What does the confederate flag mean to you? (1 Viewer)

[Orange Crush]

To me, the confederate flag represents an illogical reminescence to a bygone white aristocracy that was built upon the evil institution of slavery.

And I'm a descendent of a confederate general who helped promote the "The South will rise again" message during the antebellum.

Nathan Bedford Forrest?

Ummm, no. Not that bad. Actually my general ancestor didn't even own slaves. But after the war he hightailed it south to Mexico and started writing tons of propoganda.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

People forget that federalism was less than a century old at the time of the American Civil War and was still a hotly debated topic, and that the perception among many at the time in the South was that the war was more about the Northern-dominated federal government unconstitutionally dictating laws to the southern states. We're so used to a strong central government in Washington, particularly following the New Deal, that it's hard for us to fully understand how hotly debated that issue was even then. It's an example of how much of a compromise the U.S. Constitution was as originally drafted in order to bring about a union.

The Civil War was not even officially fought over slavery until the Emancipation Proclamation, more than 2.5 years into the fighting, and that Proclamation was made more for political reasons - to redefine the basis of the war to swing British public opinion against intervening on behalf of the South - more than due to any particular moral position by Lincoln on slavery. Lincoln had every reason to avoid making slavery an issue because to date, the border states (which had slavery) had only stayed out of the war due to slavery NOT being at issue.

Anyway, the history of the war is oversimplified when taught to most American students in this regard.

First bold = wrong.Second bold = 100% correct.

 

[Mjolnirs]

How many black people in this country do you see that has a confed flag?

Read about H.K. Edgerton and others

 

[redman]

To me, the confederate flag represents an illogical reminescence to a bygone white aristocracy that was built upon the evil institution of slavery.

And I'm a descendent of a confederate general who helped promote the "The South will rise again" message during the antebellum.

Nathan Bedford Forrest?

Ummm, no. Not that bad. Actually my general ancestor didn't even own slaves. But after the war he hightailed it south to Mexico and started writing tons of propoganda.

The Battle of Saylor's Creek, fought only a couple of days before the surrender at Appomatox, was fought on my ancestor's farm in Amelia County in Southern Virginia. It's now part of either the National Park system or State Park System. You can to this day (or at least when I visited it 15 years ago) go into the woods nearby the farmhouse (which is still standing and which was used as a Union field hospital) and see the gravemarkers of the family and their slaves. Anyway, my family has always been fascinated by the Civil War. It's a pretty amazing piece of history and it reads like a classic tragedy. I'd encourage anyone who hasn't done so to rent and watch the Ken Burns series on the Civil War. He's done many great series, but I think that that's his best.

 

[NorvilleBarnes]

Oddball, why don't you just go talk to this person?

Do you actually speak with every single person you see flying the Confederate flag? I've noticed you asked this a couple of times to dismiss the opinions of those you disagree with.

First of all, I acknowledge in a previous post that I did not speak with everyone who flew the Confederate flag and henceforth could not guess their motivations for flying the flag. I had two different points. With you, I was merely suggesting that without speaking to the people it is difficult to know whether or not they are racist, which was addressing your post about your conclusion.

My conclusion had nothing to do with the people I hadn't spoken with - same as you and your conclusions.

I don't understand you. What do you mean?

I see the flag as a symbol of racism. I see those who fly the flag, or display any other symbols of racism, as racists. Sometimes I may be wrong. I'm fine with that. Not all people who wear Yamakas are Jewish. I don't speak with every one of them. Not all people who wear swastikas are Nazis. I don't speak with every one of them. But if you asked me what I thought about these and other symbols I would give my honest opinion based on my experience.

 

[RKMoney]

How many black people in this country do you see that has a confed flag?

Read about H.K. Edgerton and others

So the answer is four.

 

[RKMoney]

Oddball, why don't you just go talk to this person?

Do you actually speak with every single person you see flying the Confederate flag? I've noticed you asked this a couple of times to dismiss the opinions of those you disagree with.

First of all, I acknowledge in a previous post that I did not speak with everyone who flew the Confederate flag and henceforth could not guess their motivations for flying the flag. I had two different points. With you, I was merely suggesting that without speaking to the people it is difficult to know whether or not they are racist, which was addressing your post about your conclusion.

My conclusion had nothing to do with the people I hadn't spoken with - same as you and your conclusions.

I don't understand you. What do you mean?

