Flying the flag upside down is a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property, according to the U.S. Flag Code. It is a symbol of a nation in distress and is increasingly being used by those on both sides of the political spectrum as a form of peaceful protest. The U.S. Flag Code is officially a law, but there arent any federal punishments or enforcement for people who dont follow the code. While flying the flag upside down can be a way to show support for a cause or movement, activists and organizers encourage supporters to not feel that theyve done enough work by simply flying a flag upside down. They suggest that supporters should also show their support in ways that actually enact change.