For some it is a symbol of Southern pride and culture.
For others, it is a symbol of racism and hatred.
Some hang it with pride.
Some want to burn it.
Regardless, the Confederate Flag is controversial. It is one of those things that you don't really want to talk about at the dinner table. Or in the cafeteria. Or in class. Or in the bathroom. Or in the dorms. And especially not in a car (as you have no where to run).
BUT NAY...
It is an important conversation to be had. And it is essential to hear others views.
Here is where I voice my opinion, and I will try to back it with facts. Continue on if you will...
Let us start at the beginning.
The flag as we know it was born not as a symbol, but as an practical banner. It was created as an alternative to the Confederacy's first national flag- the Stars and Bars.
The Stars and Bars, too closely resembling the Star and Stripes banner, quickly fell out of favor. The Confederate commanders in Northern Virginia sought a different banner to serve as their battle flag, as it was dangerous and impractical to have such a similar looking flag on the battle field.
In the later two flags the Confederate government, the Northern Virginia battle flag was incorporated into the canton. The flags not only served as emblems, but had an emotional significance to soldiers' families and their descendants.
By incorporating the Northern Virginia flag into the flag of the Confederacy, they intertwined the flag with the values of the Confederacy. It was no longer the flag of the North Virginian soldier. It was associated with a government that seceded from the United States over the issues of slavery and states' rights. (In Article IX, Section 4 of Confederate constitution, any law "denying or impairing the right of property in negro slaves" was strictly prohibited).
Quickly after the end of the war, white Southerners began using the Confederate flag as commemoration for fallen heroes. It was only until the mid 1900's that the flag took on associations unrelated to the Confederacy and the Civil War.In 1948, the "rebel flag" (North Virginian army flag) had resurged to mean something new; it became a symbol of protest of civil rights and resistance of Jim Crow segregation laws. A member from the newly formed de- segregationist Dixiecrat Party ran for president. They adopted the flag in resistance of the federal government. Their campaigns loomed with the "Southern Crosses".
The more desegregation progressed, the more the Confederate flags emerged. The flag was seen on clothing, towels, diapers, etc. Despite laws that prohibited the desecration of the Confederate flag, the flag became a symbol of rebellion.
Even today, the Confederate flag is worn "rebelliously". It is known to cause tension and discomfort. It is known to be controversial. While it is legal to desecrate the flag, because of the First Amendment, some states have tried passing laws to protect the Confederate Flag.
The issue of whether the Confederate Flag should be banned or protected will continue to be at the center of debate. This is because we live in a very dynamic, diverse, and fast paced society. A flag that has historical associations with slavery, white supremacy, racism, and segregation should be debated. It should be questioned. The pros and cons of having it on display should be weighed.
Personally, I think we should take it take down the flag and put it in a museum. It shouldn't be hidden. But it also shouldn't be displayed on street corners or on articles of clothing. It is part of our American history. It is important. But we need to take it down. I'm sure there are much more inclusive symbols of the South that we can cherish and take pride in.
But what do I know? I'm from the North.