I see the flag as a symbol of racism. I see those who fly the flag, or display any other symbols of racism, as racists. Sometimes I may be wrong. I'm fine with that. Not all people who wear Yamakas are Jewish. I don't speak with every one of them. Not all people who wear swastikas are Nazis. I don't speak with every one of them. But if you asked me what I thought about these and other symbols I would give my honest opinion based on my experience.

 

[dawgtrails]

"What does the confederate flag mean to you?"

The original question was asking our opinion.

If someone thinks it means racsim, good for you. If someone thinks it means pride, equally as good.

Man, tough crowd these days. Once again, what does it mean to you? There is no right or wrong answer.

I hate all flags. Confederate, Russian, American, Gay, whatever. I would like to burn them all. Thats how I feel.

Please, someone tell me how unpatriotic and stupid I am because a) I list those other flags in the same sentence as the great American flag, or b) I dared metion burning a stupid flag.

 

[The Royal Jack]

I don't automatically assume that everyone flying the Stars and Bars is a racist.

Neither do I. Kinda strange how often that turns out to be the case though.

Everytime you see the Starts & Bars, do you talk to the people flying it to make this determination?

No.

So, you are not sure that the people you don't speak are racist or or not racist? I agree with DCheney. It is a shame that too many hate groups have co-opted this flag. Now, I have met some people who fly it and they are racist. Some people just fancy themselves as rebels. Some view it as a Southern pride issue . Others, I am not sure what they think or why they do it.To me, it is similar to the people I see wearing Che Guevera t-shirts. Che Guevera was a person who caused the deaths of thousands of people and I think is a murdering thug. I don't think that everyone that wears a Che Guevera t-shirt is a murdering thug or thinks that murdering people is an okay thing to do. I am sure some do. But I am not going to prejudge them based on an external symbol.

I kind of view it as akin to deploring the Nazi party of WWII but respecting the battlefield efforts of the German Wehrmacht. The institution of slavery was an abomination but a large majority of the men who fought for the South did so not out of respect or benefit from that institution...but out of regional pride.

People forget that federalism was less than a century old at the time of the American Civil War and was still a hotly debated topic, and that the perception among many at the time in the South was that the war was more about the Northern-dominated federal government unconstitutionally dictating laws to the southern states. We're so used to a strong central government in Washington, particularly following the New Deal, that it's hard for us to fully understand how hotly debated that issue was even then. It's an example of how much of a compromise the U.S. Constitution was as originally drafted in order to bring about a union. The Civil War was not even officially fought over slavery until the Emancipation Proclamation, more than 2.5 years into the fighting, and that Proclamation was made more for political reasons - to redefine the basis of the war to swing British public opinion against intervening on behalf of the South - more than due to any particular moral position by Lincoln on slavery. Lincoln had every reason to avoid making slavery an issue because to date, the border states (which had slavery) had only stayed out of the war due to slavery NOT being at issue. Anyway, the history of the war is oversimplified when taught to most American students in this regard.

A big reason for Southern military action was the firmly held belief that either the British or French would intervene and broker a peace. Unfortunately for the South- India's cotton, rice and indigo production was beginning to payoff for England so the relative importance of the South was marginalized. Lincoln made an adroit political move with the Emancipation solidifying European public opinion behind the Union in the "War against Slavery". Especially in England where the trade of slaves on the high seas was banned in the 1820's. What many don't realize is that because of this America was stopped from importing slaves after around 1820 because the Brits ruled the seas.

 

[RKMoney]

"What does the confederate flag mean to you?"

The original question was asking our opinion.

If someone thinks it means racsim, good for you. If someone thinks it means pride, equally as good.

Man, tough crowd these days. Once again, what does it mean to you? There is no right or wrong answer.

I hate all flags. Confederate, Russian, American, Gay, whatever. I would like to burn them all. Thats how I feel.

Please, someone tell me how unpatriotic and stupid I am because a) I list those other flags in the same sentence as the great American flag, or b) I dared metion burning a stupid flag.

I have no problem with that...if you think about it, flags are pretty #### anyway."Wow, look at Bob flying his American Flag in his front yard, man , I wish I could be that patriotic!"

We get it guys, you love the confederacy, you love the old south during slavery, no need to wave the symbol for it in front of our faces to keep proving it.

 

[Mjolnirs]

First bold = wrong.Second bold = 100% correct.

I respectfully disagree with you on #1, but you know that already. I fully agree with you on #2.

So the answer is four.

Yes, the answer is exactly 4.

