Why older, imperfect American flags had more character than modern designs

Summary

The article argues that modern, well-designed American flags lack the character and historical authenticity of older, "uglier" flags. It uses the historical example of Thuggees in early modern India as a framing device, suggesting that like those craftsmen, flag-making was once a more organic, imperfect process. The piece critiques contemporary design sensibilities that prioritize sleekness and uniformity over the messy, lived-in quality that gave older flags their meaning and charm.