Henry Miller: Flag Flying Revolution

Posted by admin on Sunday, June 26, 2011

Henry Miller Money Quotation saying the flag is a symbol that can carry many meanings for different poor people, being under uniquely different circumstances. Henry Miller said:
 

 

“We have two American flags … one for the rich and one for the poor. When the rich fly it means that things are under control; when the poor fly it means danger, revolution, anarchy” — Henry Miller

 

 

In this quote, Henry Miller appears to be critiquing the different meanings associated with displays of the American flag depending on social class. He suggests that when wealthy people fly the flag, it symbolizes the existing social order being maintained with their interests in mind.

However, Miller contends that for poor and disadvantaged groups, seeing the flag raised could foreshadow unrest, dissent and even revolution aimed at disrupting the status quo that perpetuates their poverty and lack of power.

The best interpretation is that Miller believed the flag represented either protection of the establishment or a threat to it, depending on whose perspective was being represented.

Birthday: December 26, 1891 – Death: June 7, 1980