The following arose out of a thread about a license plate (which apparently did add a cryptically racist message to a vehicle which also displayed a Confederate flag), but the flag part, which wasn’t really the issue, was turning into a distraction from the license plate part, so tomndebb appropriately banished it from that thread.
Well, the “heritage not hate” slogan itself is a statement against the racist use or interpretation of the flag.
But still, there’s some truth to this–racists have not been confronted as vigorously as they should be. It’s not just a matter of this symbol either; I’ve seen avowed racists with the American flag and the Christian cross in their hands (literally) as well; presumably most Americans and most Christians would prefer they not carry those either. (The Nazis are probably okay with their use of swastikas.)
First, you must understand that many people display the Confederate battle flag* with a completely ahistorical intent. Not only does it have nothing to do with race or slavery, for these folks, it doesn’t even really have to do with the War. It’s just a signifier for “the South,” or an even looser one for “rebel.” For these groups, the distinction between the various flags used by the Confederacy is pointless; the best-known rectangular saltire flag is “the rebel flag.” (This category also includes, I suppose, the banners made from superimposing another image, like a skull, a wolf, or Hank Williams Jr., onto the saltire).
Second, among people who do have history in mind, some feel that honoring the soldiers of the Confederacy–as opposed to the politics of slavery or secession–is precisely what they want to do.
Finally, while they’re less popular, the actual national flags of the CSA are indeed displayed, as is the unofficial (and more general) flag of self-determination, the Bonnie Blue.
Sigh…
Diogenes, in other threads I’ve found a lot to like in things you’ve posted.
But you’re mistaken here, and verging on YogSothoth-brand frothiness.
With respect, perhaps it’s a matter of exposure. How many people do you personally know who have displayed a Confederate flag? How many people have you talked to about their personal reasons for wanting to do so? (These are good questions for all those who have been so strident on the matter–where are you getting your information, exactly?)
People who display the flag today tend to strongly identify as pro-American.
The Confederate States of America were not anti-American–though they were, of course, the battlefield enemy of a political entity known as the United States of America. Don’t play dense and tell me that you don’t know the difference between America and the political entity.
The Confederacy was America–as was the Union. Both sides claimed the inheritance of the Founders, and both sides were justified in doing so, at least to a point.
Regrettably, both sides were racist as well–that was then and remains today part of the heritage of all Americans.
- Strictly speaking, the late-period naval jack; the infantry, cavalry and artillery battle flags were typically square, and certain units carried entirely different designs as battle flags. Many Union regiments, BTW, also carried unique flags.