Let us first start with the meaning and background of the Thin Blue Line symbol itself. The media, politicians, and groups like BLM have attempted to reassign the meaning of the Thin Blue Line. Those unfamiliar with its true meaning and history are likely brainwashed into believing it is a symbol of “White Supremacy” – an ironic and baffling contention as the men and women of Law Enforcement consists of all races, religions, & ethnicities.
The term "Thin Blue Line" and how it relates to policing dates as far back as 1854. During the Crimean war, the British regiment—in their red uniforms—stood their ground against the Russian army. The British formation became known as “The Thin Red Line,” and thus later adopted and adapted by law enforcement as it related to their typically blue uniforms.
In the 1950s, controversial Los Angeles police chief Bill Parker used the term Thin Blue Line in many of his speeches and also later adopted it for a TV show. Controversial or not, his intention for using it was to show a polished image of the Los Angeles Police Department.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the term was popularized in books and in movies. In all periods of use, the term has always signified the police’s task as being what stands between order and chaos. Additionally, within the Blue Family, it is a symbol of Unity, brother- and sisterhood, as well as honor & pride.
Now, as far as the Thin Blue Line flag, we can go back to around 2014, the approximate birth of the Blue Lives Matter movement. While it's generally and accurately considered a response to the Black Lives Matter organization, it grew because of the unprecedented numbers of police officers being injured and killed in the line of duty and ignored by all the major media outlets, liberal democratic politicians, and “woke” celebrities.
In recent years, white supremacist and neo Nazi groups appropriated the flag in their marches by waving them alongside confederate flag. The mainstream media leaves out that it was appropriated by those groups. Ironic, since unlike their penchant for screaming “appropriation” on nearly everything else, they conveniently don't recognize it here.
Once again, the Thin Blue Line and the Thin Blue Line flag represent: unity, support, and above all else, being the men and women who stand between order and chaos, protecting the sheep from the wolves.
For irony’s sake, lets discuss the BLM & Aryan race symbols, shall we? As for the symbol most recently used by BLM — the raised clenched fist — its origin dates back to about 1910, when it was used in trade unionism, anarchism, and the labor movement as a cry of resistance to oppression. In 1924 it was adopted by the Communist Party. In 1968, it was frequently used on posters in the French revolt. It was also used as a prominent symbol on two feminist books, one in 1970 and one in 2003. And let us not forget that in the 1960s, it became known as the Black Power fist adopted by the Black Panthers. This symbol — previously signifying the resistance to oppression — came to represent not only black nationalism/black pride, but socialism. Interestingly, it's matching but competing symbol — the Aryan fist — which is a raised white fist, is meant to signify White Power.
For anyone keeping tabs: We've got one group whose symbol signifies being what stands between good and evil— The Thin Blue Line— and is made up of ALL colors, races, and religions with one purpose: to protect and serve the community. And we have two other groups of people whose symbols represent the desire of one group’s power over all others.
The absurdity and audacity of anyone suggesting, implying, or outright saying that the Thin Blue Line (flag) is a racist symbol is almost laughable, were it not so ignorant and repugnant a statement. I proudly and loudly stand with the men and of women of law enforcement and challenge all else who do to fight back against the lies.
If you feel the same, please consider contributing to the REfund the Police nationwide campaign created by Law Enforcement Today. See details below.
Elsa Kurt is a multi-genre author, speaker & brand creator ofBlue Family Apparel & Igoodhuman, as well as the producer & host of the Blue Family Unity Show on Right America Media. Her book, Welcome to the Family (Life Behind the Thin Blue Line) has been called the "must have survival guide for new LEO spouses."
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