The crucifix is a symbol with the power removed. Once again, if Christ returned today, He would have to endure the wasteproducts of a society which has been a poor caretaker of the world - pollution, waste of resources and endure the poisons and hate excreted by billions of people. The exhibit was structured with an American flag laid out on the floor and a book where patrons could write comments situated in a way that you would have to actually step on the flag in order to get to the book. The flag is a piece of material which represents an idea, and that idea is freedom. However, the flag is constantly used in trivial ways.
Politicians use the flag to promote their own candidacy.
Liquor stores use the flag in their newspaper ads. A gas station chain uses the flag as a huge billboard to advertise their location. Again, through overuse, and through the lack of an impetus for us to thoughtfully examine our beliefs about freedom and what the flag stands for, the flag loses its meaning. Imagine yourself viewing this exhibit. It's a tougher confrontation to actually think of yourself taking that step onto the flag, than crumpling a newspaper with hundreds of ads that use the flag.