dialogue: 0,0:05:18.94,0:05:21.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and that's because they become\Nparts of our identity. Dialogue: 0,0:05:22.50,0:05:25.23,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They are powerful tools to unify Dialogue: 0,0:05:26.05,0:05:28.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but equally powerful tools to divide. Dialogue: 0,0:05:30.06,0:05:31.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You ready for the next flag? Dialogue: 0,0:05:33.59,0:05:34.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Right. Dialogue: 0,0:05:34.79,0:05:36.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Take a moment. Dialogue: 0,0:05:36.22,0:05:39.43,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Really examine how you felt\Nwhen this hit the screen. Dialogue: 0,0:05:40.49,0:05:42.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I'm going to change\Nthe slide pretty quickly Dialogue: 0,0:05:42.59,0:05:45.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so you don't take pictures of me\Nin front of this one. Dialogue: 0,0:05:45.18,0:05:46.18,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter) Dialogue: 0,0:05:46.20,0:05:47.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Alright? Dialogue: 0,0:05:47.38,0:05:50.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So Germany after World War I, Dialogue: 0,0:05:50.32,0:05:52.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it was in a pretty bad state, Dialogue: 0,0:05:52.35,0:05:57.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and a young Adolf Hitler had a lot of --\Nlet's call them -- "ideas," Dialogue: 0,0:05:57.20,0:06:00.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of how Germany got to where they'd gotten Dialogue: 0,0:06:00.03,0:06:01.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and how to get them out. Dialogue: 0,0:06:01.86,0:06:04.100,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He spent entire chapters\Nin his book "Mein Kampf," Dialogue: 0,0:06:05.02,0:06:06.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which I don't recommend reading, Dialogue: 0,0:06:06.75,0:06:08.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,about how Germany lost World War I Dialogue: 0,0:06:08.82,0:06:12.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,partially because the British\Nhad better graphic design Dialogue: 0,0:06:12.80,0:06:14.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and better propaganda. Dialogue: 0,0:06:15.32,0:06:17.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So, as the Nazi Party rose, Dialogue: 0,0:06:17.73,0:06:21.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Hitler created one of the thickest\Nbrand guides I've ever seen. Dialogue: 0,0:06:21.76,0:06:24.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's thicker than most\Ncompany brand guides today, Dialogue: 0,0:06:24.18,0:06:27.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and in it, he details titles and uniforms Dialogue: 0,0:06:27.60,0:06:29.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and lots and lots of flags. Dialogue: 0,0:06:30.72,0:06:32.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Hitler knew the power of flags. Dialogue: 0,0:06:32.34,0:06:34.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He says in "Mein Kampf," Dialogue: 0,0:06:34.35,0:06:37.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"The new flag ... should prove\Neffective as a large poster, Dialogue: 0,0:06:37.19,0:06:39.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,[because] in hundreds\Nof thousands of cases Dialogue: 0,0:06:39.61,0:06:42.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a really striking emblem\Nmay be the first cause Dialogue: 0,0:06:42.46,0:06:45.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of awakening interest\Nin a movement." Dialogue: 0,0:06:46.04,0:06:48.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He was an artist, after all. Dialogue: 0,0:06:48.06,0:06:52.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He knew the power\Nof visual identity and uniforms Dialogue: 0,0:06:52.17,0:06:54.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,could reignite the German identity. Dialogue: 0,0:06:54.91,0:06:58.81,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And to millions of Germans,\Nthis was a welcome sign. Dialogue: 0,0:06:59.85,0:07:03.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But of course, this was also\Na mark of death to others. Dialogue: 0,0:07:04.90,0:07:08.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We don't often think of flags as weapons, Dialogue: 0,0:07:09.23,0:07:11.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but like the Confederate battle flag, Dialogue: 0,0:07:11.19,0:07:13.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the Germans used their flag Dialogue: 0,0:07:13.23,0:07:16.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to make an out-group feel unwelcome Dialogue: 0,0:07:16.92,0:07:18.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and less than. Dialogue: 0,0:07:19.15,0:07:22.18,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You see, when you create a flag,\Nyou immediately do two things: Dialogue: 0,0:07:22.21,0:07:23.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you create an in-group, Dialogue: 0,0:07:23.69,0:07:26.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a group that's meant\Nto be represented by the symbol, Dialogue: 0,0:07:26.19,0:07:28.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but then, inevitably,\Nyou create an out-group. Dialogue: 0,0:07:28.37,0:07:30.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And usually, that's subtle. Dialogue: 0,0:07:30.15,0:07:31.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's a byproduct. Dialogue: 0,0:07:31.37,0:07:33.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's usually not the intent. Dialogue: 0,0:07:33.53,0:07:37.