We should all know that the national flag, in this case the American flag should be adhered with full honor and respect. There even is a section in the constitution which pertains to the provisions and rules in providing due respect to the national flag. While many are familiar with the basics such as not allowing it to be mutilated or stepped on,and even not being allowed to be dangling with some edges on the ground, there are still some debated issues when it comes to certain aspects and conditions.
For example, many see athletes wearing the national flag draped over their shoulders before and after event matches. Just recently, even the current UFC champion wore the American flag over his shoulders as he entered the arena, just a few minutes before defending his title in the octagon ring.
In the American constitution’s flag code, the 4th title and under the8th section in the first chapter entry states that the flag should not be worn as a costume or any of that matter. Now come the gray area regarding that conflicting statement and the actions done by theAmerican athletes themselves. However, there is two schools of thoughts regarding this issue.
While the conservative would see to it that the law is followed by in black and white, any perversion or bending around the written law is unlawful and disrespectful, though no provisions are directly given for this specific loophole. On the other hand, those who are more liberal see justification to the intent in which the flag was worn. In this case, the American flag is worn as a sign of nationalistic pride over sports.
Whether or not it is lawful or not, it seems that this gray area is left untouched since this time, the means justify the ends instead of the other way around.