Author: Wing Young Huie
Publication Date: 2012
Chicago Avenue, South Minneapolis, Minnesota
At first glance, this photograph seems simple. A tattered American flag that is well worn past use, still flying in front of a house. Yet this photograph can mean so much more. About the flag itself. About the people who choose to fly this flag. About the country that the flag represents, and how its own citizens feel about it.
The United States Flag is meant to be flown with pride. According to The US Flag Code "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." The condition of "fitting emblem for display" is a matter of opinion, but I do believe that most will consider this flag as no longer fitting to be flown. But the owner of the flag, and presumably the owner of the house, have decided to continue to fly the flag. Maybe it is ignorance; they do not know that the flag should be retired. Or maybe it is a sign of rebellion; that they do not support the flag or the country itself. Or maybe it could even be interpreted as the ultimate sign of pride; that the owner believes in flying the flag and showing their support for the nation under all conditions, even if it means violating the Flag Code.
Admittedly, this photo seems hard to connect to Margaret Atwood's novel. But examining the lighting of the photograph taken by Wing Young Huie, he displays a violation of Code in a positive light. It seems as though he believes that this is an act of pride, and that it is not an antagonistic act.
Atwood is similar in this way that, throughout the novel, she portrays the rebellious acts of Offred and the other Handmaids in a positive, encouraging manner, as though disobedience is the equitable act.
