Buzz
Discover everything you need to know about the various forms of this distinctive flag.
Perhaps you've spotted black and white U.S. flags displayed in your neighborhood or turned into patches, stickers, and more. But what exactly do these monochrome flags signify? In this article, we'll explore the origins and significance of these flags, as well as other black and white flags associated with Formula 1 and honoring POWs.
What the Black and White American Flag Represents
The black and white American flag is widely seen as a symbol of resistance, freedom, and unity. This meaning gained traction among protestors across the U.S., but the flag also serves as the foundation for 'thin line' variations that represent solidarity with specific professional communities.
How to Interpret the Black and White Flag
What is the significance of the black and white U.S. flag?
The black and white U.S. flag generally symbolizes resistance and the pursuit of justice. While this version of the U.S. flag isn't as commonly seen, it carries a long history. Though its meaning isn't universally agreed upon, it is typically used to express political resistance, a call for equality, and a demand for justice.
- Historically, the black and white U.S. flag has appeared in various forms since before 2020 (it’s featured on Outkast’s Stankonia album cover and in the film BlacKkKlansman, for instance). However, it became widely known during the 2020 protests against police brutality, particularly after the tragic murder of George Floyd.
- It’s often linked to more militant protests, perhaps due to its visual resemblance to camouflage or a “black bloc” aesthetic.
- An inverted black and white U.S. flag may be flown as a symbol of protest against the U.S. government.
Where did the Black and White U.S. Flag originate?
Artist Jasper Johns brought the black and white U.S. flag into the spotlight in 1970. A key figure in the Pop Art movement, Johns, along with artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, became fascinated with depicting variations of the American flag, including in black and white.
- Johns' iconic flag paintings were born out of his belief that powerful images in our culture often go unnoticed. He argued that people rarely *observe* the American flag—they just acknowledge it as a symbol. Johns sought to challenge viewers to reconsider the flag (and its variations) as an art form deserving of deeper contemplation. Pretty fascinating, right?!
The black and white flag is not linked to the Civil War's origins. There's a widely circulated tale that Union soldiers used this flag during the U.S. Civil War to signal they would not surrender or provide quarters (protection) to prisoners. Another version claims that Confederates used it to protest against America. However, there's no concrete evidence supporting either of these stories.
- One issue with these stories is that Confederates would never have flown an American flag, as they were in opposition to the U.S. government. Furthermore, the Union had strict flag protocols, and they took immense pride in “Old Glory”—the official U.S. flag.
Black & White Flags with Colored Stripes
A black and white flag with a blue stripe symbolizes police officers. Known as the “thin blue line,” this flag variation is one of the most well-known and widely used to represent law enforcement. The blue stripe was chosen because blue is the dominant color in police uniforms.
- The controversy surrounding the blue line flag stems from its use during the Black Lives Matter protests. Many saw it as a sign of opposition to the movement and its fight for racial equality. To this day, it is viewed by some as a symbol of hate.
A black and white flag with a red stripe stands for firefighters. This version of the flag, featuring a single red stripe, honors firefighters. The red color is symbolic of fire, and it also mirrors the color of fire trucks.
A black and white flag with a green stripe represents first responders. The green stripe flag is meant to represent first responders, including police officers, paramedics, medics, animal control officers, and others. Green was chosen because it’s common in federal uniforms.
- A flag with multiple green stripes represents the New York Police Department.
- If the green stripe is a lighter, lime-like green (similar to Mountain Dew), it symbolizes solidarity among those in the building trades.
A black and white flag with a yellow stripe is for dispatchers, security guards, and truck drivers. This yellow stripe “thin line” flag expresses solidarity with emergency dispatchers, security personnel, and truckers. It’s not as widely recognized and lacks a clearly documented origin, but the yellow stripe is thought to reflect the vests worn by these professionals.
- Some people distinguish between a gold flag (for dispatchers) and a yellow flag (for security guards and truck drivers).
A black and white flag with a grey stripe represents corrections staff. The grey (or silver) flag symbolizes unity among those who work in prisons and jails. Although it's a relatively recent addition to the “thin line” flags, grey was chosen due to its association with the color of jail bars and handcuffs.
Black and White Flag with Head & Guard Tower
The POW/MIA flag features a black and white silhouette of a soldier. It also includes barbed wire, a guard tower, and the phrase “POW MIA YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.” The flag honors U.S. soldiers who were lost in combat; POW stands for “prisoners of war,” and MIA stands for “missing in action.”
- Created in 1971, the POW/MIA flag was designed to remember soldiers who were either missing in action or captured during the Vietnam War (though it honors all soldiers lost or captured in any conflict).
- Besides the American flag, the POW/MIA flag is the only flag allowed to fly at the White House.
- There are currently no active U.S. soldiers missing in action or held as prisoners of war. In fact, there hasn’t been an official POW or MIA since the end of the Vietnam War.
- Despite this, the POW/MIA flag must still be flown above federal buildings for at least six days each year to honor those who sacrificed for the country. These days include National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day.
What does the black and white racing flag signify?
The black and white checkered flag indicates the conclusion of a race or checkpoint. Initially used on automotive assembly lines back in 1906, the checkered flag marked checkpoints where inspections took place (get it? *Checks* occurred at *check*points with a *check*ered flag!). Today, it’s used to mark laps, signal the end of practice, or indicate the start or finish of a race.
