2009.07.22
'A symbol of hate used by racists to intimidate and harass'?
SteveA, a frequent commenter on this blog, has composed some of the most thoughtful and strongly worded posts here, and Tuesday was no exception. Here, I'm excepting one of his comments (you can find the entire post here) out of concern that it would remain buried to large numbers of readers who might otherwise wish to respond:
"The Confederate Battle Flag is, and has historically been, a symbol of hate used by racists to intimidate and harass. It is almost on a par with a burning cross. Now you may not view it that way, but it is regardless. When you celebrate such a symbol it is viewed as an attack.
"People who fly that flag cannot be blind to its history. It is extremely insensitive at best. Perhaps it would be beneficial if you could imagine the feelings you attach to "monuments...that are commemorations to the people who...subjugated them". If honoring ancestors is truly the goal then using another symbol, one without such a history of hatred, should really be an easy choice. Perhaps a statue...
"Please define "Southern heritage" for me, because the only thing I ever hear about it is hatred of Yankees and pro-secession arguments and attacks on government and Lincoln.
"Never once have I heard any southerner state that slavery as an institution deserved to die. Or a positive comment on preserving the union. They argue about the North destroying their ancestor's "way of life". Did the North commit war crimes? Absolutely. Such things should be and need to be condemned and not forgotten. But excusing war crimes and not wishing to celebrate the Confederacy are two different things.
Respond away, folks!
