As a Brit, something I don’t understand is the obsession with the American flag. My understanding of it is that even as young children you are made to pledge allegiance to the flag. Across the news are frequent reports of outrage at people burning or mistreating the flag. A public outcry if you kneel for the national anthem

Which brings me to my question. Is this behaviour about respect and being patriotic? Or is it just a form of indoctrination and manipulation?