 

[redman]

People forget that federalism was less than a century old at the time of the American Civil War and was still a hotly debated topic, and that the perception among many at the time in the South was that the war was more about the Northern-dominated federal government unconstitutionally dictating laws to the southern states. We're so used to a strong central government in Washington, particularly following the New Deal, that it's hard for us to fully understand how hotly debated that issue was even then. It's an example of how much of a compromise the U.S. Constitution was as originally drafted in order to bring about a union.

The Civil War was not even officially fought over slavery until the Emancipation Proclamation, more than 2.5 years into the fighting, and that Proclamation was made more for political reasons - to redefine the basis of the war to swing British public opinion against intervening on behalf of the South - more than due to any particular moral position by Lincoln on slavery. Lincoln had every reason to avoid making slavery an issue because to date, the border states (which had slavery) had only stayed out of the war due to slavery NOT being at issue.

Anyway, the history of the war is oversimplified when taught to most American students in this regard.

First bold = wrong.Second bold = 100% correct.

Not so on the first point. It was fought over secession. The first shots were fired when South Carolina seceded. I agree that it was a significant factor in the tension between North and South, but slavery was not going to be made illegal any time soon in the South, though they were certainly worried about where the debate on that issue would ultimately go.

 

[Joe Bryant]

"What does the confederate flag mean to you?"

The original question was asking our opinion.

If someone thinks it means racsim, good for you. If someone thinks it means pride, equally as good.

Man, tough crowd these days. Once again, what does it mean to you? There is no right or wrong answer.

I hate all flags. Confederate, Russian, American, Gay, whatever. I would like to burn them all. Thats how I feel.

Please, someone tell me how unpatriotic and stupid I am because a) I list those other flags in the same sentence as the great American flag, or b) I dared metion burning a stupid flag.

Hi dt,I don't think it's stupid, but why do you hate all flags?

J

 

[RKMoney]

First bold = wrong.Second bold = 100% correct.

I respectfully disagree with you on #1, but you know that already. I fully agree with you on #2.

So the answer is four.

Yes, the answer is exactly 4.

Actually zero, I still dont see black people hanging flags on their front porch or as a sticker on the back of their pickup truck.

 

[RKMoney]

"What does the confederate flag mean to you?"

The original question was asking our opinion.

If someone thinks it means racsim, good for you. If someone thinks it means pride, equally as good.

Man, tough crowd these days. Once again, what does it mean to you? There is no right or wrong answer.

I hate all flags. Confederate, Russian, American, Gay, whatever. I would like to burn them all. Thats how I feel.

Please, someone tell me how unpatriotic and stupid I am because a) I list those other flags in the same sentence as the great American flag, or b) I dared metion burning a stupid flag.

Hi dt,I don't think it's stupid, but why do you hate all flags?

J

J,What are your thoughts about the confederate flag?

RK

 

[Saints-Man]

Oddball, why don't you just go talk to this person?

Do you actually speak with every single person you see flying the Confederate flag? I've noticed you asked this a couple of times to dismiss the opinions of those you disagree with.

First of all, I acknowledge in a previous post that I did not speak with everyone who flew the Confederate flag and henceforth could not guess their motivations for flying the flag. I had two different points. With you, I was merely suggesting that without speaking to the people it is difficult to know whether or not they are racist, which was addressing your post about your conclusion.

My conclusion had nothing to do with the people I hadn't spoken with - same as you and your conclusions.

I don't understand you. What do you mean?

I see the flag as a symbol of racism. I see those who fly the flag, or display any other symbols of racism, as racists. Sometimes I may be wrong. I'm fine with that. Not all people who wear Yamakas are Jewish. I don't speak with every one of them. Not all people who wear swastikas are Nazis. I don't speak with every one of them. But if you asked me what I thought about these and other symbols I would give my honest opinion based on my experience.

I understand. I understand that some people view the flag as solely racist, even though I do not. From my experience, it has a very nuanced meaning that varies depending on who flies it. Since I have experienced people who fly the flag who are not racist, I am not as quick to prejudge most people who fly the flag as racist.

 

[opticution]

How many black people in this country do you see that has a confed flag?

Read about H.K. Edgerton and others

So the answer is four.

Pretty much. The idea that the flag is largely about proud Southern heritage that somehow doesn't include slavery is pretty ridiculous. Very VERY few black people would endorse flying this flag, and it's no accident.

