Reference no: EM133428804

Question: What can we tell about ourselves through careful analysis of the products of our culture? Are these products realistic or idealistic, nostalgic or regretful, celebratory or critical, jingoistic or politically charged, truthful or manufactured? How might those who produce such texts from our popular culture manipulate certain beliefs or emotions or fears we have about ourselves? How much impact does our popular culture have in shaping our own ideas of what it means to be American?

Think about the answers to such questions when you begin the task of thinking more deeply about a "text" from our popular culture, deconstructing it, and offering thoughtful analysis about the text's impact on our experience as Americans.

The official accepted flag etiquette for the United States had a few surprising rules. The one of which I found most surprising was the prohibited usage of the flag for advertisements for any reason. Unbeknownst to me, it was surprising to learn, and made me realize that I have never seen our flag used in an adverstisment, after giving it some thought. Another rule being instilled that I found more informative that surprisng was that in times of distress, the flag is turned upside down. Learning this fact allowed me to make an outside connection, to the popular tv show, House of Cards, where the flag is shown upside down in the start of the show, signaling distress and foreshadowing what is about to come. Lastly, I found the method of disposal for old or unrepairable flags, burning, to be surprising, because I had never heard of this either. I would have assumed burning the flag would be one of the most disrespectful ways of handling it. To find out there is a public ceremony for this reason solely on Flag Day added to my surprise. I found most of the other standards of respect to be centered on handling the flag with respectfulness, care and honor, in a ceremonial way