In Massachusetts, You can have your say

The Massachusetts state flag, based in imagery created by the Puritans before they left England in 1630 as part of their colonial endeavour, and finalised in 1885. Is it time to change it?

History rarely gives us a chance to have a second thought: but this is one moment when we’re asked to re-consider a legacy of the past. At least, if you’re a resident of Massachusetts.

Massachusetts’ state flag and seal depict a Native man holding an arrow and placed in a shield, as is common in heraldry. Hanging over the shield is a sword allegedly belonging to Myles Standish, a 17th century colonist known for his military battles with Native people. Although the contemporary flag dates from 1885, the flag and seal are based on a depiction of a Native man, created by the Puritans in England before they arrived in Shawmut bay in 1630. During the Revolutionary era, the state motto was added, taken from the words of English civil-war republican Algernon Sidney - “By the sword we seek peace,” but omitting the remainder of the quote, “but peace only under liberty.” Massachusetts has one of the most historical state flags in the US.

 But however historical, the imagery is profoundly offensive to Native people, as explained in a thought-provoking presentation to PHB given earlier this year by Elizabeth Solomon, Massachusett at Ponkapoag, Brittney Whalley of the Hassanimisco Nipmuc Tribe, and David Detmold of the Campaign to Change the Massachusetts Flag. The sword wielded over the head of a Native man suggests violence and disrespect, they told, us and they call for change.

Dozens of towns and cities across Massachusetts have responded to this call and voted to change the flag and seal. Now the state of Massachusetts, which established a special commission under the direction of then-Governor Charlie Baker, is asking the Massachusetts public – you – for your views.

Do you think the flag and seal should change? If so, in what way? The state commission invites you to take a short survey and have your say. Click here for the survey.

 “After all these years, the time has finally come to lower the colonial sword that has hung above the head of our Indigenous brothers and sisters for centuries,” David Detmold of the campaign writes. “This would enable us to enter into a more respectful dialogue, deepen our understanding of our mutual ties and perhaps learn to live in balance on this land, Turtle Island, that we call home.”

 You might agree, or you might disagree. Either way, you are invited to have your say.