I suppose you could make the argument that it is possible for the flag to only mean selective things to various people, but why even go through the trouble? For better or worse, the flag represents a deep divide in this country and it's been irreversibly tainted. It's perfectly analogous to the swastika. I know that's difficult for a lot of people to swallow, but it's true nonetheless. Some exceedingly ignorant, evil people co-opted the symbol and there's really no going back.

 

[TheIronSheik]

A few blocks away from my house there is a house on a corner that planted a homemade flagpole on the corner of his property and flys a confederate flag. This flag flys day and night. No big trees nearby, so its very easy to see while driving down either street. Whats the FBG play here?What does the confederate flag represent to you? Please include the state you grew up in with your answer.

Symbol for racism.When I see that flag I thing of boozed up rednecks screaming "Get off my lawn or I'll shoot you ******!"I think it's no different than the swastika symbol.ETA: Born/rased 1/3 of life in Texas, the other 1/3 in NY

Yeah. Racists are always jumping to conclusions and thinking that just because one person in a group is something, they all are. I hate those people.

or Peace...whatever floats your pickle

Or peace??? Dude. You lost me on this one.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

People forget that federalism was less than a century old at the time of the American Civil War and was still a hotly debated topic, and that the perception among many at the time in the South was that the war was more about the Northern-dominated federal government unconstitutionally dictating laws to the southern states. We're so used to a strong central government in Washington, particularly following the New Deal, that it's hard for us to fully understand how hotly debated that issue was even then. It's an example of how much of a compromise the U.S. Constitution was as originally drafted in order to bring about a union.

The Civil War was not even officially fought over slavery until the Emancipation Proclamation, more than 2.5 years into the fighting, and that Proclamation was made more for political reasons - to redefine the basis of the war to swing British public opinion against intervening on behalf of the South - more than due to any particular moral position by Lincoln on slavery. Lincoln had every reason to avoid making slavery an issue because to date, the border states (which had slavery) had only stayed out of the war due to slavery NOT being at issue.

Anyway, the history of the war is oversimplified when taught to most American students in this regard.

First bold = wrong.Second bold = 100% correct.

Not so on the first point. It was fought over secession. The first shots were fired when South Carolina seceded. I agree that it was a significant factor in the tension between North and South, but slavery was not going to be made illegal any time soon in the South, though they were certainly worried about where the debate on that issue would ultimately go.

I thought you were going a different way. And the first shots were fired when rebels attacked a government military facility.

As for slavery in the South, take a look at the "secession" resolutions of the states that attempted the insurrection. They make it very clear that slavery is their prime protectorate.

A better understanding, obviously, is the political implication that accompanies that, but to say that slavery was a non-issue until Lincoln made it one is not a smart description of the attempted rebellion.

 

[RKMoney]

How many black people in this country do you see that has a confed flag?

Read about H.K. Edgerton and others

So the answer is four.

Pretty much. The idea that the flag is largely about proud Southern heritage that somehow doesn't include slavery is pretty ridiculous. Very VERY few black people would endorse flying this flag, and it's no accident.

I suppose you could make the argument that it is possible for the flag to only mean selective things to various people, but why even go through the trouble? For better or worse, the flag represents a deep divide in this country and it's been irreversibly tainted. It's perfectly analogous to the swastika. I know that's difficult for a lot of people to swallow, but it's true nonetheless. Some exceedingly ignorant, evil people co-opted the symbol and there's really no going back.

I think that's a key statement right there, if the flag isn't really a symbol of racism then why would don't you see anyone of color not endorse or see them with this flag on their porch or sticker on their truck?Ask a black person about how they feel about this flag and while you are at it ask a Jewish person how they feel about the swastika.

If I take any symbol then use it while killing off many people, I can assure you that symbol no longer takes on the previous meaning.

 

[RKMoney]

A few blocks away from my house there is a house on a corner that planted a homemade flagpole on the corner of his property and flys a confederate flag. This flag flys day and night. No big trees nearby, so its very easy to see while driving down either street. Whats the FBG play here?What does the confederate flag represent to you? Please include the state you grew up in with your answer.

Symbol for racism.When I see that flag I thing of boozed up rednecks screaming "Get off my lawn or I'll shoot you ******!"I think it's no different than the swastika symbol.ETA: Born/rased 1/3 of life in Texas, the other 1/3 in NY

Yeah. Racists are always jumping to conclusions and thinking that just because one person in a group is something, they all are. I hate those people.

or Peace...whatever floats your pickle

Or peace??? Dude. You lost me on this one.

stupid reply deserves a stupid response

 

[dawgtrails]

"What does the confederate flag mean to you?"

