Being part of a marginalized community in this country, we hear things all the time like “This is not who we are,” and “This can’t happen here.” But remembering Jan 6th, I would like to argue that the United States has always been like this, violent and full of white supremacy.

Partially inspired by Bethany Collins Star Spangled Banner, which used alternate lyrics of the Star-Spangled Banner. Some versions prompted violence and white supremacy. Others were altered to support other political causes. Even at the beginning, there were different “versions” of America. There was never just one American ideal and the violence was seeded from the very beginning.

The fabric is white and sheer to reflect the flimsy, colonist ideals the founders based the country on. The flag hangs upside down, a sign of distress meant to be done in times of extreme danger. For immigrants, Black people, and LGBTQIA+, there will always be great danger within our borders. The stars fall off one by one.