Schnauzer
Pretty Sure You are Wrong
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There is good flag design, and then there is bad flag design. Words on a flag is bad design. Pictures on a flag is bad design. A government seal on a flag is poor design. There were about 15 states with state seals or similar on blue bedsheet designs. Multiple examples of these states have begun to look at redesigns. The topic of Minnesota's easily forgettable flag had been brought up multiple times in the past as a target for replacement (both republicans and democrats at different times).
The old flag can't be used on Minnesota product placement, or used to help build a "brand". It was known to even be hung upside down on occasion unknowingly because it was far too complex yet common to be distinguishable from a distance. It was for lack of a better term, a mess.
I always find it notable when someone says the new flag doesn't represent MN. There is a reason why our national flag isn't a copy of the declaration of independence with some eagles and a drawing of uncle sam. The first rule in good flag design is that it is distinguishable from a distance and a child could draw it from memory. The new flag not only has the NORTH STAR represented, but it is in the shape of the star that can be found on the central rotunda floor of our state capital. The geometric shape formed by the dark blue portion represents an abstract image of Minnesota's boundaries. The light blue portion represents sky colored water and when the flag is hung from its end, forms another abstract image of the Mississippi leading to the North Star. But please, do tell me again how it doesn't represent Minnesota any better than other notable first rate state flags like Texas, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.
And all that without even mentioning the racist aspect. Just look at the poem written by the wife of the original designer of the state seal that is featured on the old flag. Not much doubt as to why that Native American is depicted riding off the scene. Not to mention the old flag wasn't voted on either. At least the new one went through a public process with public input and submissions.
The new flag wasn't my first choice. But at least it is of good solid design and has potential to become a great tool for building Minnesota's brand. The old flag was a major lost opportunity as it was seldom flown in Minnesota outside of gov buildings and property (it is flown plenty now, as people make their political statements). I kept close tabs on the process to select the new flag. I took an inventory on "our" lake the summer before the new one was chosen. Exactly two properties (out of hundreds) flew the old flag. Now there are over 20 docks with poles flying the old flag, and they nearly all are of a very dark blue, showing they are freshly purchased.
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