By Matt Underwood GOP Rep. wants to ban Pride flags because they can lead to murder? Well, that’s a pretty bold claim, isn’t it? The implication, of course, is that the mere presence of a Pride flag somehow incites violence, a notion that seems completely backward. It’s a leap to suggest that a symbol of inclusivity, representing a community that often faces discrimination and violence, is the cause of murder. It’s like saying the presence of a rainbow somehow compels someone to commit a crime, rather than acknowledging that the actions of individuals, fueled by hate or other motivations, are the actual driving force.
The argument seems to conveniently ignore the reality that people kill people. Flags, whether Pride flags, American flags, or any other kind of flag, are inanimate objects. They’re symbols, and their meaning is derived from the individuals and groups that embrace them. Focusing on the flag itself as the problem is a classic misdirection, attempting to shift blame away from the people who are actually committing the acts of violence. It’s an attempt to find a scapegoat, and in this case, it’s a symbol of a marginalized community.
Consider the counter-examples: American flags, for instance, have been associated with violence, as seen in the case of Tyler Robinson, who was wearing one when he shot Charlie. Even MAGA flags were present at the riot in the nation’s capital. The fact that these flags are associated with violence doesn’t automatically mean we should ban them, but it raises an interesting point about the narrative being presented. Instead of addressing the underlying issues that lead to violence, like hate, intolerance, and easy access to weapons, the focus is shifted to a harmless symbol, which is frankly absurd.
It’s also worth pointing out that the call to ban Pride flags often comes hand-in-hand with other measures that aim to restrict the rights and visibility of LGBTQIA+ individuals. The bans on Pride flags in public buildings and schools, along with other proposed legislation, reflect a larger pattern of discrimination and marginalization. This is an obvious way to attack the LGBTQIA+ community by taking away the few symbols of safety and support. So, instead of trying to address the root causes of violence and hatred, these actions seem more designed to erase the existence of a group of people, and that is a dangerous game to play.
The suggestion that Pride flags “lead to murder” echoes a dangerous rhetoric used to justify violence and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals. The framing here is strikingly similar to victim-blaming. It’s the same sort of logic that suggests a woman’s clothing choices are somehow responsible for her being assaulted. It ignores the agency of the perpetrator and absolves them of responsibility for their actions. In reality, the root causes of violence are complex and often tied to hatred, prejudice, and a lack of empathy.
Perhaps, a more productive approach would be to address the root causes of these issues. This includes tackling the pervasive hate speech and discriminatory rhetoric that fuels violence. It means promoting education and understanding, and creating safe spaces for marginalized communities. It means enacting common-sense gun laws and holding individuals accountable for their actions. The solution to violence isn’t to ban symbols or blame victims. It’s to address the underlying societal problems that allow violence to flourish.
It’s concerning that this line of reasoning is gaining traction, as it only serves to embolden those who would seek to harm LGBTQIA+ individuals. This kind of thinking can also be extended to other groups, such as members of different races or religions. In the end, this is about trying to hide and erase a group of people in the name of “safety.”
Furthermore, it’s worth asking what other flags would be banned under this logic? The Confederate flag, a symbol of hate and treason? The “Blue Line” flag, a symbol that can be interpreted as undermining the authority of the American flag? The Gadsden flag, with its call for rebellion? The same person pushing for the ban of Pride flags can have their pick of items to demonize, especially if they disagree with the idea of the items. The bottom line is that if a person isn’t in favor of Pride flags, banning them is an easy way to try and silence those in the community.
The irony, of course, is that the very people claiming to be concerned about violence are often the ones who promote and spread the very ideologies that fuel it. Instead of trying to censor symbols, we should be focusing on creating a society where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. We need to be asking ourselves why someone would want to murder someone else, and how we can fix it. A Pride flag does not make people want to murder, but it does, however, create a safe place for people who don’t feel safe, to be who they are, and the GOP Rep is just trying to take it all away.