# Ignorant Bigots Raise Racist Flag Yet Again **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 11, 2016, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644 "2016-07-11T12:05:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2016, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/121 "2016-07-18T21:55:04Z")
Yikes! You’re right, and they’re right. I got trapped into the “fence post” trap. (Not for the first time.) My blunder, my bad. If I meet the guy who engraved the monument, I’ll shake his hand. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2019, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/122 "2019-08-08T02:18:01Z")
> [@Trinopus](#): > > “For example, a plaque in the Texas State Capitol declares: 'Because we desire to perpetuate, in love and honor, the heroic deeds of those who enlisted in the Confederate Army and upheld its flag through four years of war . . . '” > > April 12, 1861 – May 9, 1865 – **four years?** Well, what do you know, [some Texans (and others) found a new-fangled way to “love and honor”](https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/chocolate-shop-owner-faces-backlash-for-burn-a-rebel-flag-get-a-free-chocolate-sign-183121143.html): > [@](#): > > Store owner facing death threats over anti-Confederate flag sign: ‘Burn a rebel flag…get a free chocolate’. ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2019, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/123 "2019-08-08T03:44:58Z")
> [@Sitnam](#): > > It’s on government property. That’s the stupid part here. Wear whatever belt buckle you like. Sport your classy ‘stars-n’-bars’ wife beater if it makes you happy. Fly massive flags from multiple mounts on your dually with the Back Off! Yosemite Sam mud flaps and trailer hitch testicles. > > Keep the fucking rebel flag off of government flag poles. I’d like to say this in a nicer way, but this is basically my position. The Rebel Flag is not appropriate in the context of the US government, nor the context of the several states nor their subdivisions. It is racialized; it is divisive; it is associated with terrorism & violence. Due to its history of ties to violent politics, it seems even _more_ inappropriate than if you put up a New Afrika flag or a Union Jack. Just don’t do it. ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2019, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/124 "2019-08-08T03:46:51Z")
> [@Peremensoe](#): > > This was not a government flag pole. It was a privately-owned, temporary pole raised as part of a legal demonstration on public property. In terms of speech-regulation, it is equivalent to, for example, the large wooden signs erected on the National Mall by any number of different interest groups over the years. Oh. Well, that’s all right then. I guess. OP’s link is dead for me. How old a zombie is this thread? Oy. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2019, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/125 "2019-08-10T15:52:51Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > Wait a minute…where’s he getting his conservative talking points from? I thought the line was that slavery had nothing to do with the Civil War?? Something about blah blah state’s rights, northern aggression, something like that. He didn’t get the memo. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2019, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/126 "2019-08-10T15:59:50Z")
> [@foolsguinea](#): > > I’d like to say this in a nicer way, but this is basically my position. > > The Rebel Flag is not appropriate in the context of the US government, nor the context of the several states nor their subdivisions. It is racialized; it is divisive; it is associated with terrorism & violence. Due to its history of ties to violent politics, it seems even _more_ inappropriate than if you put up a New Afrika flag or a Union Jack. Just don’t do it. I agree. It was becoming - for a little while - a symbol for a kind of made up “Bo and Luke Duke good ole boy” fantasy story. It was becoming a symbol of a “glorious lost cause” or some such fake bullshit. BUT all along it was the symbol of racism, slavery, armed rebellion, and treason. I see that now. Keep it off our flag poles and out of our state houses. And now, in the present, it is becoming more (and accurately) associated with the Klan, Proudboys, “alt right”, various Nazi groups etc. I used to be in the “what’s the big deal” camp. That has CHANGED. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2019, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/127 "2019-08-10T17:01:10Z")
> [@foolsguinea](#): > > Due to its history of ties to violent politics, it seems even _more_ inappropriate than if you put up a New Afrika flag or a Union Jack. Just don’t do it. I don’t have a problem with someone flying a Union Jack. If someone is from the UK and lives in the US, and wants to show pride in where they came from that’s cool. I see Mini Coopers with Union Jack roofs all the time. It doesn’t have nearly the kind of history that the Stars and Bars does. And today it represents a nation that exists and is friendly with ours. Unless you hate the modern day UK for some reason (as an old IRA member maybe) I don’t see why you’d be offended. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2019, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/128 "2019-08-10T17:51:45Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > I don’t have a problem with someone flying a Union Jack. If someone is from the UK and lives in the US, and wants to show pride in where they came from that’s cool. I see Mini Coopers with Union Jack roofs all the time. It doesn’t have nearly the kind of history that the Stars and Bars does. It… kinda does, though. Ask the Irish. Or the Indians (dot not feather). Or the Scottish. Or the Chinese. Or… you know what, it would be quicker to list those countries the British Empire \*hasn’t \*violently oppressed and stolen from. ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2019, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/129 "2019-08-10T18:46:24Z")
Ask a French guy if you want to know what bastards the Brits used to be 😉 But that Texas protest sign gives me an idea. How about the ritualistic burning of Confederate flags becomes a standard feature of every Democratic rally and protest? Let’s give a huge, sustained middle finger to Confederate flag sympathizers everywhere. Plus, free chocolate! ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2019, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/130 "2019-08-10T18:54:43Z")
