# Jackasses at UC-Irvine **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 7, 2015, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412 "2015-03-07T04:57:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/1 "2015-03-07T04:57:32Z")
WTF? Some jackasses–six, to be exact–[decided that the flag of the United States of America needs to be gone](http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/03/06/students-at-uc-irvine-vote-to-ban-american-flag/), all in the name of “cultural inclusiveness”: > [@](#): > > The Associated Students of University of California (ASUCI) passed a resolution March 3 that would remove the Stars & Stripes along with every other flag from the lobby of a complex housing the offices of the student government. The next bit quoted in the linked article is best summed up as BS but you can use “obscuring jargon” if you like the latter term better: > [@](#): > > “Designing a culturally inclusive space aims to remove barriers that create undue effort and separation by planning and designing spaces that enable everyone to participate equally and confidentially,” read the resolution authored by Matthew Guevara. The full text of the resolution can be found [here](http://www.asuci.uci.edu/legislative/legislations/print.php?cnum=R50-70&gov_branch=ASUCI). The article shows the voting of the 12-person ASUCI legislative council: 6 to get rid of the flag, 4 to keep it flying on campus, and 2 abstentions. And [here](http://news.uci.edu/briefs/asuci-president-offers-statement-on-flag-ban-bill/) is the ASUCI president’s statement against the resolution. Since the author of the resolution is so much against flags, I’m going to guess he’s not thrilled with [this one](http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/images/u/us-ca.gif) flying over his university either. Oh, just in case you forgot what that university is, it’s one of the campuses of the University of California. It must be hell for Mr. Guevara to spend so much time on the campus with so many reminders of oppression such as the national flag, the state flag, and even the freaking name of the university itself. ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/2 "2015-03-07T05:34:51Z")
Well I was going to say ho-hum: removing a bunch of flags from a lobby sounds pretty routine to me. But apparently it was justified as follows: “The American flag has been flown in instances of colonialism and imperialism…[flags] construct paradigms of conformity and sets homogenized standards.” Also, “…freedom of speech, in a space that aims to be as inclusive as possible, can be interpreted as hate speech.” That’s pretty lame. I understand that the student org is expected to reverse the decision on Saturday. [UCI student government bans U.S., other flags from its lobby; veto likely](http://www.dailypilot.com/news/tn-dpt-me-0307-uci-flag-20150306,0,5003576.story) > **[American flag, others banned in UC Irvine student area](https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-american-flag--ban-uc-irvine-20150306-story.html)** > > In a push for what has been described as cultural inclusion, the student government at UC Irvine has voted to ban the display of all flags -- including the American flag -- in an area of the campus. ---
**Author:** ![naita](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naita/32/5862_2.png) [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 11:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/3 "2015-03-07T11:10:13Z")
Students make errors in judgement. That’s what student life is for. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/4 "2015-03-07T12:54:53Z")
> [@Measure\_for\_Measure](#): > > Also, “…freedom of speech, in a space that aims to be as inclusive as possible, can be interpreted as hate speech.” If the space “aims to be as inclusive as possible,” shouldn’t it include flags, including those of philosophies that are universally despised? To leave out, say, the flag of ISIS, “can be interpreted as hate speech.” :rolleyes: I sometimes wonder how the extreme PC gang just doesn’t get how pathetically laughable they are. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/5 "2015-03-07T13:15:30Z")
> [@naita](#): > > Students make errors in judgement. That’s what student life is for. It’s what California is for. The stupidity that comes out of there is mind-numbing. And I’m not talking about Hollywood. ---
**Author:** ![MsRobyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/6 "2015-03-07T15:02:04Z")
As a native of the state of California, I’ve always found the state flag to be rather bearist. Why the bear as opposed to the California sea lion? What about people who are afraid of bears, huh? How is this fair to them? ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/7 "2015-03-07T15:04:08Z")
Yeah, it’s a dumb idea. In a bubble. I can not generate any real emotional response to this story, other than to emphatically endorse the idea that what we really need in this country is _more_ flags. I don’t see enough American flags in my daily life. ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/8 "2015-03-07T15:41:21Z")
> [@MsRobyn](#): > > As a native of the state of California, I’ve always found the state flag to be rather bearist. Why the bear as opposed to the California sea lion? What about people who are afraid of bears, huh? How is this fair to them? I think that it’s there to scare the other states. Because: bears. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/9 "2015-03-07T15:52:37Z")
> [@MsRobyn](#): > > As a native of the state of California, I’ve always found the state flag to be rather bearist. Why the bear as opposed to the California sea lion? What about people who are afraid of bears, huh? How is this fair to them? I suppose if they need to have an animal on the flag, they could choose one that actually lives in California. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/10 "2015-03-07T16:20:15Z")
> [@naita](#): > > Students make errors in judgement. That’s what student life is for. You really think that it’s merely “an error in judgment”? ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/11 "2015-03-07T16:33:48Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > You really think that it’s merely “an error in judgment”? As opposed to what? ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/12 "2015-03-07T16:35:17Z")
> [@magellan01](#): > > It’s what California is for. The stupidity that comes out of there is mind-numbing. Sure, blame it on California. ---
**Author:** ![74westy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/74westy/32/3950_2.png) [@74westy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/74westy)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/13 "2015-03-07T16:39:46Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > As opposed to what? Thought crime. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/14 "2015-03-07T17:18:02Z")
> [@eschereal](#): > > I suppose if they need to have an animal on the flag, they could choose one that actually lives in California. They’re following the example set by housing developments, which are named after animals and natural features that were wiped out to make room for the development. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/15 "2015-03-07T17:55:45Z")
The resolution is idiotic, and the idea that the simple presence of the flag might constitute hate speech is completely moronic. The idea that “freedom of speech…can be interpreted as hate speech” is also all kinds of ridiculous. These students need to get a sense of perspective. That said, i don’t give a flying fuck about the flag. If you want to set it on fire, or wipe your ass with it, go right ahead. They’re also right that the US flag has supported instances of colonialism and imperialism, as well as plain old naked aggression. That’s as obvious as dogs’ balls to anyone who knows anything at all about history. And while the assertion that flags “construct paradigms of conformity” sounds like a line from a critical theory reader, it’s actually a pretty decent description of the Pavlovian response that the flag, and other nationalistic icons like the anthem, tends to generate among kneejerk patriots. Hell, this very story is providing an example in the opinion piece linked by the OP, and in the hysterical reactions of the critics. The resolution is dumb, and i hope gets vetoed, but is it wrong to take some small pleasure in the over-the-top outrage of the mindless Fox News acolytes? ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/16 "2015-03-07T17:58:12Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > As opposed to what? Mental disease. More and more I’m beginning to think Michael Savage was right about liberalism. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/17 "2015-03-07T18:00:34Z")
> [@74westy](#): > > Thought crime. Yep. As in something impersonating thought. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/18 "2015-03-07T18:08:30Z")
> [@magellan01](#): > > Yep. As in something impersonating thought. Says the resident master. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/19 "2015-03-07T18:11:06Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Says the resident master. Whatever you say, bitch. ---
**Author:** ![RandMcnally](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b782af/32.png) [@RandMcnally](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RandMcnally)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2015, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412/20 "2015-03-07T18:26:05Z")
I think the entire excersize is rather silly and it’ll be rescinded soon enough. I’m laughing at a lot of the anger, though. I’m hearing everything from “That Muslim president is the reason for this” to “they should have to repay their student loans tomorrow” to “they should all be deported.” Deported to where? I don’t know. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jackasses-at-uc-irvine/714412.md?page=2)