A new survey reveals a significant demographic divide in the display of the American flag, with older, white Republicans most likely to fly it and Black Americans least likely. The findings, released by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, come as national pride appears to be at a historic low.
Fifty percent of the 2,596 adults surveyed reported never displaying the American flag at their homes, even for holidays like the Fourth of July. Approximately 2 in 10 participants said they display the flag for most of the year. This is consistent with a YouGov survey from the previous year, which found that about 51% of Americans owned an American flag, and 23% displayed it year-round.
Among Black adults, only 10% stated they fly the American flag outside their homes daily or for most of the year, while 18% put it out for holidays. In contrast, 19% of Hispanic adults reported year-round flag display, with 29% displaying it for holidays. White adults showed higher rates, with 27% flying the flag daily and 29% for holidays, according to The Associated Press.
The perception of the flag as a unifying symbol also varies by demographic. Only 22% of Black adults view the flag as unifying, compared to 42% of Hispanic adults and 55% of white adults. Young Democrats and independents are more inclined to see the flag as a symbol of division.
Patrice Willoughby of the NAACP commented on the findings, stating, "There is a widening gap between the ideals the flag is meant to represent and what our nation has actually delivered." She added that for Black Americans, the choice not to fly the flag reflects "the harsh duality of this country" and a desire for a future that addresses systemic issues.
Eddie Glaude, chair of Princeton’s Department of African American Studies, noted a "vexed relationship to the symbols of American patriotism in Black communities" rooted in the country's history of racism. He pointed to his own father's experience serving in Vietnam but facing difficulties voting upon return.
The survey also highlighted the strong association between the American flag and conservative politics, with 73% of Republican respondents viewing the flag as a unifying symbol. Glaude suggested that when conservative political expressions are "wrapped in the flag," the flag itself can bear the burden of that association, a dynamic he noted has been amplified by political rhetoric.
Gallup polling released concurrently found that 48% of white Americans fly the American flag compared to 33% of people of color. Both polls noted a significant decline in national pride, with Gallup reporting pride at its lowest point since tracking began in 2001, and an eight-point drop from the previous year alone.
The historical context of the American flag's meaning for Black Americans is long-standing. Frederick Douglass, in an 1852 speech, questioned what the Fourth of July signified for Black Americans, stating, "The Fourth July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn."
Recent events have further polarized the flag's symbolism. The January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, where rioters displayed the flag, was seen as a turning point for many. Colin Kaepernick's 2016 protests during the national anthem also sparked backlash and contributed to the flag becoming a more divisive symbol for some.
Federal law outlines guidelines for flag display, including proper orientation and lighting. While the U.S. Flag Code provides these recommendations, the Supreme Court has ruled that displaying the flag upside down as a form of protest is protected under the First Amendment. This act was notably seen during protests in 2024 following a jury's verdict in a business records falsification case.