Stars, Stripes, and Perceptions: Examining the Impact of the American Flag on Anticipated Interactions

Abstract

The American flag is often associated with patriotism, solidarity, and national allegiance; however, it may not uniformly signal inclusion for all Americans. Across three studies (N = 1658), we examined whether the presence of the American flag in professional settings influences perceptions and anticipated interactions. Black, Latine, and White students viewed a Zoom background depicting a professor’s office containing an American flag (versus no flag or a sports team flag in Study 1; versus no flag or an inclusive flag in Study 2). Across both studies, participants perceived the professor displaying the American flag as more racist, more sexist, and higher in social dominance orientation (SDO), and Black/Latine (vs. White) participants reported less comfort and interest in interacting with the professor. In Study 3, we examined perceptions of the American flag in a workplace context. Replicating the previous studies, both Black and White participants viewed a coworker displaying the American flag (vs. no flag) as more racist, more sexist, and higher in SDO. Across all studies, these effects were generally stronger among participants lower in SDO. Together, these findings demonstrate how national symbols can shape anticipated interpersonal dynamics depending on perceiver identity and ideological orientation.