Photo of Baby Wrapped in American Flag Ignites Internet Outrage

The Internet is fueled primarily by porn, cats and outrage, so it's never surprising when a heated debate erupts over what seems to be a non-issue.

But even knowing that the mentality of the average comment board troll is that of a cranky toddler, this morning's Controversy of the Day is particularly baffling.

That's a photo taken by Navy veteran and professional photographer Vanessa Hicks. 

The image shows the 8-day-old child of one of Hicks' friends draped in an American flag that's being held by a sailor.

You might not expect it to look at the photo, but judging from the reaction on social media ... People. Are. Pissed.

The pic made its way onto a Facebook page titled, "You Call Yourself a Photographer?" (Yes, there's a Facebook devoted solely to bashing photographers. Because, ya know, there's just too much positivity online.)

Commenters accused Hicks of using the flag as a "prop" and violating American flag code in a "rude, disrespectful and tacky" fashion.

Between this kerfuffle and the controversy over the fake baby in American Sniper, there are entirely too many babies being caught up in debates over patriotism these days.

We call it babe-riotism and it's gotten out of hand! What's next, we won't be allowed to use copies of the Declaration of Independence to treat diaper rash?! Enough is enough!

All joking aside, Hicks says she was hurt by the online reaction and her intention was never to offend, but to celebrate that which inspires our nations troops.

She responded thusly on Facebook:

"I do believe that picture right there shows what it is to be an American. That flag, the uniform, the baby - exactly what every service member is out there fighting for."

We'll leave it up to you to decide if Hicks misused the flag when she was setting up her shot, but surely her intentions in taking the photo can't be argued with.

Celebrities Who Have Deleted Political Messages

1.Rihanna

Rihanna claims she never meant to Tweet #FreePalestine. The message was taken down immediately after going up.

2.Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard feels your pain, Rihanna. He managed to make the exact same mistake.

3.Patricia Heaton

Patricia Heaton attacked Georgetown student Sandra Fluke in 2012 after the young woman testified before Congress that contraception should be covered by insurance. The actress later apologized and even deleted her Twitter account.

4.Kim Kardashian

In November 2012, Kim Kardashian Tweeted (and then deleted) "praying for everyone in Israel" and "praying for everyone in Palestine and across the world!" She proceeded to apologize for offending any followers.

Advertisement

A message from our sponsor.

5.Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher angered many when he shared his thoughts on the Joe Paterno and Jerry Sandusky child sex scandal in November 2011. He later said he was sorry and did not have all the facts when sending his original message.

6.January Jones

In June 2014, January Jones #TBT picture from her early modeling days. It depicted her in a tribal-themed sweater vest, standing between what appeared like two shirtless African men. "I had to swap my #tbt pics because I was receiving to many negative comments and assumptions," Jones wrote as a mea culpa. "This forum should be a happy and fun place I had no patience for hate."

7.Dr. Phil

On Twitter, Dr. Phil asked: “If a girl is drunk, is it OK to have sex with her? Reply yes or no to @drphil #teenaccused." He later removed this Tweet and denied accusations that he was promoting date rape.

The End.

Up Next: "Celebrities Who Have Deleted Political Messages."

We'll be redirecting you shortly...