Koran burning vs Flag burning

[Redalgo]

The symbolic / sacred relevance of both objects are socially constructed. However, whereas the burning of the Koran is liable to further strain relations between people of the States and West Asia while driving a wedge between culturally distinct social groups - posing a threat to the civic nationalism which arguably underlies American solidarity - I think that when Americans burn the flag of their country it is more indicative of strong dissent to public policy or the current regime in power. It is a distasteful form of protest and lacks tact in my opinion but on the whole expresses ill-will toward a government or its actions rather than all Americans in general. The burning of a U.S. flag by non-Americans is more offensive. Nonetheless, folks who desecrate sacred symbols obviously have reasons for doing so. Those ought to be studied and discussed in an empathetic, open-minded manner rather than met with immediate, knee-jerk condemnation.