<P> Flying an American flag upside down is not necessarily meant as political protest . The practice has its origin in a distress signal ; displaying a flag in this manner is `` a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property '' ; It can also be viewed as an act of desecration . It has been used by extension to make a statement about distress in civic , political , or other areas . On the 13 April 1996 episode of Saturday Night Live , musical guests Rage Against the Machine made a statement about the host , billionaire Steve Forbes , by hanging two upside - down American flags from their amplifiers . </P>
<P> Flying an American flag upside down is not necessarily meant as political protest . The practice has its origin in a distress signal ; displaying a flag in this manner is `` a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property '' ; It can also be viewed as an act of desecration . It has been used by extension to make a statement about distress in civic , political , or other areas . On the 13 April 1996 episode of Saturday Night Live , musical guests Rage Against the Machine made a statement about the host , billionaire Steve Forbes , by hanging two upside - down American flags from their amplifiers . </P>
what is the meaning of flying the us flag upside down
what is the meaning of flying the us flag upside down
a distress signal an act of desecration a statement about distress in civic , political , or other areas
a distress signal an act of desecration a statement about distress in civic , political , or other areas