You know it's something deeper when they are making this such a big deal about a simple flag and anthem. Who cares?
I see between the lines. It's all about keeping your "slaves" in control. This flag and anthem represents everything America stands for; genocide, theft, injustice, inequality and lies.
Can't have the players thinking they can disrespect that or else they'll start taking a stand against everything else. Gotta keep em mentally ignorant and focused only on them checks. Can't have em using their voice and brains to take a stand.