The original question was asking our opinion.

If someone thinks it means racsim, good for you. If someone thinks it means pride, equally as good.

Man, tough crowd these days. Once again, what does it mean to you? There is no right or wrong answer.

I hate all flags. Confederate, Russian, American, Gay, whatever. I would like to burn them all. Thats how I feel.

Please, someone tell me how unpatriotic and stupid I am because a) I list those other flags in the same sentence as the great American flag, or b) I dared metion burning a stupid flag.

Hi dt,I don't think it's stupid, but why do you hate all flags?

J

Because people get way too attached to a piece of cloth.Have you seen how ape #### some of these folks go when someone dares to burn an american flag?

It is a flag people.

Oh, I hate parades and bumper stickers too.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Virginia adopted their flag in 1776. They fought for the Confederates. Yet their flag still flies high above the Capitol.

Why does this flag not upset anyone? Doesn't it symbolize racism?

 

[RKMoney]

"What does the confederate flag mean to you?"

The original question was asking our opinion.

If someone thinks it means racsim, good for you. If someone thinks it means pride, equally as good.

Man, tough crowd these days. Once again, what does it mean to you? There is no right or wrong answer.

I hate all flags. Confederate, Russian, American, Gay, whatever. I would like to burn them all. Thats how I feel.

Please, someone tell me how unpatriotic and stupid I am because a) I list those other flags in the same sentence as the great American flag, or b) I dared metion burning a stupid flag.

Hi dt,I don't think it's stupid, but why do you hate all flags?

J

Because people get way too attached to a piece of cloth.Have you seen how ape #### some of these folks go when someone dares to burn an american flag?

It is a flag people.

Oh, I hate parades and bumper stickers too.

If you tell me you hate Disney we might just be a match.

 

[RKMoney]

Virginia adopted their flag in 1776. They fought for the Confederates. Yet their flag still flies high above the Capitol.

Why does this flag not upset anyone? Doesn't it symbolize racism?

:limpfishattempt:

 

[TheIronSheik]

A few blocks away from my house there is a house on a corner that planted a homemade flagpole on the corner of his property and flys a confederate flag. This flag flys day and night. No big trees nearby, so its very easy to see while driving down either street. Whats the FBG play here?What does the confederate flag represent to you? Please include the state you grew up in with your answer.

Symbol for racism.When I see that flag I thing of boozed up rednecks screaming "Get off my lawn or I'll shoot you ******!"I think it's no different than the swastika symbol.ETA: Born/rased 1/3 of life in Texas, the other 1/3 in NY

Yeah. Racists are always jumping to conclusions and thinking that just because one person in a group is something, they all are. I hate those people.

or Peace...whatever floats your pickle

Or peace??? Dude. You lost me on this one.

stupid reply deserves a stupid response

My reply was stupid? Really? Are you not prejudging all that fly the Confederate flag to be rednecks with shotguns? Kind of screams of prejudice if you ask me.

 

[redman]

People forget that federalism was less than a century old at the time of the American Civil War and was still a hotly debated topic, and that the perception among many at the time in the South was that the war was more about the Northern-dominated federal government unconstitutionally dictating laws to the southern states. We're so used to a strong central government in Washington, particularly following the New Deal, that it's hard for us to fully understand how hotly debated that issue was even then. It's an example of how much of a compromise the U.S. Constitution was as originally drafted in order to bring about a union.

The Civil War was not even officially fought over slavery until the Emancipation Proclamation, more than 2.5 years into the fighting, and that Proclamation was made more for political reasons - to redefine the basis of the war to swing British public opinion against intervening on behalf of the South - more than due to any particular moral position by Lincoln on slavery. Lincoln had every reason to avoid making slavery an issue because to date, the border states (which had slavery) had only stayed out of the war due to slavery NOT being at issue.

Anyway, the history of the war is oversimplified when taught to most American students in this regard.

First bold = wrong.Second bold = 100% correct.

Not so on the first point. It was fought over secession. The first shots were fired when South Carolina seceded. I agree that it was a significant factor in the tension between North and South, but slavery was not going to be made illegal any time soon in the South, though they were certainly worried about where the debate on that issue would ultimately go.

I thought you were going a different way. And the first shots were fired when rebels attacked a government military facility.

