# The Great Flag Debate of Utah (now moved on to additional states, currently IL) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 4, 2023, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694 "2023-03-04T01:08:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2023, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/121 "2023-09-27T17:10:08Z")
Bumping this to announce that my new Utah flag has just arrived and I will be flying it outside my home soon. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2023, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/122 "2023-09-27T17:27:11Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > I think the flaw is with the choice to add the mountain silhouette and the beehive. It’s one design element and one color too many in my opinion. I might suggest that simply incorporating a hexagon might have been enough, they are already associated with bees and the hive design is a little too on the nose. I’d say keep the beehive and get rid of the hexagon and star. That also makes the red stripe complete at the bottom. ---
**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:** [September 27, 2023, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/123 "2023-09-27T19:29:49Z")
at least they put the blue on top and red on bottom, as it should be ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2023, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/124 "2023-09-27T21:20:01Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Personally, I consider that the absolute unforgivable sin for a flag. The whole point of a flag is to uniquely identify a single entity. A Yeah. But the made up "rules’ for flags are just that - made up. ---
**Author:** ![Andy\_L](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c67d28/32.png) [@Andy\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andy_L)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2023, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/125 "2023-09-27T23:47:36Z")
Maryland - a flag that Marylanders are obsessed with making into a crab > **[Maryland Flag Crab Sticker - Three Sizes](https://themarylandstore.com/products/maryland-flag-crab-sticker)** > > These popular outdoor or indoor stickers truly show your Maryland pride! The sticker has a blue crab shape with the Maryland flag design on the crab. White border around the crab. Perfect for the home or on your car window or body. ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2023, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/126 "2023-09-27T23:52:31Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Yeah. But the made up "rules’ for flags are just that - made up. But they’re not arbitrary. They’re designed to make flags easily identifiable from a distance. This is especially important in marine environments, where visibility is often poor. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/127 "2023-09-28T01:16:26Z")
> [@dtilque](#): > > But they’re not arbitrary. They’re designed to make flags easily identifiable from a distance. This is especially important in marine environments, where visibility is often poor. In national flags, that could be important. But hardly in state or city flags. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/128 "2023-09-28T01:30:38Z")
A better use for it than many. > **[Maryland Flag / Body Suit](https://www.routeoneapparel.com/products/maryland-flag-morph-suit?variant=846044189&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=18649564992&utm_content=&utm_term=&gadid=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpc-oBhCGARIsAH6ote-qSZ6X1IV7GBoHuhJadjCTq_ZQ2EPOOXT3AJ9c2WPLirGyRVs2u1waAiPZEALw_wcB)** > > If you love the Maryland flag so much that you wish you could become it, now's your chance! Perfect for costume parties and tailgates. Available while supplies last.    \*NO REFUNDS. EXCHANGES ONLY\*  Size chart attached > **[Amazon.com: Calculay Maryland Flag Men's Swimming Trunks,Beach Shorts Stretch...](https://www.amazon.com/Calculay-Maryland-Swimming-Stretch-Swimsuit/dp/B0B38N2QDM)** > > These Men's Swim Shorts Quick Dry Beach Briefs Swim Shorts Swimwear Swimwear Shorts are great for swimming, surfing, sailing, pool parties, travel, vacation, vacation, gym, workout, running, beach and all kinds of outdoor activities. Our swimming... > **["It’s 420 Time In Maryland " Sticker for Sale by Mark Jesus-Allen](https://www.redbubble.com/i/sticker/It-s-420-Time-In-Maryland-by-excalibur1365/35822881.EJUG5)** > > This is a design of the Maryland state flag as a marijuana leaf. It’s 420 time in Maryland! • Millions of unique designs by independent artists. Find your thing. ---
**Author:** ![Andy\_L](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c67d28/32.png) [@Andy\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andy_L)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/129 "2023-09-28T01:32:42Z")
I guess because the MD flag’s color pattern is so distinctive, you can make something almost any shape and have it be recognized as being Marylandish. ---
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/130 "2023-09-28T01:34:15Z")
Which shows how good the MD flag is at achieving its purpose. ---
**Author:** ![Andy\_L](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c67d28/32.png) [@Andy\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andy_L)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/131 "2023-09-28T01:41:41Z")
Indeed ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/132 "2023-09-28T01:44:14Z")
> [@Andy\_L](#): > > I guess because the MD flag’s color pattern is so distinctive, you can make something almost any shape and have it be recognized as being Marylandish. Although a couple of those mankinis interact with the flag design rather … awkwardly: [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B38MSHTW?th=1](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B38MSHTW?th=1) [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B38MX2TJ?th=1](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B38MX2TJ?th=1) [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B38MZPCW?th=1](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B38MZPCW?th=1) ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/133 "2023-09-28T02:55:51Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > Although a couple of those mankinis interact with the flag design rather … awkwardly: I think that’s a feature, not a bug, in the eyes of those young gentlemen. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/134 "2023-09-28T03:45:17Z")
As tight as those are, you use the term “gentlemen” loosely, I presume. ---
**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:** [September 28, 2023, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/135 "2023-09-28T04:41:05Z")
The flag of Oregon would be challenging. The wearer would have a big beaver on his ass. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 11:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/136 "2023-09-28T11:13:46Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > As tight as those are, you use the term “gentlemen” loosely, I presume That they are men is, however, not in doubt. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/137 "2023-09-28T15:06:01Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > As tight as those are, you use the term “gentlemen” loosely, I presume. Color me (or is that flag me? 😉 ) as confused by any proposed connection between swimwear choices and gentlemanliness. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2023, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/138 "2023-09-29T00:23:31Z")
Yeah, have you seen what European guys typically use for swimwear? I have been to beaches and pools with very proper middle-aged male European colleagues wearing less fabric below the waist than I was. The idea that male swimwear decorum requires full-coverage trunk or brief styles is AFAICT pretty much a North American sartorial prejudice (and I’m not even sure about the Canadians). ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2023, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/139 "2023-09-29T00:42:10Z")
I live at a tourist beach. I see fat Euros and expat Russians or similar in mankinis / swim briefs every day. And some buff US dudes too. Totally ordinary / unremarkable. Not at all mainstream, but definitely common enough nobody is laughing and pointing or whispering to each other. The standard US male swimwear here is board shorts, although the trend is moving shorter every year. Hotpants here we come! Woot! ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2023, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694/140 "2023-09-29T05:14:10Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > In national flags, that could be important. But hardly in state or city flags. The stakes are of course lower, but the principles are the same. Having a flag, state, city or otherwise, which cannot be identified from a distance undermines the entire idea of a flag. At that point it’s more of a sign. Flags were invented to provide a glanceable shorthand, a replacement for things like overly detailed coat of arms. If it can’t do that, you might as well not have one. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-flag-debate-of-utah-now-moved-on-to-additional-states-currently-il/980694.md?page=8)