iOS Gravity
Well-known member
Ask yourself, "Should the German government fly flags with swastikas just because it's 'part of their history'?"
Ask yourself, "Should the German government fly flags with swastikas just because it's 'part of their history'?"
Totally different situation that has already been discussed. You gotta do better than that man...not to mention the swastika has been an iconic shape for thousands of years...long before the nazis decided to use it on their flag. The swastika itself, I feel, is wrongfully assigned as a purely evil shape because of what nazis did in it's shadow.
I know. Religions in certain countries are represented by swastikas. The same thing is being done with the confederate flag. It was just a flag for a separatist country. People now are using it to symbolize their evil deeds.
I know. Religions in certain countries are represented by swastikas. The same thing is being done with the confederate flag. It was just a flag for a separatist country. People now are using it to symbolize their evil deeds.
We shouldn't hide this flag. We need to remember the past for all the mistakes that were made that led to it (including some of the very valid criticisms the South had with the North that didnt involve "dey're taekin mai free laborz")
Totally different situation that has already been discussed. You gotta do better than that man...not to mention the swastika has been an iconic shape for thousands of years...long before the nazis decided to use it on their flag. The swastika itself, I feel, is wrongfully assigned as a purely evil shape because of what nazis did in it's shadow.
There's a difference between displaying the flag in a book, museum or some other historical context and flying it to announce your "southern pride" or above a government building. The latter, regardless of intent, signals a defiant pride in the twisted values the flag has always represented. It's a big "F.U." to the country as if to say, "You may have won the war, but you're not going to change our culture or our belief in what we fought for." It's a troubling everyday reminder of the many atrocities that have been committed for a century and a half against African Americans and those who fought to defend them.
There's a difference between displaying the flag in a book, museum or some other historical context and flying it to announce your "southern pride" or above a government building. The latter, regardless of intent, signals a defiant pride in the twisted values the flag has always represented. It's a big "F.U." to the country as if to say, "You may have won the war, but you're not going to change our culture or our belief in what we fought for." It's a troubling everyday reminder of the many atrocities that have been committed for a century and a half against African Americans and those who fought to defend them.
It's all about context.
A swastika displayed in an eastern culture where it's readily recognized as a Hindu, Buddhist, or Jainist religious symbol is inoffensive and entirely appropriate. The only ones who might take offense in this environment would be Western tourists ignorant as to its local meaning. It should also be pointed out that while the basic swastika shape may be somewhat consistent, eastern cultures stylized it in an entirely different way than the Nazis.
A swastika displayed in the US is an entirely different matter. Unless it happens to be inside some Hindu or Buddhist temple or similar, it's meaning is quite clearly offensive and indicative of sociopathic intent.
People are mixing the right to fly the flag personally and a government entity flying the flag.
Two different issues IMO.
No. Certain people, not necessarily in this thread, are demanding that the Confederate flag be removed altogether.
Altogether? As in private and government buildings?
No. Certain people, not necessarily in this thread, are demanding that the Confederate flag be removed altogether. Some states have or are in the process of removing confederate license plates. The problem I have is not the actual removal of the flag, as long as each State allows for the people's vote to decide, but with certain people wanting it removed after the SC incident, as if the flag had something to do with it. Furthermore, prior to that incident, the flag was a non-issue.
That is true, but aside from various activists, the typical John and Jane Doe could care less about it, in my opinion and my experience.Not exactly correct. The confederate flag flying on state property in many southern states has been a frequent debate topic for years.
My above comments also applies to this.It comes up about as often as the debate over the Redskins.
That flag has been flying throughout the entire South for all of my 52 years and throughout those years, I've seen non-whites riding up and down numerous roads having a blast with their friends in vehicles with that flag draped all over the back windshield or flying on a pole attached to those vehicles. I've seen non-whites participate in civil war re-enactments as depicted in the photo Sean posted as well as see them enter the homes of people who invited them while the flag was flying proudly out front. The flag itself is not an issue for everyday Americans, in my opinion and experience.I think the reason why it has been a particular sore spot for many in SC is because this particular flag was raised in the 60s during the civil rights movement. During this time, many SC politicians were rallying against desegregation. Many people believe it was raised to show defiance against the U.S. Government over desegregation.
Let me clarify something. Sean asked the below question in post #1:
"So I'm curious how many of you are truly offended by this flag?"