More Examples:
I see this everywhere. Hidden or transparent monochrome American black flags on large trucks or 4-Runners. Usually speeding or driving aggressively on the highway.
I found this:
The black and white American flag originated during the American Civil War between 1861 and 1865. It was created as an opposing symbol to the white flag, which symbolizes surrender. Confederate army soldiers flew the black flag to demonstrate they would not give in or surrender to the enemy. It showed that they would rather be killed than taken in as prisoner.
And this:
Sometimes soldiers show respect for their country by using the black version on their vehicles
My question is for the people doing this. What message are you trying to send? Are you openly telling your coworkers and neighbors that you are still supporting the South in a war that ended long ago? Are you low key showing your support for Trump? Are you ex military showing support for your country? I ask because at least for me, the message is unclear.
Honestly it runs the gambit. I first was seeing them on cop-related stuff in the 90’s, when everyone wanted to wear black things and look “tacticool.” (go to the 5.11 website if you’re not familiar) I suppose there’s a segment of the population going for “patriotic, yet edgy,” that gets this stuff. As I get older I tend to view these people as looking for someone to fight, but only if they think they can win.
These people usually live in their own conservative bubble, and the behavior is accepted or rewarded. They usually leave the bubble in groups, so they can reinforce their views with each other when confronted or avoided. But when mixing with general society, they tend to mellow out. Leaving an echo chambers does that.
There are definitely people using it as a dog whistle. Those people will double down, not mellow out. These are your idiots attacking the capital. Fuck those guys.
Fwiw the term is ‘runs the gamut’
Gamut - the complete range or scope of something. “the whole gamut of human emotion”
I agree with your perspective. FYI - something with many varieties “runs the gamut.” A gambit is a ploy or strategy, a gamut is a spectrum of values.