One has to laugh at the fuss in Peru over a nude model who used the national flag as a saddle.
A naked model photographed using Peru’s flag as a saddle while mounted on a horse will face charges that could put her in jail for up to four years for offending patriotic symbols, the country’s defence minister said on Wednesday.
The suggestive shot of Leysi Suarez, whose main job is dancing for the band Alma Bella, or Beautiful Soul, was splashed on the cover of DFarandula magazine and has caused a political uproar as Peru prepares to celebrate the 187th anniversary of its independence from Spain on Monday.
“These are patriotic symbols that demand total respect, and using them improperly requires punishment,” defence Minister Antero Flores told reporters. “This is an offence.”
Flores has ordered a public prosecutor to take up the case and file charges.
Suarez said it was patriotic to pose for the photo.
“I haven’t committed a crime. I love Peru and show it with my body and soul,” the dancer said on RPP radio.
Mario Amoretti, a well-known lawyer, said it depends in part on how Peru’s red-and-white flag was used.
“It’s one thing to cover your body with the flag, but quite another thing to be naked and using it as a horse’s saddle,” he said.
And to think that US conservatives get heated about flag-burning! What would they say to a naked model’s backside being planted on the flag, both being on horseback at the time?
Canada might be more understanding. After all, didn’t Mounties always get their man?
Peter
It looks like she’s not so much sitting on it, as it’s been hung to be shown off. I don’t know how centered that symbol in the middle is, but the top of the flag seems to be at the middle of the horse’s back, which means she’s not actually sitting on the saddle.
I’m sure a fair number of patriotic men would cheer if such a pose was set up with the American flag. She’s obviously not using it as a saddle blanket or wipe.
Can’t they find some heroic volunteer willing to sacrifice his body in place of his beloved flag?
Everybody loves to take offense at what others are doing. Maybe we should outlaw whining.