Flags of Our Fatties

Kerry Howley | November 20, 2006

Inspired, perhaps, by some CSPI-quoting muse, a Tennessee art student unleashes his talent upon the world:

Art student William Gentry said his piece, "The Fat Is in the Fire," was a commentary on obesity in America. "I deep-fried the flag because I'm concerned about America and about America's health."

The Customs House exhibit featured three U.S. flags imprinted with phrases such as "Poor people are obese because they eat poorly" and more than 40 smaller flags fried in peanut oil, egg batter, flour and black pepper.

If reading that has somehow left you with any remaining dregs of respect for humanity, consider the reaction: fury over flag desecration.

Ned Crouch, the Customs House Museum's executive director, took down the artwork on Nov. 15, less than 18 hours after it went up in this community next to Fort Campbell.

"It's about what the community values," Crouch said.