Is the confederate flag considered offensive by the majority of America?

SSG Robert Burns — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 19:57:32 -0400

Im doing this pole in reference to another question since it can't be added to it after the fact. No response is necessary if you don't want to, just trying to take the survey. If you'd like to comment you can go to this thread as well. https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/displaying-the-confederate-flag-on-your-pov-or-person-while-on-a-military-installation

Displaying the Confederate flag on your POV or person while on a military installation |...

Recently, I had a long and heated discussion with a fellow veteran about this issue. I don't know for sure whether a branch-specific reg or a DoD-wide reg exists that prohibits/allows personnel on a military installation to display the Confederate flag on their personal vehicle or on their person (e.g. a belt buckle). Maybe this is a base-specific policy and left to the judgment of the installation commander. Display of the Confederate flag is...

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 24 at 2014 8:04 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 20:04:26 -0400

I don't believe it is offensive, but that's MHO.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2014 8:11 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 20:11:57 -0400

I am not trying to be that guy but isn't this just a ploy to get points off another discussion that is very active at the moment.

Hard times take desperate measures.

Response by Cpl Michael Strickler made Aug 24 at 2014 9:40 PM

Cpl Michael Strickler — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 21:40:59 -0400

It all depends on the personality of the 'person' flying it
the flag is ok... kinda like flying the flag your favorite team that was in last place. hahahahahahahahahaha oh slavery

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2014 7:19 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 07:19:33 -0400

It's not the flag itself that is offensive, it's that many people who fly this flag tend to be offensive.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2014 1:44 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 13:44:51 -0400

I never considered it offensive. I considered it ridiculous to fly a flag other than the one that represents our country. It was the battle flag of the Confederacy, then some rednecks hijacked it to represent the KKK and, by proxy, slavery.

Well, Tony, it's not about hate, it's about heritage. Fine. Then why does no one fly the Union Jack, or the French Tri Coleur?

I will salute one flag, and one only.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Aug 26 at 2014 7:02 AM

PFC Zanie Young — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 07:02:57 -0400

While I respect the Confederacy (they were warriors after all and I would salute that flag at their gravesites), it is offensive to be on a military garrison because we are not the Confederacy of America.

Response by SFC Terry Creason made Aug 26 at 2014 9:59 PM

SFC Terry Creason — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 21:59:48 -0400

It isn't view in the historical perspective as it should be and then again some people use it inappropriately.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2014 5:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 17:49:05 -0400

Whether the flag itself is "offensive" is not the issue. If a person is offended, it doesn't matter what the intent of the person displaying the flag was.

Response by COL Randall C. made Aug 27 at 2014 8:15 PM

COL Randall C. — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 20:15:49 -0400

SSG Robert Burns, the answer to the question (according to the a 2011 Pew Poll) is No, the majority of America does not consider the Confederate Flag as offensive (69%). However, there are three times as many that do consider it offensive (30%) when compared to those that have a positive reaction to it (9%).

When looked at by race, 41% of Blacks had a negative reaction, but still the majority (48%) were neither positive or negative towards it (here's a strange one ... Blacks had a slightly more positive (10%) reaction than Whites (8%))

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2014 12:54 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 00:54:57 -0400

That was not the Confederate flag. This was what the flag looked like. The star spangled blue cross on red was the Confederate battle banner that they used during the Civil War. That is what is offensive to some, that you are opposing the Union. The actual Confederate flag has been forgotten.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Aug 28 at 2014 11:46 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 11:46:03 -0400

It's part of America's history. The flag itself is now simply identified with the South and no longer should be viewed as a symbol of slavery or insurrection.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2014 3:38 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 03:38:26 -0400

It's not offensive to me, but i've heard many comments made about it.

Response by LT Brian Farmer made Sep 4 at 2014 1:15 AM

LT Brian Farmer — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 01:15:55 -0400

Only in America does the losing side in a war get to display their flag. Not to mention the losing side fought to continue enslaving people for personal economic gain.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Sep 15 at 2014 9:58 AM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 09:58:24 -0400

homage to traitors.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2014 2:02 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 02:02:01 -0400

Sorry maybe not offensive but I don't understand the need to fly the flag or have bumper stickers with it. Seems to be purposely trying to send a message of agitation in my opinion. I guess I have never known or heard a good reason to hold dear to this flag after 150 plus years.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 8:14 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 08:14:07 -0500

Although I understand the historical significance and pride of southerners, I also understand that for many this symbolizes a very sad time in our nation's history. Because of the connection to slavery and the perception that this is a pro-slavery symbol, I think it's mostly considered offensive.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Nov 2 at 2014 8:54 AM

SSG Tim Everett — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 08:54:21 -0500

The flag itself symbolises one of two things, depending on where you're from and what your skin colour is: it either USUALLY symbolises one's "southern heritage" (usually "HEY Y'ALL I'M A COUNTRY BOY!") or it can also mean "the person flying that flag is probably a redneck and a bigot, so I'd better be careful". Of course I suppose there's the third option: "who really cares?"

The irony that I tend to see the most is, people who fly a Confederate battle flag oftentimes will say "it's my right to fly this flag, I ain't no racist but I don't care if you're offended"... but the minute they're in the presence of two men holding hands or kissing, suddenly they're the ones getting butt-hurt about how that's offensive to them and they shouldn't have to see it.

People tend to lose perspective really quickly when the shoe is on the other foot.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2015 10:48 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 10:48:56 -0500

This country has one flag and if you choose to put that Conf flag up and don't have our countries flag flying above it then you lost my respect maybe I'm wrong but IDC this country has 1 flag and that's the flag we as vets should be flying but that's my opinion it's our freedom to do otherwise even if it pisses people like me off

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Jan 17 at 2015 11:54 AM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 11:54:24 -0500

I doubt that a whole lot of Americans think about it one way or the other, except for the vocal minority of folks that go around looking to be offended. I do not.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 9:56 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 09:56:49 -0500

I voted "considered" because it is considered...now do I think its offensive, no. I won't fly it because too many people do consider it offensive. Btw my "Nelson's" didn't get here till 1880 :P

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 7 at 2015 4:34 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Thu, 07 May 2015 04:34:55 -0400

Personally, I look at the confederate flag for its historical significance.

