A Tocquevillian survey in photographs and interviews of the USA in 2017, the year Donald Trump became President, asking the question, what does the American flag mean to you? The project started with the assumption that there would be some commonality. It documents that the view and aspirations of the country are as varied as the people in it.
I, The People
Book and Website
In my travels, I’ve noticed that people around the United States often use The American Flag to justify their cause, whatever cause that may be. Opposing teams, forces, parties, and individuals all pledge allegiance to the same piece of cloth and often define The Flag as their own. Throughout this book, you’ll find comments and photos from a selection of the people I’ve met, and a glimpse of the places I found them, across New York City, Washington, D.C., Detroit, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. Hope you enjoy.
Times Square, New York City
“America lets us do what we want, and in New York I can be a free lady. I think it’s like, being confident and standing tall in the city I can do anything I want to do.”
Detroit, Michigan
Washington, D.C.
“The Flag represents 21st century Sodom and Gomorrah. Over the 65 years I’ve lived here, the country has moved from the right all the way to the left.”
Las Vegas, Nevada
“Las Vegas was and is a hard town that will make you pay for your inability to restrain your desires. If you have a weakness, Las Vegas will punish you.”
– Hal Rothman, Neon Metropolis