Many flags are the same upside down, the UK, Japan for example other flags are the reverse of other countries - Italy and Ireland for example.
However if you tie a knot in the flag and then fly it upside down it is a signal of distress.
You are correct regarding tying a knot in flags with a symmetrical design in order to indicate distress. However, the point in the story is specifically indicative of the US flag. It is common and has been historically accepted for many years that a US flag flown with the union (blue part) at the bottom instead of the top is a signal of distress.
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagcode.htm
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"I'm not bad. I'm just drawn that way"
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It is common and has been historically accepted for many years that a US flag flown with the union (blue part) at the bottom instead of the top is a signal of distress.From memory, the Tommy Lee Jones ex-military character in IN the Valley of Elah says this very thing to someone who had raised the flag upside down.🐭
The Union flag is most certainly not horizontally symmetrical!..Look at it carefully! It has been flown inverted as a sign of distress since it's introduction (1801) on many occasions, but unfortunately, has also accidentally been flown upside down on several more!..http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/geography/flag/index.html
I've seen things you people wouldn't believe...
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Alphaboo just got owned. End of topic
I guess you know Bob,if I see you again I'll just start shootin and figure it's self defense. -Bill
It doesn't have to be an official sign for one to be suspicious. The U.S. flag is not the same upside down, we aren't talking about other countries. We put heavy, significant value on our flag and you never (or extremely rarely) see it upside down. That, as it is so uncommon, would make it stick out.
If I was passing a prison and saw an American Flag upside down I would be concerned and alert authorities, even just to check it out.
To me that raises concern even if not an official sign of distress.
Don't you agree? How often do you see one upside down? Especially at a place of potential chaos?