I know a southerner who would burn a Confederate flag for chocolate, I think. They like chocolate! ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2019, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/131 "2019-08-10T18:56:34Z")
> [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](#): > > Ask a French guy if you want to know what bastards the Brits used to be 😉 > > But that Texas protest sign gives me an idea. How about the ritualistic burning of Confederate flags becomes a standard feature of every Democratic rally and protest? Let’s give a huge, sustained middle finger to Confederate flag sympathizers everywhere. Plus, free chocolate! But we need some Demon-crat Librul version of the “fuck your feelings” shirts too. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2019, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/132 "2019-08-10T19:00:24Z")
> [@Gatopescado](#): > > I know a southerner who would burn a Confederate flag for chocolate, I think. They like chocolate! Is it Paula Deen? ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2019, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/133 "2019-08-10T21:41:40Z")
> [@Kobal2](#): > > It… kinda does, though. Ask the Irish. Or the Indians (dot not feather). Or the Scottish. Or the Chinese. Or… you know what, it would be quicker to list those countries the British Empire \*hasn’t \*violently oppressed and stolen from. Like the French, who got their country back, twice, thanks to the Brits. You started it. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2019, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/134 "2019-08-10T22:13:16Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > Like the French, who got their country back, twice, thanks to the Brits. WWII, yeah. But which other time? Surely not WWI, when it was only by the valor of the french troops (who were ground into hamburger by the war machine more than anyone) that the Germans were stymied into starvation and eventual surrender. The french military was the fiercest on the planet for centuries, and had the misfortune to be outflanked by the Nazis in WWII thanks largely to incompetent politically influenced leadership. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2019, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/135 "2019-08-10T22:21:33Z")
Yeah, but the Brits helped. Harumph! ETA: At least I didn’t give the Yanks all the credit. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2019, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/136 "2019-08-10T22:38:17Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > Like the French, who got their country back, twice, thanks to the Brits. > You started it. 😃 It’s not like they did it out of the goodness in their tea-shrivelled hearts. I haven’t forgotten about Joan of Arc. Or Mers-el Kebir. Just they wait :mad:. 🙂 Just being silly, of course. And I’m not saying my own country’s slate isn’t just as bloody. But that’s why you’ll never catch me waving no _tricolore_. Or any other flag, for that matter. 'Cept maybe a black one. Black’s good. It goes with everything, especially more black. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2019, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/137 "2019-08-10T22:50:41Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > The french military was the fiercest on the planet for centuries, and had the misfortune to be outflanked by the Nazis in WWII thanks largely to incompetent politically influenced leadership. _nod_ as I said on another forum, that’s why I’ve always chuckled at the whole American “cheese-eating surrender monkeys” trope, because France has been the warmongering in-your-face gaping asshole of Europe for as long as there’s been a France. Or a Europe, for that matter. There isn’t a country on the continent, not one principality or city-state we haven’t declared war upon, invaded or at least marched troops through without asking permission first at some point. We’ve even committed grand theft \*Pope \*once. We may talk all silly-like, but we’ve been self-important murder-happy bastards much longer than y’all colonials. We’ve become quite good at it. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2019, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/138 "2019-08-11T00:57:23Z")
> [@Kobal2](#): > > We may talk all silly-like, but we’ve been self-important murder-happy bastards much longer than y’all colonials. We’ve become quite good at it. Vive la mort, vive la guerre, vive le sacre mercenaire! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2019, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/139 "2019-08-11T03:01:57Z")
> [@Kobal2](#): > > Or… you know what, it would be quicker to list those countries the British Empire \*hasn’t \*violently oppressed and stolen from. You have to sort of respect that kind of commitment to playing the role of fookin’ World Empire thoroughly, while maintaining a veneer of clubby style. OTOH Confederate paraphernalia is symbolic of a culture committed to… losing? Going into murderous armed rage because the world is turning into something unlike grandpappy’s world? > [@Kobal2](#): > > France has been the warmongering in-your-face gaping asshole of Europe for as long as there’s been a France. Or a Europe, for that matter. There isn’t a country on the continent, not one principality or city-state we haven’t declared war upon, invaded or at least marched troops through without asking permission first at some point. We’ve even committed grand theft \*Pope \*once. When you weren’t bothering to actually go TO Rome to provide him “protection”, often ending up with him running out of town. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2019, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644/140 "2019-08-12T17:57:29Z")
> [@Kobal2](#): > > _nod_ as I said on another forum, that’s why I’ve always chuckled at the whole American “cheese-eating surrender monkeys” trope, because France has been the warmongering in-your-face gaping asshole of Europe for as long as there’s been a France. Or a Europe, for that matter. There isn’t a country on the continent, not one principality or city-state we haven’t declared war upon, invaded or at least marched troops through without asking permission first at some point. We’ve even committed grand theft \*Pope \*once. > We may talk all silly-like, but we’ve been self-important murder-happy bastards much longer than y’all colonials. We’ve become quite good at it. and furthermore, “I fart in your general direction! Now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!” 😃 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-bigots-raise-racist-flag-yet-again/759644.md?page=8)