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 »