Spotlight Series: The American Flag as a Cultural Symbol

Featuring: Professor Mark Clague, University of Michigan. Moderated by Kevin Lindsey, Minnesota Humanities Center.

Music historian Mark Clague launches the dialogue about the American flag with his work on our national anthem. In this panel discussion, Professor Clague will lead us into a consideration of the various emblems of US patriotism—most importantly, the stars and bars of our flag—and what role it plays in defining national identity and staking out political ideologies. Long a symbol of devotion, and of hatred, both nationally and abroad, the United States flag and its attendant artifacts of American patriotism serve as a touchstone to reflect on American identity and the current moment.

About the 2021-22 Spotlight Series: The University of Minnesota Spotlight Series is a collaborative partnership between the University Honors Program, Institute for Advanced Study, and Northrop, to present lectures, panel discussions, exhibits, and other events throughout the academic year around timely topics of interest. The six-part 2021-22 series, hosted in partnership with the Minnesota Humanities Center, focuses on patriotism, public service, and civic engagement. The moderator for all six events will be Kevin Lindsey, CEO of Minnesota Humanities Center. All events are Thursdays 3:30-5:00 pm and may be attended in Northrop’s Best Buy Theater or online via Zoom. Q&A sessions will follow each event.