An Unfortunate Mistake

While on facebook last night, I came across a link that a friend of mine shared.  It was a link to HGTV that at first looked like a pretty patriotic table setting.  When I clicked the link, I cringed.

As you can see in this picture (TAKEN FROM THE HGTV WEBSITE) the designer has draped the American flag over the table and used it as a table cloth for the table setting.  CRINGE!

Here is the link to the website so you can see for yourselves:
HGTV

And here is the caption from under the picture taken from the same website
"Drape a large American flag over the table as a bright and festive table runner. Use a nylon flag so spills can be easily wiped off and the flag can later be hung with pride on a flag pole."

CRINGE again!  I was completely surprised that 1. the designer would even suggest such a thing as using the flag as decoration and 2. that  HGTV does not have a "team" or person who monitors for such a thing as this and would catch this before it makes it ways on to the web.  Unfortunately, neither occurred and now this mistake is out there for the world to this.  This unfortunate mistake that looks so "pretty" and may give many unknowing citizens the same idea to decorate.  So, here is a chance for us to educate them so that they do not disrespect the flag and those who have fought for that flag.

I took the time to search for the designer.  I found her on facebook.  I am not going to share her information here because she has repeatedly apologized for this unfortunate mistake.  By repeatedly, I mean repeatedly.  Every person who flooded her page with feedback (both informative and harsh) she apologized to.  She apologized for not knowing to use the flag in this manner.  She also apologized that she could not take it off the website, as HGTV has all control of that.  I feel for the designer.  She was really getting bombarded last night.  I do hope she was able to rest.

The thing I suggest we all do, is flood HGTV with feedback and expressing our concern over this design - also known as the unfortunate mistake.

Here is a link to leave a comment for HGTV:
comment here

Here is the comment I left for them:

"I am writing to share how I am concerned and bothered about the lack of respect HGTV has for the American flag.  I am an avid watcher of HGTV programming and enjoy the ideas shared by those programs.  However, today when I saw the classic fourth of July table setting ideas I was deeply saddened.  The flag is NOT a table decoration.  The setting is lovely WITHOUT the use of a flag draped across it.  It devalues what so many, my husband included, have fought for.  Those stars and stripes are not intended for commercialization.  Aside from that, the use of an American flag as a tablecloth is NOT with in the etiquette guidelines.  And that HGTV would suggest using a nylon flag so spills could be easily wiped off!  I literally cringed!  The table setting shown will look just as wonderful with a table cloth NOT the American flag.  I am writing to you, requesting that you please consider taking this down.  Out of respect for the American flag and all the brave men and women who have fought for that flag, please take this down.

If someone could please contact me with a reply that would be greatly appreciated."

I did receive the automated reply email.  Do I really think someone is going to reply to me?  No.  Is my intentions for them to reply to me?  NO.  My intentions are to see this unfortunate mistake removed from their website so that others do not copy them.

Now...for Flag Etiquette

There are proper ways to display the flag.  There are also improper ways.  It would be easy to bash and bombard HGTV with negative comments, but I think the point here is to educate them and the public at large about the correct use and care of the American flag so that this mistake (yes, I am choosing to view this as a mistake) does not happen again.

Here is a link to a website that provides some basic do's and don'ts concerning the flag:
FLAG ETIQUETTE

Here is an excerpt from the website:

"The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top. "

I think it is pretty clear and straightforward that you do not use the flag for draping a table then serving food on top of it.

Ok, I will step off my soap box now.

Have a blessed day!