Over the 4^th of July weekend, there were several programs on television to reflect our nation’s history – Schindler’s List, Texas Rising, Sons of Liberty, to name just a few.  These programs were shown on various networks.  They were as close to historical facts as possible, and they did include some symbols such as the Nazi flag, swastikas, and the Confederate flag.  These symbols are and may be considered offensive to some individuals, but, nonetheless, they are part of their respective historical events.  Not to include those symbols during the airing of these programs would be a disservice to our nation’s history, not to mention a misrepresentation of what actually transpired.

Television series such as Hogan’s Heroes depict the struggles of American soldiers in WWII Nazi camps.  The garb worn by the Nazi characters in that sitcom can be considered offensive and distasteful to some, with the lighthearted banter being taken as an obliteration and degradation of those who lost their lives during that time period.  Considering the same manner in which we are handling the use and display of the historic Confederate flag, should we not treat these other symbols in a similar fashion, by boycotting their display or ignoring their existence?   During Civil War re-enactments at county fairs or in parades, is there a need to adjust history by removing a symbol that some find offensive?

Similarly, some television networks are “pulling” particular types of programs to appease those who oppose the look, theme, or format of the program, leaving those who might enjoy that particular type of programming to wonder why they are not entitled to view, read, or engage in what has been banned.

This is a contradiction of what America’s founding fathers were referring to when composing the Constitution.  Have we become a nation of followers and conformists to opinions?  Do politicians, newscasters, show hosts, and others in the public eye need to closely monitor their words in order not to offend anyone? 

If United States citizens choose to fly a particular flag in their yard, will they fear retaliation or hate crimes?  Can individuals fly a rainbow flag to express their pride, a Gadsden “Don’t Thread on Me” flag to show their love of the Marines or political party, a Mexican flag or Italian flag to show their heritage?  The Union Jack might also be considered a form of hostile takeover of our beloved 13 colonies that prompted the Revolutionary War.  Yet we still appreciate the history that it holds and regard it as non-offensive...until someone reaches back into history to find these recognizable symbols heinous.

It is a ridiculous notion to believe that certain things that offend us, or that may stimulate controversy, should be boycotted and taken out of society only to benefit those who may find them offensive. 

Some symbols are a testimony to what our nation and world have become, a part of history.  Some symbols are a reflection of the mistakes that were made, and some are reminders of what should never be repeated.  If we tuck these symbols away and try to forget about them, boycott them so future generations have no access, we do a disservice to them and those who follow...destined to repeat history’s mistakes.

First Amendment protection is going to have to be key if we are to continue the American way of life as our Founding Fathers intended it.  Otherwise, we will become weak, wither away, and expose ourselves to dictatorships, censorship, and the loss of what our great country was built upon: the freedom to express ourselves, personal choice, and honoring our Constitution.