Posted on Aug 24, 2014
Is the confederate flag considered offensive by the majority of America?
62.2K
752
311
12
12
0
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
Posted in these groups: 
Confederate Flag
Confederate Flag
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 109
0
0
0
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.
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.
(0)
(0)
MAJ (Join to see)
SSgt Alexander Ingram
I'm going to state up front that I abhor racism in any form. I also agree completely with you on use of the swastika. Regardless of the symbol's original meaning it is now inextricably linked to a horrific period in European history. However, I don't find the analogy to be completely accurate. I would argue nearly everyone who displays a swastika in present times, at least in the western world, is doing so to support a hateful and bigoted ideology. The Confederate battle flag is less clear cut.
Truthfully I don't have a dog in the fight. One side of my family arrived long after the Civil War was over. On the other side everyone was either too young or too old to participate. My state of residence (Missouri) was split during the war. The state I grew up in (Minnesota) fought for the union. I have no interest in Confederate heritage beyond the historical aspect of it.
The issue I find with your perspective is that the Confederate battle flag, unlike the swastika, is often displayed without any malicious or racist intent. Living in a rural relatively southern community it is fairly common to see the confederate flag displayed. Regardless, I somehow doubt the teenager with a rebel flag on his truck is attempting to make a racist statement instead of simply a rebellious one. Perhaps these people are ignorant or simply indifferent to other's perceptions.
Even the Anti-Defamation League states that their are those who associate the Confederate Flag with a cultural identity. Do I think it should be flown over public buildings in the south? Absolutely not. However, I don't think driving a General Lee replica should be deemed an inherently racist action either. Instead it should be identified for what it is: a replica from a popular TV show. Removing the flag would eliminate much of what it is. Due to the dual nature of the flag's interpretation, I find context is important. It is both a symbol of racism and of heritage, depending entirely on your point of view and the context in which its displayed.
I'm going to state up front that I abhor racism in any form. I also agree completely with you on use of the swastika. Regardless of the symbol's original meaning it is now inextricably linked to a horrific period in European history. However, I don't find the analogy to be completely accurate. I would argue nearly everyone who displays a swastika in present times, at least in the western world, is doing so to support a hateful and bigoted ideology. The Confederate battle flag is less clear cut.
Truthfully I don't have a dog in the fight. One side of my family arrived long after the Civil War was over. On the other side everyone was either too young or too old to participate. My state of residence (Missouri) was split during the war. The state I grew up in (Minnesota) fought for the union. I have no interest in Confederate heritage beyond the historical aspect of it.
The issue I find with your perspective is that the Confederate battle flag, unlike the swastika, is often displayed without any malicious or racist intent. Living in a rural relatively southern community it is fairly common to see the confederate flag displayed. Regardless, I somehow doubt the teenager with a rebel flag on his truck is attempting to make a racist statement instead of simply a rebellious one. Perhaps these people are ignorant or simply indifferent to other's perceptions.
Even the Anti-Defamation League states that their are those who associate the Confederate Flag with a cultural identity. Do I think it should be flown over public buildings in the south? Absolutely not. However, I don't think driving a General Lee replica should be deemed an inherently racist action either. Instead it should be identified for what it is: a replica from a popular TV show. Removing the flag would eliminate much of what it is. Due to the dual nature of the flag's interpretation, I find context is important. It is both a symbol of racism and of heritage, depending entirely on your point of view and the context in which its displayed.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I don't think the Confederate flag itself is racist, but it's usually a pretty good indicator.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
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.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
To me as long as nobody wearing anything racist related and holding the flag, I'm fine by it.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
As long as Someone don't abuse it by wearing any racist clothing with the flag, I'm fine.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
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.
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.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
0
0
0
The Confederate flag is a part of history, like it or not. Consequently, that is where it should stay.
(0)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
I meant it should stay in past or in history. There is no place for it in today's society.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
1SG(P) (Join to see)
1LT L S
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it".
George Santayan
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it".
George Santayan
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
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
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google