# What can replace the Confederate Flag as a symbol of Southern Pride? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 24, 2015, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385 "2015-06-24T19:35:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![GrizzRich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7ba0ec/32.png) [@GrizzRich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrizzRich)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/1 "2015-06-24T19:35:32Z")
Truly, this is a serious question that I have. Display and sales of the confederate flag are touchy these days. Some folks view it as a symbol of southern pride and history while others view it as a symbol of racism and oppression. So, what is an iconic symbol, preferably something that’ll go on a flag, that southern folks can point to as a symbol of pride without it being so widely offensive? I’ve already thought of some of the joke-y items such as Waffle House sign or a bowl o’ grits. But otherwise, I’m stumped. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Krupe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ebca7d/32.png) [@Leo\_Krupe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Krupe)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/2 "2015-06-24T19:41:19Z")
Why must there be Southern pride? No other region of the US has it’s own flag–you hear about New Englanders, and their pride in things like their architecture, clam bakes, lobsters, but they never had their own flag. The flippin Civil War ended generations before anyone alive was born. It’s fine to study it for history, and learn from its mistakes, but for cryin’ out loud, stop living it. It’s over. I was born and raised in southwestern Virginia, and all through the 60s, there was an awful lot of the cartoon rebel general with the flag and the caption “Forget? Hell!” It was on posters and lighters and all sorts of other stuff. It’s time to put all that shit away. ---
**Author:** ![AnaMen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dfb087/32.png) [@AnaMen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnaMen)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/3 "2015-06-24T19:41:19Z")
The South has a proud history of racism and oppression and the Confederate flag says it all. They didn’t realize they were wrong, apologize, and surrender; they lost the war and were forced to stop keeping people as slaves. Why is anyone surprised that the hearts and minds of the people didn’t all embrace the change? ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/4 "2015-06-24T19:42:39Z")
Do they need a symbol of Southern Pride? I like living near Seattle. I think the culture around here suits me better than most places I’ve lived I don’t need a flag, however. I think when you’re trying to understand why Southern Pride is even a thing, you get to the root of the problem. Anyway, most southern states have football teams they’re proud of. They can use that outlet. Go Hawks! ---
**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:** [June 24, 2015, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/5 "2015-06-24T19:49:10Z")
Kudzu. Or a pick-up truck. Or a Trans Am. ---
**Author:** ![RandMcnally](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b782af/32.png) [@RandMcnally](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RandMcnally)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/6 "2015-06-24T19:50:19Z")
A picture of Sherman. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/7 "2015-06-24T19:53:04Z")
[Be proud.](http://necessaryindulgences.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/8702464442_69afde69a2.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![MindsEye\_Watering](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mindseye_watering/32/3619_2.png) [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/8 "2015-06-24T19:54:39Z")
Fox News logo. ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/9 "2015-06-24T19:57:31Z")
> [@Leo\_Krupe](#): > > Why must there be Southern pride? No other region of the US has it’s own flag–you hear about New Englanders, and their pride in things like their architecture, clam bakes, lobsters, but they never had their own flag. That’s not actually true: > **[Flag of New England](https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Flag_of_New_England)** > > New England has no official flag. However, there have been many historical or modern banners used to represent the region in its history. While there are some variations, common designs include a plain colored field (usually red) with a pine tree in the canton. The eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is the most common and prominent symbol of New England and is featured on many of the region's flags. > The flag of New England has two prominent symbols: a pine tree and red color. Other features, ... > **[New England Revolution](https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/fans/the-flag-of-new-england)** > > Fans, Supporters, Slyde and The Battalion ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/10 "2015-06-24T19:59:13Z")
Food, like the other states do. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/11 "2015-06-24T20:03:22Z")
The Duke’s of Hazzard car…wait, that’s been banned also. Auto-trader want’s it’s advertising budget back… ---
**Author:** ![Alley\_Dweller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alley_dweller/32/430_2.png) [@Alley\_Dweller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alley_Dweller)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/12 "2015-06-24T20:04:38Z")
I would draw a white hand shaking a black hand and use that as the symbol of pride. Pride in the future we can build, not pride in the mistakes of the past. ---
**Author:** ![CinnamonBabka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bbce88/32.png) [@CinnamonBabka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CinnamonBabka)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/13 "2015-06-24T20:10:57Z")
I’m sure someone can deliver a lovely flag-shaped infographic showing how poor the education system is in the south. ---
**Author:** ![GrizzRich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7ba0ec/32.png) [@GrizzRich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrizzRich)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/14 "2015-06-24T20:12:28Z")
> [@MindsEye\_Watering](#): > > Fox News logo. ZING! ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/15 "2015-06-24T20:13:08Z")
Grits, BBQ, Pecan Pralines all come to my mind. But as a symbol? Nah, these food items won’t do. A Magnolia? ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/16 "2015-06-24T20:14:11Z")
Jokingly? A big ol’ glass of sweet tea. Seriously? A mockingbird on a dogwood branch. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/17 "2015-06-24T20:16:19Z")
A guy I work with is apparently ahead of the pack and flies a[Gadsden flag](http://www.gadsdenandculpeper.com/gadsdenflags1.html?cmp=googleadwords) instead of a Confederate flag. We’re in Minnesota, by the way. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/18 "2015-06-24T20:18:06Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > A guy I work with is apparently ahead of the pack and flies a[Gadsden flag](http://www.gadsdenandculpeper.com/gadsdenflags1.html?cmp=googleadwords) instead of a Confederate flag. > > We’re in Minnesota, by the way. That is being taken up more and more by the anti-government/molon labe crowd. It’s not regional. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Krupe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ebca7d/32.png) [@Leo\_Krupe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Krupe)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/19 "2015-06-24T20:20:06Z")
> [@ISiddiqui](#): > > That’s not actually true: > > [Flag of New England - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Flag_of_New_England) > > [New England Revolution](http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/supporters/the-flag-of-new-england) I stand corrected. I’ve been to New England many, many times in my life, but never knew there was a regional flag. Thanks for the enlightenment. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![MindsEye\_Watering](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mindseye_watering/32/3619_2.png) [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2015, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385/20 "2015-06-24T20:23:00Z")
> [@CinnamonBabka](#): > > I’m sure someone can deliver a lovely flag-shaped infographic showing how poor the education system is in the south. I was thinking that a [Dunce Cap](http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-dunce-cap.htm) would work for that. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-replace-the-confederate-flag-as-a-symbol-of-southern-pride/723385.md?page=2)