Tomi Lahren is a controversial political commentator that occasionally appears on Fox News. She keeps it no secret that she is a conservative and loves the United States of America and what it stands for. Lahren was under a lot of heat for wearing a patriotic halloween costume that included a leotard that said, “Make America Great Again,” and had an American flag draped on her arms like a cape. The caption underneath Lahren’s post said, “Oh LA get ready to find your safe spaces! What am I? Well if you’re a conservative, I’m American AF. If you’re a lib, I’m ‘offensive.’ Let’s go.” This statement caused an uproar on social media and had users debating back and forth as to what they thought about Lahren’s costume choice.
The reason why some people had an issue with her wearing this costume, including sports commentator Keith Olbermann, was because in the U.S. Flag Code 36 U.S.C. 176, it states that the flag should never be worn as apparel. Olbermann exact quote on Twitter was, “Patriotic? Bullshit. She’s in violation of the U.S. Flag Code.” Another quote from a person on Twitter that goes by the name @barefootboomer said, “Not against US Code: Kneeling during the National Anthem.
Is against US Code: Wearing the flag as clothing. Way to go Tomi Lahren.” How is it acceptable to not kneel for the flag but it is wrong to wear the flag as an outfit? Yes, it does say in the US Flag Code that the flag should not be worn as apparel, but Lahren was practicing her right to free speech by wearing the flag and showing others that she is patriotic. This could also be said for the people who kneel during the flag that are practicing their first amendment right to free speech. There is a sense of hypocrisy in the political system and it shows in this example.
Whether you believe Lahren’s halloween costume choice was right or wrong, we all can agree that the flag is a symbol of freedom and a symbol of those who fought for our country. The flag should be respected because if you disrespect the flag, you are also disrespecting the country as a whole and the people who died for our freedom. People need to remember that Lahren is a commentator that shares her own beliefs online. There are always going to be people who agree and disagree with what she says and does. Lahren is strong enough to put herself out there for the criticism that she knows she is going to get by being open about her political affiliation. Not everyone is a fan of Lahren but people can at least respect the fact that she is a brave enough woman to put out her opinions to millions of people with the recognition that backlash can come.
