The "Don't Tread on Me" Conflict

Think about this for a moment, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, thinks the "Don't Tread on Me" flag/emblem is xenophobic. That's right, you heard me, the representation is racist. The iconic yellow/emblem has become the subject of an EEOC investigation. What brought this  EEOC investigation to the forefront was not a heinous act nor was it an act of overt racism. A Black government employee filed an official complaint against a coworker. who wore a hat depicting the flag's famous yellow color, snake emblem, and the words: "Don't Tread on Me."    

From what information I have been able to gather, an official complaint was filed by a Black coworker. The coworker claimed that the flag was offensive for two reasons. First, because the flag had been designed by a slave owner. And second, because the flag in his opinion, is an "historical indicator of white resentment against blacks, stemming largely from the Tea Party."

The symbol in question, the Gadsden Flag has been around for more than two centuries, since 1775. It was initially used in the Revolutionary War as a symbol of American independence. Since then, it’s been a potent symbol of freedom. Most recently, it has been used symbolically by the Tea Party movement—which also fought for freedom, and used a number of symbols from the American Revolution.

The complaint itself is void of allegations of any racist action/behavior perpetrated by the coworker—it lists only the clothing choice as evidence of offensive behavior. If the EEOC decides that the “Don’t Tread on Me” flag/emblem is “offensive” and “racist,” it would be banned in places of work across the country. Private employers who allow their employees to wear clothing depicting the flag would be subject to federal fines and legal corollaries.

Details, though vague would lead this writer to believe this is yet another instance of multiculturalism and political correctness being used to heretofore, subvert individual freedoms, all for the benefit of an individual who feels aggrieved. I actually liken this action by both EEOC and the distressed employee to stone throwing anarchists running amok. What's next? The Eagle as our National symbol or maybe our Founding Constitution.