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But the Germans were very clear\Nas to who was represented by the swastika Dialogue: 0,0:07:37.72,0:07:39.05,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and who was not. Dialogue: 0,0:07:39.94,0:07:44.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In 1935, Jewish people were banned\Nfrom flying German flags. Dialogue: 0,0:07:46.25,0:07:47.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And in this way, Dialogue: 0,0:07:47.89,0:07:51.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the Germans, maybe more than\Nany other time in history, Dialogue: 0,0:07:51.61,0:07:53.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,used the dual power of flags Dialogue: 0,0:07:53.68,0:07:57.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to unite but also to divide. Dialogue: 0,0:07:57.76,0:08:00.21,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Flags were used as identity weapons. Dialogue: 0,0:08:00.97,0:08:05.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And now, in 2019, the Nazi flag\Nis banned from being flown Dialogue: 0,0:08:05.26,0:08:06.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,by anyone in Germany Dialogue: 0,0:08:06.97,0:08:10.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and anyone in Austria, in Hungary,\Nin Russia and in Ukraine. Dialogue: 0,0:08:11.01,0:08:12.19,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Think about that. Dialogue: 0,0:08:12.21,0:08:14.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's a piece of cloth, but it's banned. Dialogue: 0,0:08:15.03,0:08:16.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,On its face, that sounds crazy. Dialogue: 0,0:08:17.85,0:08:20.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But I don't think anyone\Nin this room would disagree Dialogue: 0,0:08:20.49,0:08:21.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that it's probably good. Dialogue: 0,0:08:22.80,0:08:24.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Sounds a lot like a weapon. Dialogue: 0,0:08:26.38,0:08:27.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As a vexillologist, Dialogue: 0,0:08:27.86,0:08:30.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,sometimes the most interesting\Nthing about a flag Dialogue: 0,0:08:30.57,0:08:32.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is not so much its design, Dialogue: 0,0:08:33.18,0:08:35.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but it's those laws around the flag. Dialogue: 0,0:08:36.45,0:08:37.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For instance, Dialogue: 0,0:08:37.98,0:08:41.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in India, to create an Indian flag, Dialogue: 0,0:08:41.34,0:08:44.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you must use a hand-spun\Ncloth named "khadi." Dialogue: 0,0:08:45.31,0:08:47.55,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If you make a flag out of anything else, Dialogue: 0,0:08:47.58,0:08:50.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you could go to jail\Nfor up to three years. Dialogue: 0,0:08:51.21,0:08:52.39,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's crazy. Dialogue: 0,0:08:52.41,0:08:54.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Here in Texas, Dialogue: 0,0:08:54.28,0:08:56.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we've all heard Dialogue: 0,0:08:56.28,0:08:59.81,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that the Texas flag is the only state flag\Nthat can fly at the same height Dialogue: 0,0:08:59.83,0:09:01.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as the US, flag, right? Dialogue: 0,0:09:01.03,0:09:03.43,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Because we were a nation\Nbefore we were a state. Dialogue: 0,0:09:03.46,0:09:04.71,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Who here has heard that? Dialogue: 0,0:09:05.22,0:09:06.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Yeah. Dialogue: 0,0:09:06.40,0:09:10.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Well, I'm here to tell you\Nthat is completely false. OK? Dialogue: 0,0:09:10.12,0:09:14.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,First of all, we were not the only state\Nthat was a nation before joining up. Dialogue: 0,0:09:14.77,0:09:18.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And secondly, all state flags can fly\Nat the same height as the US flag Dialogue: 0,0:09:18.85,0:09:21.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,according to the US flag code. Dialogue: 0,0:09:22.30,0:09:25.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I don't have to ask you\Nhow you feel about this one, right? Dialogue: 0,0:09:25.32,0:09:28.45,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Most of us grew up pledging allegiance\Nto this every morning, Dialogue: 0,0:09:28.48,0:09:31.65,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,knowing we should never\Nlet it touch the ground, etc. Dialogue: 0,0:09:31.67,0:09:35.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We take our flag code very seriously\Nhere in the United States. Dialogue: 0,0:09:36.98,0:09:41.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You remember, recently some NFL players\Nkneeling during the national anthem. Dialogue: 0,0:09:41.19,0:09:42.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It was a big controversy. Dialogue: 0,0:09:42.99,0:09:44.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They were breaking the flag code. Dialogue: 0,0:09:44.92,0:09:46.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It states during the national anthem, Dialogue: 0,0:09:46.82,0:09:49.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,stand at attention,\Nhand at the heart, etc. Dialogue: 0,0:09:49.30,0:09:52.09,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But what was fascinating to me\Nas a vexillologist Dialogue: 0,0:09:52.11,0:09:55.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is that I didn't see\Nanyone getting upset Dialogue: 0,0:09:55.47,0:09:57.07,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when something like this happens. Dialogue: 0,0:09:57.60,0:10:01.