With Independence Day fast approaching, the red, white and blue stripes and stars are sure to be out and about. But Americans views of the flag snd patriotism are more complicated than ever. 60% of Americans report having a “very positive” view of the flag, a poll form YouGov shows that many are less enthusiastic.
Perhaps, unsurprisingly Republicans, White and Older Americans were more likely to have a positive view of the stars and stripes. But those under 30 and Black Americans were far less likely to see it in a positive light. But, majorities in each group do appear to favor it.
After several politically tumultuous years for the United States, it is perhaps not surprising that views of the flag seemed to break on party, race and age lines. White Americans were more likely than Black Americans to feel “very patriotic” (55 to 29), likewise Republicans were more likely than Democrats to report the same patriotic feelings.
The American flag itself wasn’t the only flag that YouGov discussed with poles, other flags displayed often through the country and political rallies were asked about. While the American flag had the most positive response (77%), the 13-stars for Betsy Ross’s flag followed at 57%. But, no other flag was viewed that positively by a majority of Americans.
The other flags discussed seemed to fall neatly into political and race divisions. The Black Lives Matter flag got a positive rating from 63% of Black Americans and 31% of Whites, and Democrats are 57% more likely to view it favorably than their Republican counterparts. Democrats are also more likely to positively view the flags for Gay Pride, Transgender Pride, Gay/Transgender Pride, and the flag of Biden Harris. Republicans meanwhile had more favorable views of the “Don’t Tread on Me”, Thin Blue Line, and the Come and Take It Flag.
The Confederate Flag came in next to last with 34% of respondents having a very negative view of it, beaten only by a Trump 2024 flag with 38% saying they viewed it very negatively. Which, of course, says nothing.