Response by SPC Carl K. made May 7 at 2015 5:29 AM

SPC Carl K. — Thu, 07 May 2015 05:29:18 -0400

The last time I checked, it was the battle flag for the Army of Northern Virginia. The media has stirred this up into a racist issue, I believe.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 5:30 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 05:30:24 -0400

It comes down to intent. I'm sure some fly it because they are racist. I, like GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad, see it for its historical significance. I also see it as a symbol of rebellion against a federal government that’s grown too large.

Response by MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM made May 7 at 2015 5:54 AM

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Thu, 07 May 2015 05:54:54 -0400

You're argument is less than valid. If you think that flag should be displayed proudly because of heritage than so should the swastica and several other symbols. Yes, they are all the same.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 7 at 2015 8:47 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 07 May 2015 08:47:56 -0400

Just a sad reminder of a failed rebellion....

Response by SPC Christian Ziegler made May 7 at 2015 9:07 AM

SPC Christian Ziegler — Thu, 07 May 2015 09:07:48 -0400

If you look at that flag and the first thing that comes to mind is race, maybe you need to take a close look inside. I may not have all that good schooling but even I learned the war was started over the southern states wanting to break away from the Union, and not over slavery. Slavery was added to get more fighting power to the north and disrupt the south.

Yes some hate groups use the flag and there dumber than shit for doing so. It's not what the Flag is about. But you may want to argue about it as is your right.

But think about this. There is a symbol out there that over 100milion people in America wear or have in there home that hate crimes have been committed in its name but nobody say's a word about it. It's ok people would rather forget that. It is the CROSS. (Please don't get me wrong im not against the church or anything just making my point) Scouts Out.

Response by SGT Curtis Earl made May 7 at 2015 9:33 AM

SGT Curtis Earl — Thu, 07 May 2015 09:33:13 -0400

This isn't really a discussion. The only way we can even entertain this discussion is to intentionally disregard history. Utilize your Google-fu and read what the truth is behind the flag.

1. The war was fought over State's rights... the State’s Right issue was the State's right to decide if people could own slaves. That is a historical fact. The South wasn't moving towards Abolition and the North took advantage of that. Southern apologists will try to pretend that the Civil War wasn't about slavery much the same way George Bush tried to change the narrative of the Iraq invasion from "OH NO, WMD!!!!" to "Saddam is a bad guy."

2. The flag being used today is *not* the Battle Flag of the Confederacy. I'll post a wiki to the history of the flag.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flags_of_the_Confederate_States_of_America

3. The flag is hated because it's only used by racists. Neo Nazis. Skinheads. KKK members and other such groups. Do any Southern churches fly this flag? Any valid organizations? Bank of America? Nope, it’s the bass-ackwards states like Mississippi that incorporated the flag into their identity. Look at the bottom of the education and poverty ladders and you’ll find all of the Confederate Flag waving states there.

4. Even if they flew the correct flag, it's still marred by the racists that use it for hate. "Heritage not Hate" folks are suffering the same curse as Islam. Because a percent of a percent of a demographic did something awful, everyone associates Muslims with terrorism. It doesn't matter that police officers and domestic american terrorists have killed more Americans since 9/11 than all of the terror attacks combined to include the people that died on 9/11.

There is a narrative concerning the Confederate Flag, and you "Heritage not Hate" folks have allowed the worst people on earth control it. Whatever your reasons for flying it, all we see are Klansmen stalking elementary schools and burning crosses on people's lawns. Occasionally, for shits and giggles, they drag a black person or gay man to death behind their truck.

The Swastika is a perfect parallel. The Swastika is over actually 12,000 year old. The symbol can still be seen on temples, buses, taxis, and on the cover of books. It was used in Ancient Greece and can be found in the remains Troy, which existed 4,000 years ago. But the Swastika was co-opted and used by of one of the most hated men on Earth. It now represents the slaughter of millions of people and one of the most destructive wars in the history of the world. Now Neo Nazis tattoo it on their necks. Skin Heads carve into their skulls.

To African Americans, the Confederate Flag is a symbol of hate and discrimination. That’s its legacy. If you truly care about your heritage, accept the past without excuses and control the narrative.

edit: added a link for the info I shamelessly copy/pasted
http://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/symbol-swastika-and-its-12000-year-old-history-001312

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 10:43 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 10:43:55 -0400

If you say Nee in Dutch it means no... if you say it in Greece, it means yes. If you've ever been to Korea, you will have noticed that there are swastikas all over the map, however it has nothing to do with Nazis and simply represents the presence of a Buddhist temple.

For some the Confederate flag represents positive attributes, for others it represents racism and slavery... if you want to understand what it means to someone you should avoid making assumptions and ask them what it means.

Response by SGT Richard H. made May 7 at 2015 10:49 AM

SGT Richard H. — Thu, 07 May 2015 10:49:46 -0400

Depends on perspective, I suppose. The Civil war was about slavery, yes, but it was about a number of other things too. For that matter, one could argue that slavery isn't even about race (since the question addresses racism). Yes, that's how it played out in our country, but I would bet that if the "free" labor was white, Asian, Spanish, or whatever, the fight (and the results) would have been the same.

To me, as much as slavery, the Confederate flag represents a deep political division of our Country and a bloody brother-on-brother war. While it's a part of our history that I'm sure some would just as soon forget, we'd better not.

Personally, I have no use for the Confederate flag. I see it as representative of a broken country that cost a lot of blood to fix, all over something that never should have happened in the first place.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 11:18 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 11:18:15 -0400

There is only one appropriate place to display the confederate flag.... on the roof of a '69 hemi-orange Dodge Charger.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 11:49 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 11:49:25 -0400

The Confederacy was not formed to preserve slavery. Slavery was a minor issue in the grand scheme of things that led to the Civil War.

The Confederacy was all about State's Rights vs Big Federal government.

Now I grew up in Ohio, so I got the northerner's view on the Civil War and they really drilled it into ya that it was fought to free the slaves. It was fought to reunite the country (north) vs preserving the rights of the individual states (south).

We're starting to see it again. Government is getting too big and butting it's nose into the business of the States.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made May 7 at 2015 5:46 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Thu, 07 May 2015 17:46:22 -0400

To downplay the role of slavery in the advent of the Civil War is dishonest at best. The four states that issued "declarations of cause" featured slavery as the single largest driver. It is a recurring theme throughout much of the documentation of that time.

Is it historically significant? Sure. It's also deeply embedded in the racist history of our country.