As for slavery in the South, take a look at the "secession" resolutions of the states that attempted the insurrection. They make it very clear that slavery is their prime protectorate.

A better understanding, obviously, is the political implication that accompanies that, but to say that slavery was a non-issue until Lincoln made it one is not a smart description of the attempted rebellion.

I carefully chose my words, and they in no way resembled "slavery was a non-issue until Lincoln made it one". I wrote "The Civil War was not even officially fought over slavery until the Emancipation Proclamation . . ." It sounds at first glance like mincing words, but the distinction is very important. It's a nuanced issue, but slavery was only one symptom, albeit the most important one by far, of the more fundamental problem of states rights in the face of federal power. Indeed, the words "federal" and "confederation" are perfect descriptors here, as the former refers to a central authority presiding over local ones whereas the latter refers to a looser oligarchical structure built around powerful local entities. Of interest, the warring parties referred to each other respectively as "Federals" and "Confederates", respectively, rather than as "pro-slave" or "anti-slave".

 

[TheIronSheik]

Virginia adopted their flag in 1776. They fought for the Confederates. Yet their flag still flies high above the Capitol.

Why does this flag not upset anyone? Doesn't it symbolize racism?

:limpfishattempt:

Please explain how that flag is less racist than the Confederate flag? Both were flown on battlefields during the Civil War, which was as everyone knows, the war based totally on whether slavery was right or wrong.

 

[dawgtrails]

"What does the confederate flag mean to you?"

The original question was asking our opinion.

If someone thinks it means racsim, good for you. If someone thinks it means pride, equally as good.

Man, tough crowd these days. Once again, what does it mean to you? There is no right or wrong answer.

I hate all flags. Confederate, Russian, American, Gay, whatever. I would like to burn them all. Thats how I feel.

Please, someone tell me how unpatriotic and stupid I am because a) I list those other flags in the same sentence as the great American flag, or b) I dared metion burning a stupid flag.

Hi dt,I don't think it's stupid, but why do you hate all flags?

J

Because people get way too attached to a piece of cloth.Have you seen how ape #### some of these folks go when someone dares to burn an american flag?

It is a flag people.

Oh, I hate parades and bumper stickers too.

If you tell me you hate Disney we might just be a match.

I do hate disney...but i like epcot. Is that gonna be a problem?

 

[RKMoney]

Virginia adopted their flag in 1776. They fought for the Confederates. Yet their flag still flies high above the Capitol.

Why does this flag not upset anyone? Doesn't it symbolize racism?

:limpfishattempt:

Please explain how that flag is less racist than the Confederate flag? Both were flown on battlefields during the Civil War, which was as everyone knows, was the war based totally on whether slavery was right or wrong.

Because one flag became a symbol of racism while the other didn't. You really aren't fishing here?When a flag was created or where it was flown has nothing to do with it.

Again, go ask someone in Houston who is black and show them each flag and see what kind of response you get since you are obviously pretty clueless on this topic.

 

[Gargoylez]

IMO - Its a symbol for Ignorance.

 

[RKMoney]

IMO - Its a symbol for Ignorance.

Can you explain this in more detail? Ignorant how?

 

[Mjolnirs]

Actually zero, I still dont see black people hanging flags on their front porch or as a sticker on the back of their pickup truck.

You asked:

How many black people in this country do you see that has a confed flag?

So I provide you with link that shows the answer is greater than zero. While I agree that the number is very very small, I have shown you as per your question that it is greater than zero. Whenever I see or read about a black person that embraces the Confederate flag I am pleasantly surprised. It is alway good to learn that someone new has looked into the issue and has made their own conclusion as opposed to being told what they should think.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Virginia adopted their flag in 1776. They fought for the Confederates. Yet their flag still flies high above the Capitol.

Why does this flag not upset anyone? Doesn't it symbolize racism?

:limpfishattempt:

Please explain how that flag is less racist than the Confederate flag? Both were flown on battlefields during the Civil War, which was as everyone knows, was the war based totally on whether slavery was right or wrong.

Because one flag became a symbol of racism while the other didn't. You really aren't fishing here?When a flag was created or where it was flown has nothing to do with it.

Again, go ask someone in Houston who is black and show them each flag and see what kind of response you get since you are obviously pretty clueless on this topic.

So you're saying that if someone thinks it was used to symbolize racism even if it wasn't, then the person flying it is racist? Interesting theory. I'd like to declare that I find red shirts to be a symbol of hatred against Latinos. And I won't rest until all the racists in the world stop wearing red shirts!

