Wrapped in a Flag…

This Piece is titled “Wrapped in a Flag”, a reference to the quote often misattributed to Sinclair Lewis: “When Fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross”. Less than 2 weeks ago, the United States may have crossed the rubicon. The unfolding consequences will not be confined to the United States. This election will likely unravel alliances, encourage racism, affirm misogyny, aim to justify xenophobia, and discredit democracy. There will be a continuation of divisive language that aims to tear communities apart and dehumanize the ethnic, economic, gender or ideological “other”.

In the words of Churchill “The era of procrastination, of half-measures, of soothing and baffling expedients, of delays is coming to its close. In its place we are entering a period of consequences.” Today, in the fog of technology and a post-truth world, those who hold the values of democracy and of human rights need to stand un-yieldingly to these principles. We are being tested and history will record our results. As with every challenge, this is also an opportunity.

So, as the fabric of the United States is literally being torn apart at the whim of a scowling child, now is not the time for allies to accommodate authoritarians, and now is not the time citizens to keep their heads down. It’s not the time to befriend the enemy to avoid confrontation and, despite the distracted nature of this modern world, it is important to take stock of the character of our conduct and actions.

The text on this piece says “Trump/Trompe These are not false friends. He is a false friend”

In linguistics, “false friends” are words that look or sound similar in 2 different languages but differ significantly in meaning. In this case, Trump and “Trompe”, (which in French means deceives) are not “false friends”; in my opinion, they are synonyms. The second part of the phrase is directed towards the U.S.’s allies to be aware. He is not your friend.

Thanks to the entire team at Le M.U.R. Tours for inviting me to make this mural, for giving me the space to express this freely and the support to execute it.