The Reasons for Secession

The Civil War Trust's history article analyzing the reasons for secession as set forth in the Articles of Secession and Declarations of Causes issued by the Southern states.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 7 at 2015 5:49 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Thu, 07 May 2015 17:49:54 -0400

Didn't this topic get beaten to death in another thread?

Heritage, NOT Hate

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 7 at 2015 8:26 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Thu, 07 May 2015 20:26:29 -0400

Had two roommates back in the early 90's. One was black from Florida. The other was white from Arkansas. As we were decorating our rooms, the Arkie pulled out a Confederate flag. The Floridian bluntly said, "Really?" The Arkie went on the explain about how it represented his heritage and ties to the south. However, the Arkie simply folded up and stowed it away. In this exchange, I learned that this symbol has entirely different meanings for different people. The friendship and mutual respect prevailed.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 9:12 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 21:12:32 -0400

I can understand how one might view the confederate flag in the same light that the Nazi flag is viewed.

With that said, to many, it is a symbol of cultural heritage. You dont have to understand it, you dont have to even agree with it, but if someone views it as a symbol of their roots, of their culture, respect it.

There are other flags in the world that could ve construed as oppressive. In fact, the Ottoman Empire was responsible for genocide of the Armenians and their flag is largely that of Turkey. Should we demand that Turkey abandon their symbol of murder abd genocide? Thats obsurd, of course we wouldnt.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made May 7 at 2015 9:17 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Thu, 07 May 2015 21:17:30 -0400

There's no heritage, it lasted 4 yrs and they lost.

Response by SSgt Marshall Franklin made May 7 at 2015 9:26 PM

SSgt Marshall Franklin — Thu, 07 May 2015 21:26:18 -0400

To it is a dark time in or history. We need to remember that time as to not repeat it. There are too many hate groups that use that flag. To me it is anti American and should only be seen in history books or Museums. We are American's and above all else part of the human RACE. To claim that flag as part of your heritage, its like claiming to be part of a group I won't say. So yes that flag is racist.

Response by MSgt Brian Welch made May 7 at 2015 9:27 PM

MSgt Brian Welch — Thu, 07 May 2015 21:27:39 -0400

Could be either. It depends on what's in a person heart and mind. I don't judge (or try not to) a man by anything but his character.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made May 7 at 2015 9:46 PM

SSG Gerhard S. — Thu, 07 May 2015 21:46:21 -0400

The war between the states was not started over slavery. If you doubt this you should read the words of Abraham Lincoln regarding his beliefs, and his position on the matter.http://m.livescience.com/18863-civil-war-myths.html

Busted: 6 Civil War Myths

From debates over flying the Confederate flag to the war's origins, many myths persist to this day.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 10:48 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 22:48:52 -0400

It's History

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 11:35 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 23:35:38 -0400

I say it's history sergeant, since that flag was used during the Civil War I consider that flag national history.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 7 at 2015 11:46 PM

COL Charles Williams — Thu, 07 May 2015 23:46:02 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Good question. I have answered this before, as this is a recurring theme. I show this in class (the flag and other symbols) when we discuss cultural diversity, prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination, and racial tension. The reactions are interesting to say the least.

I believe the answer to your question is "it depends." It depends on where you are from in these United States. As a white guy from the NJ/NY Metro area, my initial reaction it is a symbol of hate. As a career Army Officer, I would say it depends the perception Soldiers seeing it. I fully understand my brothers from the south say it is about heritage and history. I also know when I was a TAC at West Point (95-97) the local USMA crowd was outraged when the Citadel Football Fans were waiving confederate flags at Michie Stadium during a football game. And, I know I made several Cadets displaying them in their rooms, take them down, and Yes I explained why.

The bottomline is this... Is someone offended by it? If the answer is Yes, then it needs to be addressed. That is what leaders do.

Or... try this. Say you are black Soldier, from say NJ, and you are reporting to your Commander for a disciplinary matter, and behind his desk his/her is confederate flag hanging from the ceiling. How would you feel?

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made May 8 at 2015 2:52 AM

Capt Christian D. Orr — Fri, 08 May 2015 02:52:10 -0400

A bit of historical perspective here: that Infamous Rebel flag is based on the St. Andrews Cross on the Scottish flag; St. Andrew was the patron saint of the Scots-Irish, and the rank & file of the Confederate Army was very much Scots-Irish in ancestral makeup. If any of y'all are interested, later on I'll post links to a couple of books that cover this subject in greater detail.

Response by SPC James Lewis made May 8 at 2015 5:49 AM

SPC James Lewis — Fri, 08 May 2015 05:49:17 -0400

I do not look at the confederate flag as a sign of racism,but as a point in our nation's history that was a sad time,that also had family against family.I know some people view this flag as a racist icon,but it is not,it's history.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 6:39 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 06:39:55 -0400

Personally, being from the south, I know the heritage and the original meaning of the flag. Now a days the flag is meant as a southern pride kind of thing that purely expresses where you're from. While some do use it still as a mark for racism, my experience is that the general use of it now is again..southern pride. I don't see anything wrong with it. I personally don't have one, but I have several friends, black and white, that show the flag with pride of home and not hate.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 8:18 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 08:18:40 -0400

The Confederate flag is a part of history, like it or not. Consequently, that is where it should stay.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 8:59 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 08:59:06 -0400

No. I don't care who you are. The Confederate flag is not racist. Anybody that says it's racist needs a serious history lesson

Response by SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS made May 8 at 2015 8:59 AM

SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS — Fri, 08 May 2015 08:59:14 -0400

SGT Stephen Thurman, in my view it is a historical artifact that was taken to represent white sheet terrorism. This is my perspective.

I was not born (born in 1969) during the height of the Jim Crow Laws and am blessed not to have to harbor the strong hatred for what the flag represented.

You have to understand the emotions attachment the flag represents to many minorities.

Look at it this way. If the black panthers flag was raised next to a state flag lets say in Texas. I would guarantee the Texas Legislature would not only demand to take it down but would introduce a law or two to never allow it to be put up on a Texas government pole.

The black panthers are a group that is obviously anti government. The only thing they have in common with groups like the Knights of Columbus or the KKK is they recruit the poor and disenfranchised filling them with the garbage propaganda that the government is evil and should be fought.

