What I find astonishing though is how the artists did not intend or even anticipate any of what you describe (if they're telling the truth). And that, I think,

What I find astonishing though is how the artists did not intend or even anticipate any of what you describe (if they're telling the truth). And that, I think, is not a sign of any transatlantic cultural gap. It's an intellectual failure on the part of the artists. Artists are supposed to be experts in symbolism and perception. In my view, what makes some art interesting is the tension between expectations and perception. To play with that, you have to be aware of the way in which your art will be perceived by others. I'm not saying that artists should never be surprised. But how can anyone be surprised about a white flag being interpreted as a sign of surrender? How can anyone be surprised that any modification of a nation's flag will be seen by some as malevolent defacement and an attack on that nation? I'm not saying it shouldn't be done. I'm just saying that "oops, we never thought this could be seen as anti-american" is an embarrassing statement to make if it comes from artists whose art is meant to be seen by the general public as opposed to some small circle of insiders visiting a gallery.