I see no problem in it. I don't think it carries the racist meaning most people perceive it as. A lot of it is southern pride, where as a lot of it is rednecks who fly for no other reason than to fly it. In fact, the flag is still flown at many southern government buildings.
When you look at the top reasons for the Civil War, four of them dealt with slavery. Slavery, make up of economy (south counted on slaves for "cheap labor"), abolition, and the election of Ab Lincoln (anti-slavery). So its not unreasonable for many blacks and/or northerners to perceive the flag as a racist symbol. Now like many things, their meaning can change over time. The confederate flag is certainly used to show "redneck pride" or "white power" here in the north, and southern pride in the south. I won't speak for the south, but many rednecks in Michigan are certainly viewed as racists. Many like it this way. With that said, I don't think being a "redneck" automatically means you're a racist. For some, it means putting a lift kit on your truck, listening to country music, hunting, etc. Being a "country boy" so to speak. Are there better alternatives to show southern or redneck pride? Absolutely. The flag represents the confederate states, the confederate states supported slavery and fought a war to continue it. Those are the facts. So if you are very proud of the flag, its it weird for people to assume you support slavery? Is that really a stretch? Can someone just make a new "southern pride" flag?
Wow! Anyone else notice anything particularly unusual about this photo? Ain't nothing at all wrong with this one.
He looks just like buckeye? Yeah I saw the Obama sticker. And that bikini is racist. She should remove it...immediately.
This is what I think to myself when I see someone flying the flag. Do I think that's why they fly it no not really more how vito described it. Either way I don't really care it doesn't effect my life any. The real question is why? Do you still believe in the rebel cause? Are you displaying your redneckship? Do you get a feeling of white supremacy out of it? Etc..
And thats another point. Not so much the rebel cause, but simply the word "rebel". You don't conform to the norm. Just another use for the symbol, or flag itself. I do believe the flag, or the symbol, carry a different meaning to those in the north. By that, I mean those that use the confederate flag or symbol here.
It ain't a rebel flag you bought at the mall It's a hide away bed in an old horse stall Two kids gettin' caught stealin' a Boone's farm kiss It ain't a John Deere cap that's never fell in the cotton It's a Jimmy Rodgers song that was long forgotten It's homemade peach ice cream on sunburnt lips That's what country is- Luke Bryan's "That's What Country Is"
Is it ok? Of course. It is legal to fly the Confederate flag. Personally, I think it is tacky as hell, and helps justify the ignorant redneck persona of the South.
As far as the Flag goes, IMO it is just as racist for an african american to assume the racist meaning of it as it is for a white southerner to actually fly the flag for racist reasons. Race is an issue that pisses me off to no end, and not because I feel minorities are mistreated in today's society. But because I feel that "equality" has been taken above and beyond what is truly equal. My friend (pastiest white guy you could know) received a partial scholarship to college because he was 1/8 puerto rican apparently. I never received a caucasian scholarship. I could only imagine if someone instituted a "White History Month". I guess I just struggle with the concept. One of my good friends is black and we constantly argue about how big of an issue race is today. His favorite line is "its because I'm black isn't it?" and another one he pulls in arguments constantly is "you just wouldn't understand what we go through".... I'm not trying to downtrodden the effects black people have had to endure over history due to racism, but IMO that ship has sailed and today's society almost favors minorities. Another classic example. Flag Football game two nights ago. Throw goes 10 feet over my head, and someone yells Trevor you gotta get up and get that! I respond with, Dude I'm white, I have the lateral movement down pat but jumping just isn't my thing. The referee (who is black) comes running across the field to get in my face and ask what I meant by that bs? I smile and ask him what problem he had with me saying i can't jump as a typical white guy. Racism exists more because people look for it these days than people actually being racist in the first place.
For the sake of conversation rather than argument, how so? I see it all the time. People drop the race card all too often, I believe. Perhaps it's more demographic
Constructive response. I'm glad we could debate about the topic. It was a poorly written post as I was in a hurry earlier, but I stand by my point that the ship has sailed for racism in America in most cases. I STRONGLY believe (at least where I am from) that racism exists much more in the minority cultures than in caucasian culture. Nothing in America is equal, i just believe its due to social status/economic status and NOT the color of your skin....and I don't buy that they are one in the same, tour Eastern KY if you want to see some unfortunate people that aren't considered a minority. I feel that Race should NOT be rewarded or discriminated against in either way. Why we haven't moved past these issues by now is beyond me. It's just mind boggling that we as a country deem it necessary to offer anything from scholarships to small business grants to people based SOLEY off the color of their skin. Isn't that the definition of racism?
Chances are if you don't see it just by reading his post, no amount of convincing or explaining is going to open your eyes. While there are inequalities in every aspect of life, as white middle-class Americans we will never know what it feels like to be on the proverbial "other side". Pretending that we do is nothing short of lunacy.
Justin, I understand what you are saying. Admittedly I can't comprehend or relate with how minorities might be treated in other areas, I live in rural Montana. We just don't see many minorities around here. However, I feel that it is out of hand in some cases anymore. Everyone's relatives have had to endure hardships. Granted, the African community much more, but I believe it is time to move on. Today's generation has not had to endure such hardships, from a slavery standpoint. I agree with the scholarships, grants, loans, etc. set in place for any given minority, for the most part, but when they flat out demand it, I have a problem.
I just feel like the proverbial fence is used as a cop out too much these days. People can be at a disadvantage because of where they live, their parents jobs, their own work ethic, among a 100 other things....its a shame that we still like to lump all of these issues into one big ball labeled Race and go from there. What happens in 20 years when minorities are then the majority? Are the roles reversed? Or is that the point when people on both sides of the issue can quit worrying about skin tone. I guess I am beginning to question who is really to blame for the racial divide in America at this point? I realize I don't hold a popular opinion on this, I just don't think it should be an issue...and I dare say that by the time I'm 40 it won't be.
+1. Everyone has, for the most part, equal opportunity these days. IMHO, as long as racial status, social standing, religion, etc. excists greater opportunities will exist for some more than others.
