This is the first post in quite a long time, but hopefully one of many soon to come on many topics. What I want to speak about is an issue of intolerance that must be addressed.
Now this has to do with a symbol of the conflict that tore this nation apart 140 years ago, not about which side was right or wrong in the conflict (that subject is being researched by me right now, and I shall expound upon it later.) That symbol is the flag of the the ill fated Confederate States of America. It is a symbol that brings pride to those who have heritage among the South, and illicits a certain amount of respect for those who fought and died fighting under it. However, this flag has unfortunately been used by some groups as a symbol of hatred, and is therefore construed in being racist in origin.
If the Confederate battle flag (for this is the flag that most are familiar with) is a symbol of racism, then we must take down other well known symbols of racism as well. Such as, unfortunately, the American flag. For almost eighty years prior to the Civil War, and for 100 years after, American law held African-American's in slavery, and afterward, it disenfranchised many of them, segregating schools, making it almost impossible for blacks to vote, and other methods of racism that were supported by American laws; and the flag is a symbol of America.
As unfortunate as it is that certain groups such as the Ku Klux Klan have taken the Confederate battle standard and used it as a symbol of their own intolerance, it does not mean that it is a symbol of hatred or racism. Blacks fought under that flag as well as whites (if you don't believe me, look it up) and it became their standard as well. Let those who take pride in what their ancestors did proudly display it. It is their right as an American; it is their First Amendment right as given them by the United States Constitution. It is heritage, not hatred.
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Hmm... interesting thoughts. I can see both sides of the issue. Basically, I agree with what you've said, b/c the confederate flag can and does represent many good things for many people. Unfortunately... for many others it IS a symbol of racism (for obvious, and I believe legitimate, reasons) and until that changes, I have to wonder if it is really appropriate for others to display it. While it is certainly their right, in deference to others, perhaps people should put that right on hold. It seems a little... antagonistic. I mean if you KNOW many people find it personally offensive, why would you insist on displaying it? To me that's saying that you value your right to display it more than you value the potential feelings of your brothers and sisters in Christ. (Not you personally, b/c as far as I know, you don't dispay a confederate flag...just speaking in general terms.)
I am all about people voicing their beliefs in a forum like you have here in an attempt to educate people on why it is NOT simply a symbol of racism, with respect and grace. In fact I think that's the best thing people can do. It's unfortunate, but simply because of the controversy surrounding the flag, I think that might be a better option than to actually display it.
I hope you know these are the thoughts of a very uneducated woman on this topic. I would welcome opinions in contradiction to mine to show where mine falls short. These are just some very rough, initial thoughts... b/c all in all I agree that it is a person's right to display the flag as they wish. I just wonder if it's really the best option.
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