You as a young man, you need to understand the emotional history behind the flag to many minorities. It just cannot be dismissed away for historical claims which are accurate in the contexts of their statement. Try taking an al quada black flag and flying it next to the Stars and Stripes on the 9/11 memorial. How would that sit with the survivors of the attack? Grant it the al quada flag is a national flag that is indigenous to the organization.

the question of whether the Confederate Flag is Racism or heritage which it is both. The question is what emotions does it evoke in the people who see it flying.

It boils down to perspective. Take a person raised in the Jim Crow Laws where they could be beat up by police or framed for crimes without any protections in the name of keeping true to whatever segregation or white purity or just plain old intimidation to keep those "people" in their place. If you were not exposed to such realities then I can understand why you would think that minorities are taking the meaning out of context of your point of view on the flag.

It is about perspective. I think it is both.

Response by SPC Jonathan Monroe made May 8 at 2015 9:14 AM

SPC Jonathan Monroe — Fri, 08 May 2015 09:14:07 -0400

It is the flag of Democrats, so that makes it bad

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 11:56 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 11:56:33 -0400

I don't think that this discussion is about the dark past of our history. Yes. When some see that flag it reminds them of such because it was the flag of the south at that time. However, to me, I don't look at it as a racist item always. it depends on the intent of the person or people displaying it. As we all do, I have many friends from the Deep South, Va, NC etc. and they are some back wood "Darryl From the Walking Dead folk" but are some of the best people I have met and are not racist. They're Just proud to be southern and they're way of life. that's all. Just down right good country folk.

Response by CPT Christopher Webb made May 8 at 2015 4:09 PM

CPT Christopher Webb — Fri, 08 May 2015 16:09:21 -0400

I realize I'm late to this conversation, but I'd still like to share what I experienced recently here in Burleson, Texas. Here's what I posted on Facebook on 22 Apr 15:

Today I met an elderly woman who was running her little store in Burleson, Texas. Amongst here eclectic inventory were a smattering of items displaying the Confederate Battle Flag. As I placed a Confederate Battle Flag license plate on her counter I asked, "Does anyone give you any grief over these?"

"Yes," she said. "Some folks call me a racist, others mutter that they won't shop here ... but some folks are pleased to find them and I'm actually all out of Flags right now." I asked her, "Is it racist?" Her reply: "It certainly isn't to me." She went to Robert E. Lee High School and was a proud REBEL, she beamed.

I told her she was right, it is only racist if you are a racist. I went on to say that I, for one, refuse to let racists have my own beloved symbol of both my status as an Honor Graduate from Robert E. Lee High School as well as my heritage as a descendant of at least 2 Confederate soldiers.

The Confederate Battle Flag is only racist if you are racist ... and the only way to stop it from truly becoming a wholly racist symbol is to refuse to fly it for better reasons, more honorable reasons, valid reasons. Or, you could just fly it because you are a REBEL!!!

In fact that is the best reason of all ... it is the Rebel Flag and to fly it is, at its heart, an act of rebellion against those who have tried to steal it and those who have been willing to stand by and at best let them and at worst helped them try to turn it into their symbol of racial hatred.

(insert Rebel Yell here)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 5:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 17:47:00 -0400

I compare this to the situation our Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) are in. LEOs are not bad at all, it just so happens that the few cases were the LEOs are jackasses and do something horrible is always reported and not the millions of good LEOs and their contributions to society. The same is for the Confederate flag. People from the South support the Confederate flag because it represents our way of life and shows respect to the people that lived in the South before us, specifically the Soldiers and families that fought for the South. Folks from the South are (generaly) good people. It is just unfortunate that most extremists use it as a hate tool. It is not hate, it's heritage!

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 8:00 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 20:00:36 -0400

Heritage

Response by MSgt Sharon Davis made May 8 at 2015 10:16 PM

MSgt Sharon Davis — Fri, 08 May 2015 22:16:08 -0400

No it's only a flag from a country that no longer exists

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 10:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 22:38:31 -0400

Racism and prejudice has been around since the dawn of civilization.

Response by SSgt Randy Saulsberry made May 9 at 2015 12:47 AM

SSgt Randy Saulsberry — Sat, 09 May 2015 00:47:02 -0400

It's both. For some it's just pride in the south and the southern heritage and for others it's a symbol of hate. All depends on who's looking at it

Response by PO3 John Jeter made May 9 at 2015 1:08 AM

PO3 John Jeter — Sat, 09 May 2015 01:08:15 -0400

The flag itself is neither. It's the people under it which give it meaning. The conflict in and of itself, ended up being about slavery. At the beginning it was to prevent the spread of slavery, then later to abolish it. The victors write the history, correct? The trigger to the fighting however, was an act of betrayal by the north in reinforcing Fort Sumter, contrary to an established agreement not to do so.
For many people the flag will always be about heritage, not hatred, while many others will always view it as a symbol of racism. Both sides locked into their narrow parsing of the events and facts used to support their beliefs.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2015 1:47 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2015 01:47:05 -0400

Well, many of the Confederate states were so kind as to leave for posterity the precise reasons for their treasonous secession. For the historically illiterate (or people who were sleeping during their high school and college history courses), those documents are called primary sources. If one actually reads the declaration of causes for secession for those states with a modicum of reading comprehension, it becomes immediately apparent that the South seceded precisely to preserve the evil institution of slavery. I will quote snippets from a few of these declarations:

Georgia:
"The prohibition of slavery in the Territories, hostility to it everywhere, the equality of the black and white races, disregard of all constitutional guarantees in its favor, were boldly proclaimed by [the North's] leaders and applauded by its followers. With these principles on their banners and these utterances on their lips the majority of the people of the North demand that we shall receive them as our rulers. The prohibition of slavery in the Territories is the cardinal principle of this organization."
(Georgia later cited the North's aiding and abetting of fugitive slaves as a principle cause for secession.)

Mississippi: A Declaration of the Immediate Causes which Induce and Justify the Secession of the State of Mississippi from the Federal Union
"Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery-- the greatest material interest of the world."
"[The North] advocates negro equality, socially and politically, and promotes insurrection and incendiarism in our midst."
"It refuses the admission of new slave States into the Union, and seeks to extinguish it by confining it within its present limits, denying the power of expansion."
(Note the last statement! Anyone familiar with the Kansas Nebraska Act of 1854 knows that the Civil War was a war of Southern aggression.)