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The flag code says, "The flag should never\Nbe carried flat or horizontally, Dialogue: 0,0:10:01.69,0:10:03.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but always aloft and free." Dialogue: 0,0:10:03.67,0:10:06.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So sometimes during\Nthe exact same national anthem, Dialogue: 0,0:10:06.31,0:10:08.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,this was being done,\Nand no one's upset. Dialogue: 0,0:10:09.07,0:10:11.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Or this. This happens all the time. Dialogue: 0,0:10:11.42,0:10:12.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The flag code is clear: Dialogue: 0,0:10:12.61,0:10:17.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"No part of the flag should ever be used\Nas a costume or on an athletic uniform." Dialogue: 0,0:10:18.30,0:10:20.03,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is Texas A&M baseball, Dialogue: 0,0:10:20.05,0:10:22.98,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,not to get them in trouble,\Nbut this happens all the time, Dialogue: 0,0:10:23.00,0:10:24.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,especially in November. Dialogue: 0,0:10:25.57,0:10:28.51,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I'm sure, I can almost guarantee\Nwhen you leave here tonight, Dialogue: 0,0:10:28.53,0:10:30.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you will see on the back\Nof someone's car or truck Dialogue: 0,0:10:30.94,0:10:33.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a black and white American flag\Nwith a blue stripe, Dialogue: 0,0:10:33.38,0:10:34.55,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a thin blue line, right? Dialogue: 0,0:10:34.57,0:10:36.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Blue Lives Matter. Dialogue: 0,0:10:37.06,0:10:39.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That breaks the flag code\Nin multiple ways. Dialogue: 0,0:10:39.31,0:10:42.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But all of these things are done\Nwith the best intent. Dialogue: 0,0:10:42.96,0:10:44.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,No one's here to argue that. Dialogue: 0,0:10:45.35,0:10:47.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But of course they break\Na section of the flag code Dialogue: 0,0:10:47.83,0:10:50.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,titled "Respect for the Flag," Dialogue: 0,0:10:50.04,0:10:51.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so by putting this on your uniform, Dialogue: 0,0:10:51.78,0:10:55.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you are legally disrespecting the flag. Dialogue: 0,0:10:56.97,0:10:58.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And what I find interesting Dialogue: 0,0:10:58.36,0:11:00.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is that those NFL players\Nkneeling during the anthem Dialogue: 0,0:11:00.87,0:11:04.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and the people who would put\NBlue Lives Matters stickers on their car Dialogue: 0,0:11:04.17,0:11:06.98,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,are both on the opposite end\Nof a very big issue, Dialogue: 0,0:11:07.78,0:11:10.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but they're both breaking\Nthe exact same law, Dialogue: 0,0:11:11.71,0:11:15.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a law that is 100 percent unenforceable. Dialogue: 0,0:11:17.52,0:11:21.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In fact, it was Dread Scott's\Npiece of art in 1989 Dialogue: 0,0:11:21.66,0:11:25.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that led the Supreme Court to rule\Nthat the flag code is just a guideline. Dialogue: 0,0:11:25.70,0:11:28.19,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You cannot be prosecuted\Nfor breaking the flag code. Dialogue: 0,0:11:28.22,0:11:30.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You cannot be forced to be patriotic. Dialogue: 0,0:11:32.09,0:11:37.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So why, then, have all of these\Nlittle laws around how we use our flag Dialogue: 0,0:11:37.04,0:11:38.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,if you can't enforce them? Dialogue: 0,0:11:39.97,0:11:43.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that's because a nation Dialogue: 0,0:11:43.04,0:11:45.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is a fragile collective idea. Dialogue: 0,0:11:45.19,0:11:47.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It only exists in our minds. Dialogue: 0,0:11:48.80,0:11:50.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Can I see this? Thank you. Dialogue: 0,0:11:51.94,0:11:57.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Sometimes a flag is the only\Ntangible symbol of that idea. Dialogue: 0,0:11:58.39,0:12:03.63,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Right? Our unity is sometimes\Nonly held together by literal threads. Dialogue: 0,0:12:04.65,0:12:05.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that's powerful. Dialogue: 0,0:12:06.59,0:12:10.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The flag code is meant to preserve\Nand protect that fragile idea, Dialogue: 0,0:12:10.94,0:12:14.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,while also protecting\Nyour right to break it. Dialogue: 0,0:12:14.96,0:12:18.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that's what's special\Nabout the United States, right? Dialogue: 0,0:12:18.03,0:12:19.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that's what's unique about our flag. Dialogue: 0,0:12:19.99,0:12:21.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Our flag is amazing. Dialogue: 0,0:12:21.73,0:12:25.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It has changed more than\Nany other flag in the world. Dialogue: 0,0:12:25.28,0:12:28.