Sunny Hostin Discusses Feeling Unsafe Amid Displays of American Flags

Sunny Hostin, co-host of “The View,” reiterated her previous remarks about feeling “unsafe” in neighborhoods displaying numerous American flags. Speaking on the “Behind the Table” podcast, Hostin expressed her concerns to the show’s executive producer, Brian Teta, saying, “I stand by that.”

Hostin shared that the conversation is not new within the Black community. She recounted a visit to friends in North Carolina, where she felt anxious after encountering a Confederate flag. Hostin said, “I’m in the South. I’ve got these two kids with me. I look the way that I look, and I’m walking past a Confederate flag with a group of dudes in a pickup truck on the beach.” This experience made her retreat to the safety of the house, discussing her discomfort with the hosts who were used to the flag but didn’t share her perspective.

“I’ve got these two kids with me. I look the way that I look, and I’m walking past a Confederate flag.” – Sunny Hostin

During “The View” last week, Hostin reflected on her decade on the show and her previous statements about feeling uncomfortable around numerous American flags. She mentioned that the American flag has been co-opted by certain groups who equate it with White supremacy, a misuse she finds concerning.

Hostin clarified her stance on the American flag during Monday’s podcast. She stated the issue arises when it’s displayed en masse in certain areas. Her concern is that the flag has been “weaponized” by the far right, who express their beliefs through its display.

“Unfortunately, at this point in our country, the American flag has been co-opted by the far right.” – Sunny Hostin

Hostin supports efforts to “reclaim” the flag as a symbol of justice, freedom, and equality. She wants the flag to represent the promise of America instead of division.

Back in 2021, Hostin addressed the discomfort Black Americans feel regarding American flags, defending MSNBC analyst Mara Gay’s sentiments about seeing such flags in Long Island, New York. Hostin emphasized the importance of taking back the flag’s true meaning.