Texas: A Declaration of the Causes which Impel the State of Texas to Secede from the Federal Union
"[Texas] was received as a commonwealth holding, maintaining and protecting the institution known as negro slavery-- the servitude of the African to the white race within her limits-- a relation that had existed from the first settlement of her wilderness by the white race, and which her people intended should exist in all future time."
"We hold as undeniable truths that the governments of the various States, and of the confederacy itself, were established exclusively by the white race, for themselves and their posterity; that the African race had no agency in their establishment; that they were rightfully held and regarded as an inferior and dependent race, and in that condition only could their existence in this country be rendered beneficial or tolerable."

These viewpoints are absolutely appalling. For the exact same reasons one should not display a Nazi swastika, one should not display the Confederate flag.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2015 5:17 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2015 05:17:54 -0400

Historical.

Just because a select few use it to promote their racist agenda doesn't make it racist.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2015 8:34 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2015 08:34:55 -0400

Racism. The confederacy went to war and seceded from the union on the sole principle of slavery. It drove their economy and when the Union pushed for the abolishment of slavery the confederacy feared a collapse of their life style and economy.

It is absolutely about racism.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 9 at 2015 9:17 AM

PFC Tuan Trang — Sat, 09 May 2015 09:17:12 -0400

As long as Someone don't abuse it by wearing any racist clothing with the flag, I'm fine.

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made May 9 at 2015 10:01 AM

SSgt Charles Edwards — Sat, 09 May 2015 10:01:02 -0400

The flag doesn't bother me from the perspective that it was the Flag of Northern Virginia, General Lee's unit. It's historical and serves as a reminder of where this country was and how far it's progressed over 150 years. However, I hate seeing it as a rallying symbol for hate groups. Quite frankly, it irritates me that such a notable symbol from a tumultuous tine in our nation's history is being used to promote hate towards everyone who didn't look like members of a hate group or share their ideology. I lived in South Carolina during the controversy surrounding the Confederate flag being displayed atop the capital building which occurred in the 1990s. What struck me was how many supporters of different races were in favor of the flag staying in place. That told me that it really came down to the individual and how they viewed the flag and what it meant to them. At the end of the day, the only flag that matters is the one to which we pledge our allegiance. We can never forget our history and flags can serve as that reminder.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 9 at 2015 1:24 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 09 May 2015 13:24:46 -0400

I've never taken the flag - in its current day usage - to mean anything more than a symbol of rebellion or southern "identity" for lack of a better term. As with any symbol it is open to interpretation and in this case controversy over what that interpretation is based on the flag's history. I can see why people feel they way they do from different perspectives, but I don't personally identify with it beyond, "The Dukes of Hazzard"

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 9 at 2015 6:49 PM

PFC Tuan Trang — Sat, 09 May 2015 18:49:23 -0400

To me as long as nobody wearing anything racist related and holding the flag, I'm fine by it.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2015 7:07 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2015 19:07:20 -0400

To me, the Confederate flag is heritage. I also acknowledge that one of the variants flown has since been used by ignorant hate groups. As a Southern gentleman, I apologize to everyone who has been offended by the sight of that flag. It embarrasses me when I see the flag everyone associates with racism. It sickens me that a flag which internally stirs pride is also something so tainted that I feel like I have to hide my pride, lest I be judged by ignorance and associated with that hate.

This is why I prefer the real "Stars and Bars," the Confederacy's first national flag. It is much more discreet, isn't as widely smeared with hate and racism, and invites conversation from those who actually recognize that flag. It's my way of displaying my pride without offending anyone.

Some might respond by asking why I don't just put the flag away from the get-go and carry it in my heart, so I don't offend anyone? If I take down my flag because it offends someone, then I am giving up my rights as an American. Aren't we equal, after all? It is my right as a free American to proudly display my heritage, just as it is your freedom to express yours. If someone were to approach me and tell me to haul down my flag because it was deemed offensive, I would be offended by their lack of consideration for my history. Our culture of sensitivity is destroying our diversity and freedoms. Anyone can claim anything as offensive and use that as leverage for personal gain.

This brings me to a general discourse in American history. In the years since the Revolution, the question of representation and power in the national government was heavily contested. There had been earlier threats and attempts of secession in America's history as a country. These instances were fueled by friction between states and the Federal government. The Northern states were smaller and had less power politically and economically compared to the geographically larger and agricultural South. The advent of the Industrial Revolution and its progress by the 1850s had given the North enough chips on the table to call the South's dominance that had existed since 1776. To further solidify their cause in the face of an international audience, they injected a moral dilemma that had plagued the Founding Fathers: slavery (Lincoln would eventually write the Emancipation Proclamation to prevent the South from gaining formal recognition and alliances from Europe). It had been present in the continent since the first Europeans arrived in one form or another, growing into a critical factor of economy. It was ultimately not addressed by the generation that forged our nation, so the next inherited this issue, which had further embedded itself in the fiber of our economy. Many looked to the Industrial Revolution as a possible end to slavery, which would replace people with steam equipment in the fields and factories (referring to the Irish and other immigrants up North). Some speculate that slavery would have died naturally had the Civil War not occurred.

My ancestor was born in New York in 1829 and lived there until 1850. He moved to Georgia with his family, as his father sought a better climate for his ailing wife. She died in 1851. In the decade leading up to the war, my ancestor's father built the first steam-powered mill in the state and advocated the adoption of industry in the South. This didn't sit well with the local elites, since they were agriculturalists. They drove my ancestor from their church and they were forced to find another with a more agreeable congregation. My ancestor married his wife in 1852 in the middle of the night on a back road in the rain because the town didn't approve of a Northern industrialist's son courting a Southern Belle. They thought he was after her money she was set to inherit when her father passed. Well, her father passed and she inherited the money, along with twelve slaves. Her first act was to free every single one of them. She opposed slavery, which was one of the reasons why she was able to connect so well with her husband. Rather than try to keep them for a chance to join the farming elite, he supported his wife and advocated their freedom.

When the war began, my ancestor was chief of the volunteer fire brigade and generally well-liked by the public of his town (despite being at odds with the local elite farmers and plantation owners). He formed his own company of volunteer infantry for Georgia's army as its captain, and by 1862 was in the thick of the fight in Virginia. By the war's end, he had risen to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel of his regiment, elected by his men, and was killed in a charge at the Battle of Monocacy on July 9th, 1864. His men revered him so much that his body was returned to Georgia in 1866. He fought for the State of Georgia's rights as a sovereign entity, in accordance to the Constitution. His cause was as pure as that of our Founding Fathers. In short, he was fighting for a place called home.

