While in the United States, flag-burning heats political tensions, it takes much less than that in Peru. Peruvian authorities have arrested model Leysi Suarez for using the national flag as a saddle while riding a horse.
“These are patriotic symbols that demand total respect, and using them improperly requires punishment,” Defense Minister Antero Flores said.
Flores ordered a prosecutor to file charges against Suarez. The charge is “offending patriotic symbols”. It is punishable by several months in prison.
Initially, Suarez rejected the criticism, “I haven’t committed a crime. I love Peru and show it with my body and soul.”
Faced with imprisonment, it appears Suarez is having different thoughts. “If I have to apologize I will, I don’t have any problem, I’ll do it one thousand times.”
It is intereresting how different cultures view similiar acts. It use to be somewhat common to see pants with the American flag sewn on the bottom. I do recall seeing underwear imprinted with the flag. Those things would not go well in Peru. However, put a nude model on an American flag in the United States, and it will likely get nary a second look. Yet burn the American flag, and it is a different story. Then some have ideas to change the Constitution.
