Yes This Is a Man Defecating on the American Flag. No He’s Not An Occupy Protestor
The internet is a powerful thing. It has help unite revolutions around the world, organize protests for change, and make people aware of things they otherwise may have never known about. But at the same time it is a tool that can be used to fuel anger, hatred, and even violence. As I’ve pointed out before, the internet is a dangerous place. Imagery and video out of context can fuel strong feelings that can help support a belief or cause. But as I mentioned previously in regards to the Occupy protests and police brutality, it’s important to take a step back and consider what you are looking at before reacting or coming to a conclusion.
Unfortunately, like in my previous post about how dangerous the internet can be my dad let his feelings get the best of him. He was emailed this image of a man defecating on the American flag. In the email it claimed the photo was of an occupy protester. He felt strongly about the image, as many would, and ultimately that brought him to turn around and post the image on Facebook with a similar message.
As a supporter of the Occupy movement and an overall skeptic when it comes to anything I find online that’s politically motivated, I questioned it. I did a quick image search in Google for “man defecating on amercian flag” and quickly found multiple copies of the same image. Many were on blogs trying to spread a similar message to what my dad received in his email, but one in particular stood out because it was in a post from 2007.
The post on Full Metal Patriot tells the story of the image a bit more clearly. Taken in 2007, this image was actually from a peace protest that was held in Portland.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if it’s politically, socially, or morally motivated and it’s shared online DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Dig a little. Check Snopes. Do some searches and see what you find. Check dates. Compare. If it checks out, or you feel confident that it’s legit. Share to your hearts content. At least then if it comes back later that it’s fake or founded on misinformation you’ll have done your part to try and find the truth.
4 thoughts on “Yes This Is a Man Defecating on the American Flag. No He’s Not An Occupy Protestor”
Mike…thanks for posting this. Saves me the research work when my dad asks me about it!
Sage advice! Sadly, it seems to be human nature to shoot first and ask questions later. I’m not an American, but I can appreciate that such a defilement of the flag would cause a deep visceral reaction which could temporarily blind reason. That’s why the image can be used so effectively to propagate misinformation. I’m personally more bothered by the simple lack of human dignity in the act, but if the popularity of reality TV is anything to go by, human dignity doesn’t seem to be highly prized anyway.
On a side note, I’m following your blog on my Blogger Dashboard, but Blogger sent me a message saying I could connect on Google Friends Connect. I can’t see where it is on your blog though?
I wonder, Mr. Wilton, if you are as diligent when it comes to researching conservative points of view. I’m not suggesting that you do not. I am asking the question. Your response, either truthfully or deceptively, would be “Yes. Of course”. Only you will know the truth for sure. The only reason I suspect that you do not: you were an OWL supporter.
Woody, thanks for your comment. I am diligent in my research whenever I sense something doesn’t feel genuine online, or may be doctored. I’ve done it with far more than political issues, simply because the internet is a haven for information that is misleading, or incorrect. Are there times I have fallen for something that wasn’t genuine, or correct, sure. But whenever I suspect something is fishy no matter what the topic or issue, I do my part to try and get to the bottom of it. That said I am not sure what you mean by “you were an OWL supporter.”