I think many of us can agree that we do not universally approve of the situation in the country today. There is a rift between the "ruling elite" and the rest of We the People. Such was the case in the American South. Slavery was formally listed in several states' reasons for secession - because it was the plantation owners who had the money to back the Confederate Government, were the Confederacy's politicians - those who stood back to preserve their "cotton empire" while patriots such as my ancestor marched off to give their lives for their honorable cause. I dare someone to tell me that based on a study of primary resources, that all Germans were Nazis who wanted to rule the world and wipe an entire group of people out. Many were simply Germans who wanted to defend their homes and loved ones. Others were German nationalists who wanted to see Germany rise from the ashes of the Great War. They were not racists or filled with hatred. However, history is written by the winners of wars, which is why we highlight the Nazis and the Holocaust, yet quietly ignore Japanese-American internment camps that existed here in these United States.

Was the Civil War about slavery? For the elitist who stood to lose his empire at the hands of the Lincoln Administration - yes. For the American South - no. Is the Confederate flag a symbol of hate and racism? For many - yes. For some who take a moment to consider both sides of the picture and respect all angles of history - no. Regardless of your take on the matter, I ask only one thing: the right to be proud of my ancestor and honor him. I respect your freedom to take pride in your history, so why can't I?

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made May 9 at 2015 8:50 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Sat, 09 May 2015 20:50:15 -0400

My family plot has 4 members who died during the Civil War, one of them fought with 2nd Rhode Island Light Field Artillery at Yorktown, it is a disgrace that a symbol of a defeated, racists, separatist, insurrection is allowed to fly in way shape or form exist in this nation. ENS Franklin Van Valkenburg, while you are allowed your own opinion, the mere fact that offends so many is reason enough for it not to fly. Do we allow the Japanese to fly the rising sun, or Nazi Germany the swastika? No, to that end it should be put away.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made May 9 at 2015 9:46 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Sat, 09 May 2015 21:46:40 -0400

It's both. Symbols (like a flag) only have the meaning that YOU attach to it. For some it's Southern Pride, to others it's racism. Both are correct.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 12:35 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 May 2015 00:35:43 -0400

I don't think the Confederate flag itself is racist, but it's usually a pretty good indicator.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 12:57 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 May 2015 00:57:01 -0400

I'm split on the issue. I understand to some ethnic groups it symbolizes a regime that oppressed and enslaved their ancestors. I also see where it's still part of a cultural identity for some people.

Ultimately I think intent is as important as the connotation of the symbol. I owned a Lynyrd Skynyrd T shirt years back that had a rebel flag on it. Does wearing it make me a racist or the band racists? I simply like their music. Likewise, does driving a replica of the General Lee promote racism or is it simply someone reliving some happy childhood memories? I personally feel those instances are far different than the local KKK waving a Confederate battle flag.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 8:19 AM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 May 2015 08:19:52 -0400

I fly it everyday. I'm in the marine corps. An I am from a small town in GA. That flag represents so much to us southerners. I treat that flag just as carefully and as respectfully as the American flag. Not racist. If people think it's racist the are a little dull.

Response by SGT Felicia King made May 10 at 2015 4:26 PM

SGT Felicia King — Sun, 10 May 2015 16:26:10 -0400

I don't like it just because I read what it stood for. But I do believe most people that got the confederate flag on their license plates or hang it in their yard or on their trucks don't follow the true meaning. I think they just take it as a southerner thing; simply stating they're proud to be a southerner.

Response by A1C Justin Bates made May 10 at 2015 6:23 PM

A1C Justin Bates — Sun, 10 May 2015 18:23:20 -0400

To me it's a banner of treason. If it happened today, it'd be viewed as a domestic terrorist plot to take down the United States government and that's what it was.

Response by SFC Lynn Santosuosso made May 10 at 2015 10:11 PM

SFC Lynn Santosuosso — Sun, 10 May 2015 22:11:26 -0400

I will pose a question to answer this question. How do the people persecuted under Nazi Germany feel about the swastika?

Response by SGT Sean Sullenger made May 10 at 2015 11:04 PM

SGT Sean Sullenger — Sun, 10 May 2015 23:04:36 -0400

Heritage

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made May 11 at 2015 1:22 AM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Mon, 11 May 2015 01:22:45 -0400

Depends on how it is used

Response by PO2 Charlene Basden made May 11 at 2015 3:17 AM

PO2 Charlene Basden — Mon, 11 May 2015 03:17:01 -0400

Heritage? Racism? There's German in my blood, but you won't see me fly a flag with a swastika or any other flag that is associated with my other heritages. I pledged allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to fly any other flag is treasonous.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 8:59 AM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 08:59:18 -0400

Response by LTC Doug Dankworth made May 11 at 2015 9:07 AM

LTC Doug Dankworth — Mon, 11 May 2015 09:07:31 -0400

No matter what, the Stars and Bars has too much bad history to be displayed.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 2:40 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 14:40:50 -0400

SGT Earl is correct in most of his response. The "States right" that was being debated was the right to regard people as property. Slave states only rebelled when the political party that was heavily abolitionist was voted into the majority. They understood that no further slave holding politicians would be added to the Senate with our western expansion. They were paranoid that it would lead to eventual abolition. Being a Southerner I heard all of these things growing up and believed them. "Slavery wasn't that bad," "the war was only about States Rights," and that "the South only lost because they were outspent by the North, that the South had better soldiers and officers." All of these are false. If you would like to see exactly what Southern politicians were discussing in their own words and see what the war was fought over, read "Confederate Emancipation" by Bruce Levine. Hearing Jefferson Davis resist emancipation in order to save the Confederacy is an eye opener.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made May 11 at 2015 3:13 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Mon, 11 May 2015 15:13:30 -0400

This is a question that can best be answer by a person that has experienced racism by those that fly the Confederate flag. Try doing this apply make up that darkens your skin and wear a wig that gives the impression that you are a person of color, then go into an establishment that displaces the Confederate flag.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made May 11 at 2015 4:27 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Mon, 11 May 2015 16:27:35 -0400

I think that the Confederate flag has some historical relevance and with that it ties into slavery in the United States.
I think most of us are mature enough to know that the flag is not a rallying point for all racists to cling to.
Yes there are bad people who use the Confederate flag to further their causes, but I am guessing here, many people just grew up with it and its a symbol of the South.
Any flag can be associated with hateful things, the Nazi flag for example. If you want to identify flags with horrible acts and let that stick there are hundreds of other countries flags that can be easily identified with slavery and racial inequality. South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Ghana, Somalia, Rhodesia, and many other countries where today slavery still exists and people are treated differently just because of how they look.