 

[RKMoney]

Actually zero, I still dont see black people hanging flags on their front porch or as a sticker on the back of their pickup truck.

You asked:

How many black people in this country do you see that has a confed flag?

So I provide you with link that shows the answer is greater than zero. While I agree that the number is very very small, I have shown you as per your question that it is greater than zero. Whenever I see or read about a black person that embraces the Confederate flag I am pleasantly surprised. It is alway good to learn that someone new has looked into the issue and has made their own conclusion as opposed to being told what they should think.

I don't see any flags on someone's yard or sticker on the back of their truck. I see some old photo's that doesn't mean anything honestly. Let's talk about present time shall we not a few old photos that shows black pople in uniform with a flag in the background then pass it off as nothing has changed from then to now.

 

[redman]

Virginia adopted their flag in 1776. They fought for the Confederates. Yet their flag still flies high above the Capitol.

Why does this flag not upset anyone? Doesn't it symbolize racism?

:limpfishattempt:

Please explain how that flag is less racist than the Confederate flag? Both were flown on battlefields during the Civil War, which was as everyone knows, the war based totally on whether slavery was right or wrong.

Read my posts in this thread that touch on this.

 

[Sweeper]

Just because some racists hijacked the confederate flag as their symbol of choice doesn't mean that everyone who flies that flag is a racist. Many in the south hold on to history and tradition and the confederate flag is a part of their history and tradition.

Translation? Redneck!

 

[dgreen]

Virginia adopted their flag in 1776. They fought for the Confederates. Yet their flag still flies high above the Capitol.

Why does this flag not upset anyone? Doesn't it symbolize racism?

:limpfishattempt:

Please explain how that flag is less racist than the Confederate flag? Both were flown on battlefields during the Civil War, which was as everyone knows, the war based totally on whether slavery was right or wrong.

Read my posts in this thread that touch on this.

[whisper]He was being sarcastic[/whisper]BTW, just so I know, they concluded slavery was wrong, right?

 

[TheIronSheik]

Actually zero, I still dont see black people hanging flags on their front porch or as a sticker on the back of their pickup truck.

You asked:

How many black people in this country do you see that has a confed flag?

So I provide you with link that shows the answer is greater than zero. While I agree that the number is very very small, I have shown you as per your question that it is greater than zero. Whenever I see or read about a black person that embraces the Confederate flag I am pleasantly surprised. It is alway good to learn that someone new has looked into the issue and has made their own conclusion as opposed to being told what they should think.

This world would be a helluva lot more tolerant place if everyone did this.

 

[Mark Davis]

Actually zero, I still dont see black people hanging flags on their front porch or as a sticker on the back of their pickup truck.

You asked:

How many black people in this country do you see that has a confed flag?

So I provide you with link that shows the answer is greater than zero. While I agree that the number is very very small, I have shown you as per your question that it is greater than zero. Whenever I see or read about a black person that embraces the Confederate flag I am pleasantly surprised. It is alway good to learn that someone new has looked into the issue and has made their own conclusion as opposed to being told what they should think.

It's all a matter of whether someone is viewing it in the context of the majority of people who fly it today or it's historical context. It's true that most of those you see with it today are definitely the 'necks and it's often seen as a racist symbol. If you view the flag simply in that context then I guess it is perceived as racist. When viewed historically I look at it as just a symbol of the Confederacy. Which, like it or not, is part of the history of 11 states.

 

[RKMoney]

Virginia adopted their flag in 1776. They fought for the Confederates. Yet their flag still flies high above the Capitol.

Why does this flag not upset anyone? Doesn't it symbolize racism?

:limpfishattempt:

Please explain how that flag is less racist than the Confederate flag? Both were flown on battlefields during the Civil War, which was as everyone knows, was the war based totally on whether slavery was right or wrong.

Because one flag became a symbol of racism while the other didn't. You really aren't fishing here?When a flag was created or where it was flown has nothing to do with it.

Again, go ask someone in Houston who is black and show them each flag and see what kind of response you get since you are obviously pretty clueless on this topic.

So you're saying that if someone thinks it was used to symbolize racism even if it wasn't, then the person flying it is racist? Interesting theory. I'd like to declare that I find red shirts to be a symbol of hatred against Latinos. And I won't rest until all the racists in the world stop wearing red shirts!

But it is a symbol, can we stick with the topic.I don't know why you seem to always take a topic then try and use some "what if" scenerio that has nothing to do with it.

