Designed with deep thought, as a symbolic element of a country’s pride, a flag is more than just a cloth attached to a pole. It’s a blueprint, a story that many pride themselves on knowing, and one that eager minds continuously seek to find out. That story differs when it comes to a country and its states, but immensely important nonetheless.
That's why Matt Norquist, a truck driver from Gresham, Oregon, wants to see his state flag changed. It's simply in need of an update, he says, and he has a few ideas of how to do it.
How well do you know the state flags? Take the quiz below to find out.
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Comments [30]
Not bad
Most state flags could definitley use a redesign, but I would prioritize all the flags with seals over Oregon's already-unique flag. We posted about this show and Matt Norquist's design on our flag blog, flaghagz.tumblr.com. Come check us out!
http://flaghagz.tumblr.com/post/43082059277/state-flags-get-some-recognition-and-a-very
Was pritty sure about most
I would like to see the New England flag get more use. I'm all for good heraldry and like the idea of cleaner, more differentiated flag design and much less of the 'state seal' sort of flag. And how about that Alaska flag... so nice!!
Much harder than I thought it would be.
It's no surprise that the better designs were more easily identified.
Check out www.nava.org under Flag Design and see the flag-design guidebook "Good Flag, Bad Flag".
Also there is the case study from The Oregonian newspaper's effort to spur a redesign of the Oregon state flag.
Kudos to Matt for advancing the topic.
This was fun.
hard
Fun!
I think that Colorado has the best flag in the country. I also like New Mexico, Arizona and Texas.
I should have read all the comments first before taking the quiz :(
NYS uses Dutch colors!
I'm a recent transplant, but i feel good about my guess...
Monkey Dog? He looks like Chebacca on four legs!
I can pick out florida's flag anywhere.
For several years, I made Corporate Flags for small businesses in the Hillsboro area.
A simple, large design in one or two bright colors on a light color single thickness field is always best - always best!
Oregon's flag should be and could be as lovely as our state.
some I knew, some I guessed. I have to agree with earlier assessments, the state flags generally fail both as flags and in meaning.
Matt Norquist is right. A blue field with the state seal is just lazy. It is not recognizable and thus fails at the main point of a flag. Also, I was always kind of annoyed by the way we had to write the name of the state on the flag. Obviously, it was because it was blue with a state seal on it.
State flag symbols should relate to current political and social stances: Legal Gay Marriage symbol, whether assault rifles and gun laws are strict, Fracking or no fracking...Sure the flags will change every couple of years, but at least people will know what each state stands for, whether they live there or are just passing through.
Texas has without question the most recognizable flag which is as large and flown as high as the Stars and Stripes across the state. After all this is The Lone Star state.
The Texas state flag IS very recognizable. Simple, straightforward design, as opposed to the confused design of most states' flags.
I have been told that when Texas joined the Union, their state insisted on the right to display their state flag as equal with the national flag, so they both fly at the same height, the only state to do so.
I can't imagine that a single Texan would not recognize the state flag. We just moved here from New Jersey and were surprised to find that the Texas flag is proudly displayed along with the US flag absolutely everywhere. Also, our children say a separate salute to the Texas flag daily in school (??). Btw, I believe I would recognize the New Jersey flag as well. It's the one with a woman (lady liberty?) exposing her breast.
Texas is simple and proud and any Texan can recognize it.
Fightin' Words: The Lone Star State!
Thank you, Silver Linings Playbook, for having New York's state motto featured as a major motivation for Bradley Cooper's character. I would not have gotten that one if I hadn't seen the movie.
How can you waste time on this story? The SOTU speech? The Gun Debate? Any of the events happening in SoCal about the Cop Killer? Ar you kidding? Then a canine story? Someone needs to slap the producer, this is bush league!
I can absolutely pick out the Oklahoma State flag. I can also tell you our bird is the scissortail flycatcher and our song naturally is "Oklahoma!" but our state rock song is "Do you Realize?" by Oklahoma natives, the Flaming Lips. There is a hugely popular keep it local movement here that has inspired a great deal of state pride. Thunder Up!
It is hard to see the meaning in many of the symbols
I think EVERYONE in Texas could name their state flag! It is flown everywhere and the Lone Star-staters love it!
I love the South Carolina state flag. The palmetto tree is recognized throughout SC. The non-profit company I lead blended the palmetto tree in our logo - a practice I see often with many other companies. I have seen beautiful representations of the palmetto tree and moon during Christmas outlined in sparkly white lights! I think most every South Carolinian will recognize our flag!
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