Response by SrA Jonathan Carbonaro made May 12 at 2015 8:21 AM

SrA Jonathan Carbonaro — Tue, 12 May 2015 08:21:27 -0400

I think to some people it is, but it shouldn't be.
The Civil war was fought about States rights. They didn't want an over reaching Federal Goverment telling them how to live. I think most people can agree with that, not wanting to be told how to live.
Slavery. I'm sick of hearing how the Civil War (Which was really a War of Secession) was fought about Slaves. First What is Slavery? It is the ownership of Labor, if you are carrying debt to credit cards, cars, school loans, etc you are a slave to the people who you owe the debt to. They own your labor because if you stop paying, they take back the item that you bought that put you in debt. Thats modern Day Slavery, something most Americans accept willingly. The other type of Slavery is EXPENSIVE, and very few Southerners could afford it.
Here's another Fact, Slavery in that form would of died withen 15-20 years, so not something anyone would fight a war over.
No one Today will agree that Slave Ownership is ethical or moral. Here is another Fact, the people alive today claiming Racism keeps them down, and that it goes back to slavery etc. The War of Secession happened almost 150 years ago, very few people if any thats alive today, knew anyone who was a slave.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 10:28 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 10:28:58 -0400

The Confederate flag is heritage to some people, but it is heritage that is always attached to slavery, and racism. Some here have made comparisons to the Swastika, the main difference is the Swastika has thousands of years of history before being used as a symbol of hate and racism. Also it can be separated by context, a Nazi flag is a symbol of hate, the Swastika in a Hindu temple isn't. There is no context where the Confederate flag isn't attached to slavery. It was a rebellion over slavery, the right to own others. Plenty of southern states, like Georgia have included modified confederate flags as their state flag since the civil war. It only helps to further separate, not unite all of the States.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 1:43 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 13:43:26 -0400

Although I believe that the flag is mostly considered offensive on a large scale, I do not feel that way about it. I lived in Mississippi for half of my life and I know in my heart that almost every Mississipian that I have ever met does not have hatred attached to this symbol of their heritage.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 4:10 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 May 2015 16:10:24 -0400

The Confederate flag is not racist, it is a symbol of Southern Pride. Yet one of the reasons that the south fought for was to keep slaves and because of that the flag has been seen as a symbol of racist.

Response by SGT David T. made May 15 at 2015 8:45 AM

SGT David T. — Fri, 15 May 2015 08:45:56 -0400

My first response when seeing it is why are they flying the naval ensign. Normally the ones I see are rectangular which is the naval ensign and not the flag of Lee's army. To me the flag is not offensive because it is a reminder of darker times in our history and that if we forget about that we run the very real possibility of walking that path again. I also think that the flag serves as a warning for us today about what happens when we stop compromising and discussing issues. Although today the issues are different than they were back then, the all too familiar pattern of stubbornness is present. If we as a nation continue on this polarizing path we run the possibility tearing this country apart. We need to come together and focus on those things that we have in common instead of those things that make us different. At the end of the day we are all Americans.

Response by MSgt Michelle Mondia made May 26 at 2015 3:26 AM

MSgt Michelle Mondia — Tue, 26 May 2015 03:26:06 -0400

This flag provokes the same emotional response as seeing a swastika (for me anyway). It may mean something else or something specific for the individual but symbolically these things are connected to oppression and prejudice. Millions of Americans died in a civil war over this crap...unless you are expecting the South to rise again it's better left in a box next to grampa's Nazi memorabilia.

Response by SGT Kevin McCourt made May 30 at 2015 2:26 AM

SGT Kevin McCourt — Sat, 30 May 2015 02:26:54 -0400

I'm a bit rusty on my Civil War history. This was not the only flag, that the CSA had. The others are just as widely available. When I do see this, I do see it as more than just history.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Jun 20 at 2015 7:37 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 07:37:33 -0400

America Urgently Needs a History Lesson About the Confederate Flag

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/america-urgently-needs-a-history-lesson-about-the-confederate-flag/ar-AAbNHPJ

America Urgently Needs a History Lesson About the Confederate Flag

Editor's note: This article was first published in April before the Supreme Court ruled June 18 that the state of Texas was within its rights when it denied the Sons of Confederate Veterans’ application for a proposed specialty license plate featuring the rebel flag. In light of June 17’s church shooting in South Carolina, allegedly by 21-year-old Dylann Roof, a white man, which left nine African Americans dead, people are once again calling...

Response by SFC Jason Porter made Jun 20 at 2015 7:42 AM

SFC Jason Porter — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 07:42:21 -0400

Does it really matter? I see the Stars and Stripes getting stomped on all over Socail media! That offends me!

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Jun 20 at 2015 9:20 AM

SSG Gerhard S. — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 09:20:28 -0400

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2011/09/01/former-civil-rights-leader-defends-flying-confederate-flag/

Former Civil Rights Leader Defends Flying Confederate Flag

H.K. Edgerton is a former NAACP chapter president who considers himself both a dyed-in-the-wool southerner and a staunch supporter of the Confederate flag. The former civil rights activist is set to speak tonight insupport of the Son's of Confederate Veterans in Lexington, Virginia. He has agreed to speak...

Response by SPC David S. made Jun 23 at 2015 11:48 PM

SPC David S. — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 23:48:33 -0400

Yes, it is offensive. That flag, since the civil war, represents hate and treason. No matter how you try to cut that cake, it wall always represent that.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 5:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 17:25:46 -0400

In my personal opinion, I would say no it is not offensive. The original meaning behind that flag was not about racism or slavery (at least in my research). What happened after the fact, ok. If we honestly took offense to everything that stood for discrimination at some point in time, we would honestly be offended by our own actions. I can't tell anyone else what to say or think but this does not offend me in the least.
http://www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2015/06/22/416548613/the-complicated-political-history-of-the-confederate-flag

The Complicated Political History Of The Confederate Flag

After a massacre at a church in Charleston, South Carolina's governor called for the Confederate flag to be removed from the grounds of the state Capitol. The flag has a long and divisive history.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 2 at 2015 9:34 AM

COL Charles Williams — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 09:34:00 -0400

SSG Robert Burns, I think so... but is appears CNN reports otherwise.
http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/02/politics/confederate-flag-poll-racism-southern-pride/index.html

Poll: Majority sees Confederate flag as Southern pride - CNNPolitics.com

Public opinion on the Confederate flag remains about where it was 15 years ago, with most describing the flag as a symbol of Southern pride.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 14 at 2015 10:39 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 22:39:19 -0400

I'll just answer the question directly. Since no meaningful, statistically valid survey has been conducted, the answer will remain in Opinionville.

