My family has suffered at the hands of the Chavista regime in Venezuela. My friends have suffered at the hands of the Chavista regime in Venezuela. The current emoji for my country's flag represents a destructive power and dictatorship over the Venezuelan people. This version of the flag, for many Venezuelans, symbolizes an era of oppression, corruption, and hardship. The icon meant to represent Venezuela on digital platforms carries a weight that is burdensome to those wishing for the grace and pride associated with the nation’s rich history before the regime's overhaul.

To many, the pre-Chavista flag bearing seven stars and the original coat of arms, with the white horse proudly facing east, evokes the spirit of a free and democratic Venezuela. It symbolizes a time when Venezuela stood as a beacon of prosperity and hope in Latin America. Restoring this historic symbol in digital communications expresses solidarity with the Venezuelans who dream of peace and democracy.

Adjusting an emoji might seem trivial from a technical perspective, but to millions of Venezuelans around the world, it is significant. Restoring the pre-Chavista flag emoji will honor the Venezuelan diaspora and those who resisted, fought, and continue to fight for their homeland's future.

Reverting the emoji is a manageable task that global tech companies can undertake with consideration of cultural sensitivities and historical context. It is a truthful representation of the wishes of a large community seeking proper acknowledgment in a digital age where symbols carry weight and meaning.

Join us in urging major tech platforms like Apple, Google, and Facebook to update the Venezuelan flag emoji to the more historically meaningful design based on the 1954-2006 flag. Help us forge a path that recognizes Venezuelans' resilience and the enduring wish for freedom. Stand with the Venezuelan community against oppression — sign this petition and be part of the change towards recognizing Venezuela's true spirit.