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's the flag code that says\Nwhen a new state is created, Dialogue: 0,0:12:28.79,0:12:31.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a star shall be added\Nto the union of the flag, Dialogue: 0,0:12:31.07,0:12:35.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and such addition shall take place\Non the fourth day of July. Dialogue: 0,0:12:36.22,0:12:40.71,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Our flag is unique because\Nit is meant to grow as we grow. Dialogue: 0,0:12:41.22,0:12:43.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,By design and by law, Dialogue: 0,0:12:43.15,0:12:45.51,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it is meant to change with us. Dialogue: 0,0:12:45.53,0:12:48.41,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's a living symbol of our individuality, Dialogue: 0,0:12:48.43,0:12:50.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,our diversity in the stars Dialogue: 0,0:12:50.90,0:12:52.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and our unity. Dialogue: 0,0:12:52.92,0:12:58.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We have a gift in the United States\Nto have a flag that is inclusive. Dialogue: 0,0:12:58.17,0:13:00.100,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If the Nazi flag was an identity weapon, Dialogue: 0,0:13:01.02,0:13:06.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the United States flag, by design alone,\Nstands in direct contrast. Dialogue: 0,0:13:07.05,0:13:10.51,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I have to say,\Nas a vexillologist in 2019, Dialogue: 0,0:13:10.54,0:13:12.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,using this flag Dialogue: 0,0:13:12.13,0:13:15.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as an identity weapon against anyone Dialogue: 0,0:13:15.12,0:13:18.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,disrespects it far more\Nthan letting it touch the ground Dialogue: 0,0:13:18.50,0:13:21.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or any one of the other little laws\Nthat we break every day. Dialogue: 0,0:13:22.71,0:13:23.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Right? Dialogue: 0,0:13:26.06,0:13:29.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This flag is a symbol of our unity. Dialogue: 0,0:13:30.25,0:13:33.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We should never use this as a weapon\Nagainst someone else. Dialogue: 0,0:13:33.56,0:13:38.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I resonate so deeply with the person\Nwho wrote in Dread Scott's journal, Dialogue: 0,0:13:38.28,0:13:42.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"We should never value the symbol\Nover the thing that it symbolizes. Dialogue: 0,0:13:42.72,0:13:46.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We should never value a piece of cloth\Nover a human life." Dialogue: 0,0:13:48.03,0:13:50.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And if you're ever going to use\Na piece of cloth as a weapon, Dialogue: 0,0:13:50.93,0:13:52.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you should never use this one, Dialogue: 0,0:13:52.64,0:13:56.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,not when it has always\Nhad room for more stars. Dialogue: 0,0:13:56.82,0:14:00.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Hopefully by now, you've felt\Nthe power of flags, Dialogue: 0,0:14:00.98,0:14:03.03,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and you can see what they can do. Dialogue: 0,0:14:03.58,0:14:05.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So what if we harnessed that power Dialogue: 0,0:14:05.87,0:14:08.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and we used it to fight\Nfor something greater? Dialogue: 0,0:14:10.68,0:14:13.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is the flag of Earth, Dialogue: 0,0:14:13.99,0:14:16.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,designed by Oskar Pernefeldt of Sweden. Dialogue: 0,0:14:17.65,0:14:20.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Just imagine with me for a second: Dialogue: 0,0:14:20.28,0:14:23.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,What if we celebrated our humanity Dialogue: 0,0:14:23.88,0:14:25.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as much if not more Dialogue: 0,0:14:25.77,0:14:28.39,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,than we celebrate our nationalities? Dialogue: 0,0:14:28.100,0:14:33.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As we become a spacefaring civilization\Nand we go off into the stars, Dialogue: 0,0:14:33.44,0:14:35.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,what do our nations mean anyway Dialogue: 0,0:14:35.41,0:14:38.71,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when you're standing on the surface\Nof Mars or any other planet? Dialogue: 0,0:14:39.68,0:14:41.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And then of course, back here on Earth, Dialogue: 0,0:14:42.70,0:14:45.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as our planet is facing a climate crisis, Dialogue: 0,0:14:45.62,0:14:50.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as our climate could be unlivable in\Nour children or grandchildren's lifetime, Dialogue: 0,0:14:50.20,0:14:54.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I believe we need a strong symbol, a flag, Dialogue: 0,0:14:54.42,0:14:56.51,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to unite us to fight, Dialogue: 0,0:14:56.53,0:14:58.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,not just as nations, Dialogue: 0,0:14:58.46,0:15:00.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but as a species. Dialogue: 0,0:15:01.35,0:15:02.61,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thank you. Dialogue: 0,0:15:02.64,0:15:04.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Applause)