America Is Not a Brand
To the editor:
As one who has never embraced what I call “flag idolatry,” I was taken aback by Edward Boches’s piece on the significance of the American flag in the current social landscape [“What We See in the Flag,” July 8, page A3].
He was right to throw into relief the corporate malfeasance and the systemic racism that has been entrenched in our nation since its very beginnings. Furthermore, I’m encouraged that more citizens are feeling skeptical about the flag as a symbol of national unity.
His view of America as a “brand,” however, was more than a bit disconcerting. This is hardly the first time commercial rhetoric has infiltrated public discourse. America is a nation of citizens, not a private corporation or a detergent.
It’s telling that Mr. Boches “worked in advertising for over 35 years.” That’s why he equates America with big corporate brands that were “empowered by messaging” — in other words, manipulation of the wants and needs of passive consumers of goods and services. Commercial advertising in pursuit of profit tends to discourage the kind of critical thinking so integral to citizenship in a sound democracy. Hence, the juvenile level of TV ads. Corporations like Nike, Apple, Volkswagen, and Amazon are hierarchical institutions. American democracy (at least in principle) is a more egalitarian system, where we hold our legislative and executive branches accountable for their actions. In short, we are the government.
It may sound like quibbling, but as advertisers well know, rhetoric is a powerful tool for getting your message across. My nation is a community of hopefully intelligent citizens, not a “brand” to be packaged and sold.
Dana Franchitto
South Wellfleet
The David Asher Dinner
To the editor:
Many thanks for Cam Blair’s excellent article in the July 1 edition of the Independent [page A7] highlighting the work of local senior centers during the pandemic. It is an honor to serve older residents on the Outer Cape.
It would be remiss of me not to add to his description of the creativity required to offer the David Asher Holiday Dinner remotely. This decades-long annual tradition was created and is hosted by a dedicated group of community volunteers under the leadership of Robin Reid, Steve Roderick, and Donna Vaillancourt. The senior center provides space and support, but it is thanks to them, Tim McNulty, the Lobster Pot, local chefs, and many volunteers that more than 150 people were able to pick up, or receive via delivery, not only an amazing home-cooked meal but also gift bags, and enjoy entertainment on PTV.
As a community, we really pulled together to help each other in the last year. This committed group was determined not to let even a pandemic interrupt this beloved event. I believe it meant more to everyone than ever.
Chris Hottle
Provincetown
The writer is director of the Provincetown Council on Aging.
Not a Bad Bunch
To the editor:
Thanks for your piece about the response to the special section of the Independent on the Outer Cape Class of 2021 [“What Makes Us Weep?” July 8, page A2].
Reading the profiles of the graduates, I was impressed by their articulateness, by their gratitude for the friendships they’d made and for their teachers, and by their heartwarming hopefulness for a rewarding future.
Not a bad bunch to be turning the world over to in the not-too-distant future. Their parents should be proud.
And, yes, the profiles brought this curmudgeon to the verge of tears with a lump in the throat. Thanks for inducing me to read it.
Len Bowen
Provincetown
