Every American can draw the American flag from memory without thinking twice. But there are a lot of flags flying across the country that are thoroughly forgettable. Many Illinoisans, it’s safe to assume, have no idea what their state flag looks like. And perhaps it’s just as well: A new survey of flag experts ranks the Illinois banner 49th out of the 72 state and provincial flags in North America.
The Illinois flag, around since 1970, is an unimaginative variation on what vexillologists refer to, disparagingly, as the “seal-on-a-bedsheet’ design, which is used by more than half the states. It’s white, with assorted images in the middle–an eagle, a sun, a field of grass, and a slogan–that unfortunately are indecipherable except up close. And, in a particularly glaring sin, it includes the state name, suggesting that state residents need to be reminded what it is.
If it’s any comfort, the North American Vexillological Association ranks other states even lower. The lowest score went to the Georgia flag, which was recently redesigned to minimize the place given to the Confederate battle flag. NAVA members described the new version as “desolating,” “simply awful,” “hideous,” and “by far the ugliest.” Is it too late to try again?
Also at the bottom are Nebraska, Montana, South Dakota, Wisconsin and others that used the same tired scheme–a blue rectangle with something hard to make out in the center.
Connoisseurs of this particular art form, according to NAVA, look for “strong, simple, distinctive flags,” with two or three basic colors, meaningful symbols, and no lettering or seals. Elements like those make a banner instantly recognizable, even from afar, whether it’s hanging limp or flying free.
So the experts give high points to Texas’ Lone Star flag, Arizona’s colorful sunburst, and Alaska’s Big Dipper. For some reason, they also like Maryland’s flag, a clashing mess that looks like it belongs at a NASCAR rally. Coming in first was New Mexico’s flag, a red Pueblo sun symbol on bright yellow backdrop. It’s simple, it’s unique, and it’s memorable.
One way to mark the new century is for states to take a fresh try at coming up with a symbol they can not only remember but use with pride. In the meantime, Illinoisans and other victims of poor flag design can be grateful that they’ve at least got Old Glory.
