Sunny Hostin, a co-host on "The View," has reiterated her stance that she feels "unsafe" in neighborhoods where American flags are prominently displayed. Hostin stated on the "Behind the Table" podcast that she believes the flag has been "co-opted by the far right."
During the podcast appearance on Monday, Hostin affirmed her earlier statements, explaining that her discomfort arises when she perceives the flag being equated with white supremacy and a particular brand of patriotism. She referenced instances where individuals associated with the Jan. 6 Capitol attack displayed both American and Confederate flags.
"Unfortunately, at this point in our country, the American flag has been co-opted by the far right," Hostin said. "They call themselves patriots, people that storm the capital with Confederate flags and American flags. And they've weaponized the American flag."
Hostin recounted a personal experience from years prior, when visiting friends in North Carolina. She described feeling "nervous" after seeing a Confederate flag while walking with two children in a neighborhood where she also saw a group of men in a pickup truck. Hostin stated that her hosts, who were accustomed to seeing the Confederate flag, did not have the same reaction to it as she did.
She clarified that her issue is not with the American flag itself, but rather with its perceived association with certain political factions. Hostin expressed a desire for the flag to be reclaimed as a symbol of justice, freedom, and equality – core American ideals.
"I would be very happy to be part of a take the flag back, reclaim the American flag as a symbol of what it should be, which is, I think, justice, which I think is freedom. I think it's equality. It's sort of... the promise of this country," Hostin said.
Hostin first made her remarks about feeling uncomfortable around numerous American flags in 2021 on "The View." At that time, she was discussing a similar sentiment expressed by MSNBC analyst Mara Gay, who found it "disturbing" to see American flags, Trump flags, and anti-Biden signs displayed in Long Island, New York.