"Betsy Ross Flag" Incites War of Words

Daniel Molina
Daniel Molina
|
July 5, 2019

A recent controversy involved the use of the Betsy Ross flag for a Nike shoe design.

In response, Colin Kaepernick voiced his disapproval of Nike’s use of the flag; therefore, Nike dropped the release of the shoe altogether.

However, critics of the move are pointing that the imagery of the flag is being unjustly trashed.

In response, photos have since been recirculated showing President Obama’s second inauguration, and right behind him are two Betsy Ross flags.

After the announcement that the shoe would not be released, Presidential hopefuls voiced their approval of the move.

One voice heard was that of Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D), who praised Nike’s decision by expressing that he believes “it’s really important to take into account the impression that that kind of symbol would have for many of our fellow Americans.”

Echoing in his remarks, Secretary Julian Castro (D) admitted he was “glad to see” Nike making the move to not release the shoes, and Secretary Castro added that the Betsy Ross flag is “still very painful” to see. He equated the flag to “the Confederate flag” and added that we need to “make sure that we don’t make the same mistakes in the future, but does not glorify it, does not celebrate it.”

Donald Trump Jr. responded to the conversation on twitter, posting a picture of Obama’s 2013 Inauguration, commenting that “Yea, in fact it’s so terrible that… Checks notes… that there were two of them flying over Obama’s inauguration!!!”

He also added that “the left’s outrage about everything is really getting old.”

As well, the President’s son shared a picture of a Nike shoe with a Soviet-era design, asserting that “if the Betsy Ross Flag, the flag of the American Revolution, is too offensive for Nike to commemorate The 4th of July maybe Nike should go with this… seems to be more in line with their views.”

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Daniel Molina

Daniel Molina

Daniel Molina is an award-winning senior reporter based in Miami. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Florida International University. His hobbies include reading, writing, and watching films.

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