The
patriotism ads are a response to the ever-growing 'patriotism' trend.
Whether it is advertisers using it to sell unrelated products or your
neighbor adorning her car with the standard American flag, the actual
act and meaning of being patriotic is being attempted (at best) superficially
. Yes, September 11th was incredibly horrific, but being patriotic
is not merely decorating one's self and one's possessions with iconic
American imagery. Whether someone is patriotic or not, chances are
they most likely will adorn some sort of 'patriotic' image be it on
themselves or their possessions; not because they "stand tall
for America", but because its the "in thing to do"
right now. Remember when wearing polyester was the "in thing"?
It's sad that the result of something like September 11th has been
marketed and reduced to a mere fad. The ads are only a mirror of what
is taking place right now in America. Patriotism is a state of mind;
not a marketing tool or a fashion statement.