We recently wrapped up a series of photos that we took at national parks and recognizable places across the American Northwest. We called it #thisamericantrip. The motivation for the series was spurred by the increasing polarization around the United States flag and #blacklivesmatter.
We saw athletes find a way to peacefully protest a terrible status quo. It was an effective yet polite reminder that systemic racism and injustice disproportionately affects black lives. But powerful voices tried to change the subject and make it about disrespecting our flag and country, or about disparaging the shared sacrifice of law-enforcement and military families. They tried to make it about socialism or ANTIFA.
We witnessed this even as law-enforcement/military force was used against peaceful protesters in violation of their civil liberties. We feel this was done to detract from the real issues, and twist the narrative into something easier to attack or ignore. We noticed that people waving the flag tended to be susceptible or sympathetic to that false narrative. That didn’t sit well with us.
So we bought a flag, and we planned a trip. We visited recognizable landmarks and proudly displayed both the flag and our BLM sign as a family. We did it to celebrate things we love and strive for. We hope that it can serve as an example that we don’t have to accept one symbol and cause over another. “Black lives matter” isn’t controversial. It’s a statement of fact that serves as a reminder to a system that so often forgets. We can love our country and be proud to live in it, while also truly striving for equality, liberty, and justice for all.
The trip was worth it, and we’re proud we did it! We have plans to make a physical book with other notes/pictures taken at each stop. We’d ultimately love to see the flag claimed more often and as passionately by moderates, liberals, and even progressives, as it is by people that eagerly identify as conservatives. We hope you feel the same!
– Katrina & Aron
If you’re interested, please check out our trip!