Opinion: Confederate Flag is Rebel not Racist

Sunset Lakes Elementary School in Miramar, Florida, has a "U.S. History" display with an assortment of flags in its hallways -- including a Confederate flag on Thursday, October 18, 2012. One upset parent has started a petition drive to have the Confederate flag removed. (Walter Michot/Miami Herald/MCT)

Sunset Lakes Elementary School in Miramar, Florida, has a “U.S. History” display with an assortment of flags in its hallways — including a Confederate flag on Thursday, October 18, 2012. One upset parent has started a petition drive to have the Confederate flag removed. (Walter Michot/Miami Herald/MCT)

By Alexandria Roth.

In the middle of all the government shut down drama, another issue has arisen. Last week Michael Ashmore of Hooks, Texas, waved a Confederate flag in front of the White House at a demonstration. He was rebelling against Obamacare.

The Confederate flag that we’re familiar with today originated from the second national flag of the Confederate States of America. It was altered to fit a rectangular shape. The rectangle version was also used as the Battle Flag of the Army of Tennessee. It often is called the “Rebel Flag,” “Dixie Flag,” and “Southern Cross.”

Although the Confederate flag is no longer in use as a legitimate flag of the United States of America, or what used to be the Confederate States of America, it still holds conflict. People tend to agree to disagree.

The other side will argue that the Confederate Flag is a symbol for racism and slavery.

However, I believe the Confederate flag holds no ill wishing or meaning. I do not think that it holds symbolism for racism and slavery, but for Southern Pride. Many who use the Confederate flag consider themselves not to be racist.

They are proud of who they are and where they have come from. It is a representation of the state’s rights. The flag has gotten the name “Rebel Flag” because it is a symbol of those who believe they are rebels or want to be rebels. Around here in Iowa, the Confederate flag means someone considers themselves a redneck or a rebel, AKA someone who breaks the rules and is ‘country’.

In the popular television show “The Dukes of Hazzard,” the car called the General Lee sported a Confederate flag on top. The boys caused a lot of trouble and were what most define as redneck. Little boys (and girls) have since wanted to grow up and drive a car like Bo and Luke Duke. The theme song for the show, “Good Ol’ Boys,” by Waylon Jennings, says, “Just’a good ol’ boys never meanin’ no harm. Beats all you never saw, been in trouble with the law since the day they was born.” This enforces that people who choose to use the Confederate flag just believe they are just troublemakers or bad-asses.

Today, no harm is meant by the Confederate flag. It is a symbol of freedom, rednecks, and rebels, not slavery and racism.

 

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