Archive for the 'flags' Category

Amazing Popularity of the Confederate Flag

Most of us are likely to recognize the Confederate battle flag as a symbol of the southern United States. Also referred to as the Southern Cross, this flag has some very strong associations. For some, these are positive, but for others, they’re quite negative. Some people see the Confederate flag as a proud symbol of the south, and an emblem of their heritage. Other people are likely to see it as a reminder of blue laws and segregation, as well as other racist institutions. A large number of extreme hate groups - more than five hundred by one count - also use this flag as a symbol. That makes the issue even more complicated.

There’s a common misperception that the battle flag was also the national flag. The truth is that it wasn’t even the primary battle flag. What we currently recognize as the Confederate flag is actually one of about a hundred and eighty different flags carried into battle on the southern side during the Civil War. Not only that, but the national flag of the confederacy changed several times, too. There were three different flags used by the Confederacy during this period. Some of the Confederate flags looked like the familiar Southern Cross. Others bore very little resemblance to it.

Display of the Confederate flag is a highly controversial issue for many people - it’s hard to get anyone to agree on exactly what it stands for. When flown, some will see it as an overt form of support for the organizations and racist practices that dominated the south for much of its history. However, other people will see the same flag as a sign of regional pride and acknowledgment of their past. Some, mostly outside the US, even use it as a general symbol of rebellion, divorced from the Civil War entirely.

Because of this mixed symbolism, displaying the Confederate flag at a sporting event, on a public building, or as part of a state flag is a big deal. This flag is very politically charged, and some people even see it as an attack. That’s why legislatures in the south have been struggling with the problem of the Confederate flag for almost twenty years now.

Many states still display this flag in some locations and on particular locations. It’s a good idea to remember that display of the Confederate flag, while politically charged, isn’t always a direct statement about race.

Display of the Confederate flag is, for many, a personal point of pride. That means that many displays of the flag aren’t done out of a racist motivation. There are some that do mean this, however, and if you’re thinking about displaying this flag, you should keep that in mind.

There’s a long history behind the Confederate flag, and it’s a point of pride for lots of people. That makes it a bad idea to dismiss it as merely a symbol of racism. This flag means a great deal to a large number of people. However, you should remember that there are lots of negative associations that go with this flag. No matter how you feel about it, everyone has a strong reaction.

The Confederate battle flag has a long history, and is still looked on with pride by many. That means that it shouldn’t be dismissed as a banner of racism. It’s a popular symbol that means a lot to many people. Just remember that there are negative associations, too, and that almost everyone reacts strongly to it when it’s on display.

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July 11 2008 | flags | No Comments »

Spice Up Your Home Decor With Holiday Flags

You might associate flags with national pride, but that’s not all they’re for. Lots of people are also deciding to display flags for important occasions and holidays. You can choose from a wide variety of holiday flags, including Easter, Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Thanksgiving, not to mention lots of others. Here are a few of your options when it comes to choosing from popular holiday flag designs.

New Years: New Year’s flags are getting more popular, and tend to be mostly party oriented. Some can be reused year after year, but others have the date printed or sewn on them. You may also see patriotic New Year’s flags, featuring the Stars and Stripes in various arrangements. You can order custom flags and choose from many sizes and colors. For other cultures that don’t celebrate the traditional January 1st New Year, there are still New Year’s flags. Chinese New Year flags and ones for other cultures are also available.

Valentine’s Day: In February, you’ll be able to fly sweet Valentine’s Day designs. Once thought to be the first day of the mating season for birds, Valentine’s Day has associations with love and romance, and so do its flags. Choose from classic hearts, arrows, Cupids, balloons and roses. If you’re not feeling in the Valentine’s Day spirit, think about a broken heart flag. These flags are flown just about everywhere, from parties and restaurants to at home.

St. Patrick’s Day: Fly the green on St. Patrick’s day. Choose from lots of different flags that people associate with Ireland, from its national flag to shamrocks, rainbows, leprechauns and pots of gold. You’ll see these in parades, in people’s houses, and in bars and pubs serving green beer.

Easter: Another popular choice are Easter flags, whether they’re secular or religious. You’ll see rabbits and chicks, Easter eggs, lilies, spring items and other symbols on flags. These are fun flags to display at kids’ parties, or just because you’re happy to see Spring. For those who prefer a strong religious statement, crosses and other more traditional Easter symbols are also available for display. They’ll remind passers by that Easter isn’t just about chocolate.

Fourth of July: For the Fourth of July, the American flag is an old standby, but that’s not the only one that people fly. There are historical American flags, flags with fireworks, and others with other patriotic designs. Fly them proudly to celebrate Independence Day.

Thanksgiving: There are more Thanksgiving flags out these days, too. You’ll see them indoors and on people’s homes, with designs like the Mayflower and first settlers, fall leaves, cornucopias, turkeys, scarecrows and more. These flags fly during parades, or just during a good family meal.

Christmas: Christmas is a season for flags, too. Like Easter, it’s developed its own secular symbols, in addition to the religious ones. That means you’ll see crosses and nativity flags, as well as holly and ivy. You may see Christmas tree flags, candy cane flags, Santa and his reindeer, snowmen, Christmas lights, and lots more.

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June 24 2008 | flags | No Comments »

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