The Confederate Flag Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Confederate Flag - Essay Example It is only when the flag is misused that its history is marred with hatred. Interestingly, the "NAACP does not oppose Americans who want to honor their Confederate ancestors" (Currier, 2005). This same group does oppose the flying of the flag at Confederate cemeteries because they believe that any "use of the flag is an endorsement of an emblem of white resistance to black achievement, freedom, and equality" (Currier, 2005). The Flag as a Symbol of Hatred Those who proudly fly the Confederate flag include those who share a hatred for anyone who is black, Asian, or Jewish. This hatred has reared its ugly head in the form of the Ku Klux Klan, white supremacy groups, and those who have used the flag to promote hatred toward others. This hatred is felt more often in the southern regions of the United States but does appear in the Northern regions as well. For many, the Confederate flag represents "slavery, racism, and lynchings" (Cummings, 2002). It is not uncommon to see Confederate flags flying on private property in the American countryside. So long as the American flag flies above the Confederate flag it can be flown without consequences. That same flag can be found in the windows and bumpers of many pickup trucks across the country. In the old show "The Dukes of Hazard" their vehicle (The General Lee) had a rooftop Confederate Flag on it. The Confederate flag issue has shown up in political referendums in the south. In 2002 the Rebel flag was voted to remain a part of Mississippi's state flag (Cummings, 2002). Despite the loss those who support the removal of the Confederate flag from the state flag vow to do whatever it takes to get the Confederate flag removed from the state flag. But, most in Mississippi chose to retain the state... This paper talks about the Confederate Flag, which to many in the United States symbolizes a connection with their ancestors who fought under the flag during the Civil War. The flag was carried by confederate troops as they went into battle. Many fought, and died, under their standard. For the descendants â€Å"the Rebel flag symbolizes Southern heritage and valor†. Many descendants insist that the flag represents the fight for â€Å"constitutional liberties and state’s rights†. These descendants believe that the flag represents more than slavery. It represents a period in history that their ancestors actively participated in. Today’s fliers of the flag want that connection. It is not uncommon to find the Confederate flag flown at Confederate cemeteries and it â€Å"seems perfectly reasonable because the soldiers buried in Higginsville (a Confederate cemetery) fought and died under the Southern Cross†. In the 1880’s the Confederate flag regained popularity when members of â€Å"The Sons of Confederate Veterans and the United Daughters of the Confederacy sought to preserve the flag’s heritage by flying it in commemorative ceremonies†. Again, this is an example of the flag being used to maintain a connection with ancestors who fought in the Civil War. The Confederacy, and the flag, are part of their heritage as well. The paper concludes that the many arguments about the Confederate flag are persuasive but it is it’s association with the Ku Klux Klan, white supremacists, and hate mongers that give it a bad reputation.