Response by SrA James Cannon made Feb 3 at 2017 2:26 PM

SrA James Cannon — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 14:26:54 -0500

It's not offensive to me.

Response by SGM Jeff Bullard made Apr 27 at 2017 1:51 PM

SGM Jeff Bullard — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 13:51:49 -0400

Not a majority of Americans, just the uninformed or the socially awkward ( snow flakes). It's our country's history which is very important to what we are today and what we'll become tomorrow.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2017 4:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 May 2017 16:19:43 -0400

I personally don't find the flag offensive. What I find offensive is people the use it to rally people for hatred, intolerance and exclusion.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 6 at 2017 12:02 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 06 May 2017 12:02:56 -0400

The press made a big deal out of the Confederate Flag a few months ago forcing some local and state governments to remove or alter memorials to Confederate Soldiers and the Confederacy. Up until that time, I think most people viewed the Confederate flag as a piece of American history. It's display by some racist organizations or individuals made it a symbol for those causes in the press.

Response by Capt Joseph Olson made Aug 31 at 2017 12:35 PM

Capt Joseph Olson — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 12:35:43 -0400

Something that polls 53-47 is obviously controversial but no so offensive as to require any restrictions on the symbol. Add it to hostile CONDUCT and the decision to restrict may change.
I am not a Southerner but I have been stationed in the South enough to understand all the GOOD things that the Stars and Bars symbolize. Like most symbols (i.e., American flag flew over our "Relocation Camps" for Japanese while others stole their left behind property) the message is not 100% wonderful. Recognize that and allow Southerners to retain the best of their heritage. If has been 150 years you know.

Response by Sgt Van Livingston made Sep 23 at 2018 8:17 AM

Sgt Van Livingston — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 08:17:14 -0400

Wether or not to display the confederate flag on or off post is a personal preference and people should just get over themselves and quit being offended by everything. I have the confederate flag with an eagle head on my left firearm. That doesn't mean I'm racist or anything else. To me, the confederate battle flag means freedom. You see I have actually researched this stuff. The civil war was fought over freedom from the tyranny of the federal government. In Lincoln's letters, there is a letter to one of his advisors asking for ideas to recruit soldiers because the union was in trouble because most of the men at the time agreed with the south. The advisor wrote back and told Lincoln to make the war about slavery and he would be able to recruit soldiers. So Lincoln began a campaign to make people believe the war was about slavery. And, I don't care if you are offended, that's your problem, not mine.

Response by PO1 Charles Bellw made Sep 23 at 2018 4:20 PM

PO1 Charles Bellw — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 16:20:46 -0400

Way is it those who are offended by the Confederate Battle flag are also offended by the American flag and if anyone notice their flag of choice is the old Hammer and Sickle communist flag

Response by CPO Myrtle Jones made Jul 25 at 2019 2:19 PM

CPO Myrtle Jones — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 14:19:47 -0400

Depends in where you were raised!!! I was born and raised in Mississippi. After my military career all over the U S and overseas, retired now in Texas. I have ancestors who fought in both sides. I have pride of my heritage and culture. I will always stand up for Dixie.

Response by SFC Herve Abrams made Dec 8 at 2019 11:36 PM

SFC Herve Abrams — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 23:36:47 -0500

There are several Confederate flags. Regardless of which is displayed, this is what those flags represent according to the words of the Vice President of the Confederate StatesOf America:

In what’s now known as the “Cornerstone Speech,” Stephens told a Savannah, Ga., crowd in 1861 that “our new government is founded upon exactly the opposite ideas [as those of slavery foes]; its foundations are laid, its cornerstone rests, upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery, subordination to the superior race, is his natural and normal condition. This, our new government, is the first, in the history of the world, based upon this great physical, philosophical, and moral truth.”
He went further: the battle over slavery “was the immediate cause of the late rupture and present revolution.”

It’s my opinion Confederate flags should only be displayed in museums and pictured in history books. They deserve no place of honor and should be considered symbols of hate. Alexander Stephens made it abundantly clear the Confederacy was established to support white supremacy and the subjugation of people of color. The same sentiments are expressed in the Articles if Secession of many of the Confederate States.

Response by Maj John Bell made Feb 13 at 2020 3:56 AM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 03:56:07 -0500

Symbols, signs, and icons can mean one thing at their inception and that meaning can change over time. Example the two finger "peace" sign of the 60's and 70's was a "V or victory" sign during WW II. Their are also hand gestures that mean one thing in one country, and an entirely different thing in a different country. I try to keep that in mind.

So... know your audience, (and in today's world if their is a cell phone around your audience is the world.) Don't piss off people you didn't intend to offend, and you won't spend a bunch of time apologizing for offense you did not intend to offer.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2020 12:51 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 12:51:14 -0400

First lets be correct about this, the flag pictured is the flag of the army of northern virginia, not sure how it became associated as the confederate flag. Second say what you want I do not think it should be flown, the whole confederacy stood for oppression.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Mar 23 at 2021 9:24 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 21:24:47 -0400

I don't find it offensive unless used in a WP March. I see it as a part of our history. I would never serve the ideals that gave birth to it, but I see it as a historical reminder of what we should not stand for.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Mar 24 at 2021 1:59 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 13:59:27 -0400

As the descendent of a Union Soldier, yes it is. It is a symbol of insurrection, oppression, intimidation and everything else that was wrong with the south IMHO.

Response by SSgt William Quinn made Mar 24 at 2021 2:13 PM

SSgt William Quinn — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 14:13:54 -0400

Interesting blog on the historical perspective from pre civil war to today with Christian freedom fighters in the Sudan.

http://southernfriedcommonsense.blogspot.com/2019/07/is-it-christian-to-fly-confederate.html?m=1

Is It Christian To Fly The Confederate Battle Flag?

Common sense views of Southern identity, heritage and other subjects from the point of view of a simple country writer from South Carolina.