Political Photo Thread

TATTERED: Investigation of an American Icon

Tattered is a documentary photo essay investigating the principle identity, misuse, commodification and desecration of the American flag in the context of the U.S. Flag Code. From Ground Zero to Iwo Jima to the surface of the moon, the American flag stands as the most ubiquitous, evocative, and complex symbol of America’s self–image. World events have recently led to a surge in public display—and desecration—of the flag, and redoubled interest in the nation’s chaotic psychology. During the past six years, I have traveled America to collect these monuments to our modern pathos.

In a country so mighty, it is curious how we treat this famous flag—so emblematic of our pride and patriotism—with such gross neglect. The integrity of the American Flag now reveals frequently recurrent clues about the nation’s social, political, economic, military, and religious heritage while it’s many representations reflect our now color coded political divide. Hiding behind this nervous state of heightened nationalism are sad suggestions of America’s past, present and future. If we are searching for who we are, America, we can find no better point of focus than our own Stars and Stripes.

—Seth Butler

One of the few Democrats who did not win office in 2006. I’m still trying to figure out how he smiled like that without his face breaking in half.

Saw this little culture jam last week. Previously said “getting abortions” where it says “voting republican”.

Joe Biden and his granddaughters in the spin room

Demonstration against the war in Iraq in 2003 (Paris, France)