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 »
So, you want to fly an American Flag in front of your hame. Good for you! But, what do you need to know about buying the right sized flag with the right materials for outdoors, considering durability and sun exposure? What are your choices for displaying the flag? Here’s some very useful information about how to go about buying a flag, flag poles and ultimately, mounting it for display.
The US Flag Shows Your Colors- Red, White and True Blue
From Betsy Ross’ first efforts to sew an emblem of a new nation, to the Star Spangled Banner flown in the War of 1812 that inspired Francis Scott Key to write a poem that would become our national anthem, to the stars and stripes that were hoisted amid the wreckage of the World Trade Center after September 11, the U.S. flag represents the principles, the hope, and the perseverance of the United States and of the American people.
Individuals and businesses purchase U.S. Flags to demonstrate their patriotism and their support for our country and for the men and women who serve in our armed forces. Yet, because most people buy very few U.S. flags over the course of their lifetimes, it’s sometimes difficult to know what kind of U.S. flag to buy, or which flag would be most appropriate for the use you have in mind. Here, then, are some pointers:
Materials for Outdoor U.S. Flags
The four most popular brands of U.S. flags are Dura-Lite, Bulldog, Champion, and Endurance. Dura-Lite U.S. flags are known for their durable nylon fabrication, rich colors, versatility, and sewn stripes. Bulldog flags are made from high quality cotton, and feature embroidered stars and sewn stripes. Champion flags are constructed from durable polyester, and are known for withstanding the elements - like moisture, wind, and sun. These extra rugged flags are typically employed for institutional uses, and feature either sewn or embroidered stars and sewn stripes. Endurance flags are made from rugged mesh nylon with appliqued stars and sewn stripes. The mesh reduces wind resistance, giving the flag a very long life, while its light weight gives it extraordinary flying ability.
What Size is Right?
When you purchase U.S. flags, the size of the flag is largely dependent upon the size of the flagpole. A 15-foot flagpole, for example, would fly a flag no larger than about 2-1/2 feet by 4 feet. A 30-foot flag pole would fly a U.S. flag about 5 feet by 8 feet, and a 40-foot flag pole would fly a flag about 8 feet by 12 feet.
Flying the U.S. Flag at Home
Most people don’t have flagpoles in their front yards, and so opt for U.S. flag residential mounts. There are several options available. One is an aluminum flagpole that measures five feet by one inch and that is recommended for flags that are either 2 feet by 3 feet or 3 feet by 5 feet. You can also purchase pole sets that have a heavy-duty two-position mounting bracket and 1-1/2-inch aluminum pole. Some pole sets come with a decorative eagle, poles that extend up to 6 feet, and a pewter finish.
If you don’t wish to use a bracket and pole, you can certainly display your U.S. flag on your balcony, windowsill, or against the wall. When you do so, proper flag etiquette dictates that the flag is displayed flat, either horizontally or vertically, with the stars displayed on the flag’s own right. This means that, when you’re standing in front of the flag, the star area (also called the union) should be to your left.
The US flag is a wonderful symbol of the liberties and principles that we hold dear, and those who purchase U.S. flags are always encouraged to proudly display the stars and stripes.
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about How to Purchase U.S. Flags or Majon’s Shopping - General directory.
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June 27 2008 | American Flags | No Comments »