I love how you try to compare the symbol of slavery, a truely awful period in this country with a red shirt. You're not only a class act but one of the most brilliant people I have even come across. Your mother I bet is proud of you.

 

[H.K.]

Please explain how that flag is less racist than the Confederate flag? Both were flown on battlefields during the Civil War, which was as everyone knows, the war based totally on whether slavery was right or wrong.

The origins of the American Civil War lay in the complex issues of party politics, competing understandings of federalism, slavery, expansionism, sectionalism, economics, and modernization in the Antebellum period.

 

[Apes with Guns]

Whenever I picture the civil war, EVERYONE speaks with a Georgian accent.

 

[redman]

Virginia adopted their flag in 1776. They fought for the Confederates. Yet their flag still flies high above the Capitol.

Why does this flag not upset anyone? Doesn't it symbolize racism?

:limpfishattempt:

Please explain how that flag is less racist than the Confederate flag? Both were flown on battlefields during the Civil War, which was as everyone knows, the war based totally on whether slavery was right or wrong.

Read my posts in this thread that touch on this.

[whisper]He was being sarcastic[/whisper]BTW, just so I know, they concluded slavery was wrong, right?

Ok, I missed the sarcasm. And yes, the North won the war and therefore enforced the Emancipation Proclamation by passing the 13th Amendment outlawing slavery (although not all of it - were you aware there was an exception?).

 

[Mjolnirs]

Actually zero, I still dont see black people hanging flags on their front porch or as a sticker on the back of their pickup truck.

You asked:

How many black people in this country do you see that has a confed flag?

So I provide you with link that shows the answer is greater than zero. While I agree that the number is very very small, I have shown you as per your question that it is greater than zero. Whenever I see or read about a black person that embraces the Confederate flag I am pleasantly surprised. It is alway good to learn that someone new has looked into the issue and has made their own conclusion as opposed to being told what they should think.

I don't see any flags on someone's yard or sticker on the back of their truck. I see some old photo's that doesn't mean anything honestly. Let's talk about present time shall we not a few old photos that shows black pople in uniform with a flag in the background then pass it off as nothing has changed from then to now.

I don't see the words "yard", "sticker" or "truck" in your original question. I see "How many black people in this country do you see that has a confed flag?"By the way, did you scroll down the page? Those color pictures look fairly recent.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Virginia adopted their flag in 1776. They fought for the Confederates. Yet their flag still flies high above the Capitol.

Why does this flag not upset anyone? Doesn't it symbolize racism?

:limpfishattempt:

Please explain how that flag is less racist than the Confederate flag? Both were flown on battlefields during the Civil War, which was as everyone knows, the war based totally on whether slavery was right or wrong.

Read my posts in this thread that touch on this.

I thought we had met before. I apologize. The name's Sheik. TheIronSheik.

You'll notice a lot of my posts are actually drenched with sarcasm and irony. It takes a little getting used to and not everyone seems to enjoy it. But, take your time, and decide for yourself. In the meantime, PM me with any questions or comments I can help with.

TIA

 

[redman]

Virginia adopted their flag in 1776. They fought for the Confederates. Yet their flag still flies high above the Capitol.

Why does this flag not upset anyone? Doesn't it symbolize racism?

:limpfishattempt:

Please explain how that flag is less racist than the Confederate flag? Both were flown on battlefields during the Civil War, which was as everyone knows, the war based totally on whether slavery was right or wrong.

Read my posts in this thread that touch on this.

I thought we had met before. I apologize. The name's Sheik. TheIronSheik.

You'll notice a lot of my posts are actually drenched with sarcasm and irony. It takes a little getting used to and not everyone seems to enjoy it. But, take your time, and decide for yourself. In the meantime, PM me with any questions or comments I can help with.

TIA

You disguised your sarcasm too well for me to detect it. I need to get the more powerful Sarcasma-tronix 3000.

 

[H.K.]

To answer the initial question: What does the confederate flag mean to me?

We're 0-1!

 

[Mjolnirs]

Thanks all. This thread has made my Friday just zip along. Maybe I'll check back in from home later.

 

[moleculo]

Proctor: All right, here's your last question. What was the cause of the Civil War?

Apu: Actually, there were numerous causes. Aside from the obvious schism between the abolitionists and the anti-abolitionists, there were economic factors, both domestic and inter--

Proctor: Wait, wait... just say slavery.

Apu: Slavery it is, sir.