DNC Convention Credentials Feature Upside-Down Flag

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Having seen photo propaganda used in the media to benefit Barack Obama, one has to wonder if it will be equally important to circulate a picture that may not show the 'savior' in a particularly good light.

As such, a ticket design for the Democratic National Convention has been accompanied by a bit of controversy.

The credential appears to show an upside-down American flag on both sides. What's worse, the front makes it appear as if Obama is cloaked in the flag, as the stars are almost visually equivalent to his shirt. In fact, Matt Chandler speaking on behalf of the Obama campaign states:

"...it is a stylized flag designed to blend the stars on Senator Obama's shirt with the flag blowing in the wind."

The first question that arises is why would a man who once refused to wear the American flag on his lapel, be interested in sporting a patriotic shirt, overflowing with stars?

Second question, despite the following denial from the Democratic National Convention Committee...

"The DNCC community credentials incorporate patriotic design elements. They do not depict an actual American flag."

... How did the designer of the credentials not realize that perception might lead people to believe this is indeed a representation of an upside-down flag?

The blue field and stars on the ticket clearly are shown at the bottom left corner, and accompanying that with wavy red and white stripes does in fact, make this look like a flag.

Kristi King, the artist chosen to design the credentials had this to say when asked about her prospective inspiration:

"The most important initial inspiration comes from the client."

Perhaps this was the client inspiration she was referring to...

 

 

 

 

 

Anyhow, flag etiquette states that:

When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be in the uppermost corner and to the flags own right, that is, to the observer's left.

As iterated above, an observer of the DNC ticket would clearly see the field and stars to the lower left, bucking respectful protocol.

Then again, could we possibly have expected anything else?

Further flag flying rules stipulate:

The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.

Could it be possible that the Obama campaign is experiencing a little distress?

Credential Photo Credit: 9 News Colorado

National Anthem Photo Credit: Time