Minnesota finally adopted a new flag after years of criticism. The flag was first unveiled on December 19, 2023, because the original one was accused of being racist to native Americans.
Many residents of Minnesota agree with the new flag, saying people weren't even attached to the original version. Before the final design was chosen, many people publicly shared their own designs.
Gov. Tim Walz and law enforcement touting Minnesota as the 20th state with a “red flag” gun law officially known as “extreme risk protection orders.” An ERPO may be issued by a judge if a gun owner poses a significant danger of bodily harm to others or him or herself. pic.twitter.com/YwKhMBqsLp
— Tom Hauser (@thauserkstp) January 2, 2024
These include an image of someone's dog, famous paintings of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, a photo of a massive mosquito, as well as a loon with laser eyes.
I am not a fan of Minnesota's new state flag. How about you? pic.twitter.com/LCyt4pWien
— Jacalyn Weissenburger (@JacalynWeissen1) January 3, 2024
Aside from these, the original white and green stripes were replaced with a solid, light blue field. However, Minnesota officials said that the significance of the light blue area will be up to the beholder, meaning it can have various significances depending on who is looking at the flag.
It is however likely that some Minnesota residents will criticize the new flag since it could be interpreted as uninspired and a waste of time, especially since the simple design cost $35,000, which was allocated by the commission.
Other US States Also Changing Their Flags
Fox News reported that Minnesota joins other U.S. states that also changed their flags because of social issues, including Utah, which approved its new flag design last winter. Utah's new flag features a beehive, which symbolizes prosperity.
Mississippi also announced a new flag, which has a magnolia replacing its Confederate-themed flag.
Aside from Utah and Mississippi, Michigan also began working on a simpler flag. The new design is expected to replace the bald eagle, elk, and moose with a tri-color design that has some stars or a lighthouse.
