Is the confederate flag offensive?

[PrezLeefun]

http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:AIA38nF_zZoJ:www.rebelclub.org.uk/images/Confederate%2520Flag%2520Normal%2520jpeg.jpg (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.rebelclub.org.uk/images/Confederate%2520Flag%2520Normal%2520jpeg.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.rebelclub.org.uk/main%2520page%2520intro.htm&h=217&w=341&sz=23&tbnid=AIA38nF_zZoJ:&tbnh=73&tbnw=114&start=4&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dconfederate%2Bflag%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D% 26ie%3DUTF-8%26sa%3DG)

Is the confederate flag offensive?
Why do people still display the confederate flag?

To be perfectly honest YES. It is offensive to me and many others. However there are so many people who are not racist who choose to display the confederate flag. Many have said it is a part of their culture; what part of their of their culture?!

I dont get it, please explain.

[Curtman]

No! Absolutely not. I like the flag and think it should be flown beside our the stars and stripes to show a truly United States.

[Peachdiane]

Not offensive to me. I have ancestors who fought in the war on both sides. I never flew it but I once had a black shout me down about how it needs to be abolished forever. What more do they want? They have a month dedicated to them, they have all these organizations like the NAACP. To me the flag has is a special part of American history. If Johnny Reb wants to fly it, let him!

[Wolfcounsel]

I like the Jolly Roger flag. I don't find the Confederate flag or the pirate flag offensive, but I find the Nazi flag nauseating to look at. It's a matter of taste, actually. I also find the Rainbow flag ridiculous.

[UnkHiram]

The Confederate Flag does not offend me, However I can understand that it does offend some folks. My Ancestors fought under that flag for their country and for their state. I take alot of pride in my Southern Roots. Unfortnately, the Symbol of the Confederacy, the Battle Flag, has been hijacked by various hate groups and in the minds of more and more people it has come to symbolize Racism instead of what it is meant to symbolize. (Yes I know that was a terrible run on sentance).

Prez, If you would study the reasons for the War of Northern Agression from the viewpoint of the South you might find yourself surprized. The war (at least from the South's viewpoint) was not about Slavery.

[Republican_Legion]

to me i see it as a reminder when the democrats owned the south b4 the republicans took over .

now adays it seems the union is the red states , and the confederates are the blue states .

i really honestly dont care about the confederate flag . its just like waving the flag with the 13 colonies stars , its old and absolete .

[PrezLeefun]

ummmmmmm it represents rebels wanting to leave the Union because they wanted to keep their slaves! isn't that racist? by flying that doesn't it keep symbolic racism alive?

[HomeschoolrsRUs]

No, the Confederate Flag should not be viewed as offensive. But what should be and what is, are two different things. When a "group" coops a "neutral" symbol/sign/marking how are those who DO NOT follow the philosophy of "the group" supposed to take their "neutral" symbol back?


I would suggest a deep study into the Civil War before deciding that a piece of cloth is offensive. It is NOT the cloth, but the purpose/people BEHIND it who make it offensive. My family (adopted) and my Bubba's family are multi-generational southerners. They are proud of their heritage, they are proud of their ancestors who fought bravely for states-rights (NOT SLAVERY), and they continue to fly the Confederate colors as a symbol of their deep respect for their heritage, their culture, and the southern way of life (NOT INCLUDING SLAVERY!)

I am infuriated at the skinheads, KKK, southern hate-filled racists, for the abuse purpetrated against the flag. They are NOT indicative of the true southerner, they are NOT indicative of the people behind the Confederate Flag, and they in NO WAY represent the nature and culture of the southern people.

[UnkHiram]

Prez

The Flag represtented People fighting to defend their homes from an invading army, it represented a southern way of life that little to do with slavery. As I stated above many of my ancestors fought for the Confederacy, the majority of them owned no slaves. They were just poor farmers protecting their rights.

Home

Much like the word "Gay" the Battle Flag has been co-opted permanently for a new meaning. I agree with your post but I can think of no way to change the commen perception of the flag's meaning.

[PrezLeefun]

No, the Confederate Flag should not be viewed as offensive. But what should be and what is, are two different things. When a "group" coops a "neutral" symbol/sign/marking how are those who DO NOT follow the philosophy of "the group" supposed to take their "neutral" symbol back?


I would suggest a deep study into the Civil War before deciding that a piece of cloth is offensive. It is NOT the cloth, but the purpose/people BEHIND it who make it offensive. My family (adopted) and my Bubba's family are multi-generational southerners. They are proud of their heritage, they are proud of their ancestors who fought bravely for states-rights (NOT SLAVERY), and they continue to fly the Confederate colors as a symbol of their deep respect for their heritage, their culture, and the southern way of life (NOT INCLUDING SLAVERY!)

I am infuriated at the skinheads, KKK, southern hate-filled racists, for the abuse purpetrated against the flag. They are NOT indicative of the true southerner, they are NOT indicative of the people behind the Confederate Flag, and they in NO WAY represent the nature and culture of the southern people.

I am sorry Homes...I totally disagree. The issue of states rights came up because of slavery! The people of the confederacy used that flag to show their defiance of the government so they could keep their slaves, if people today hang that flag they play into racism by keeping its ideals alive.

[Wolfcounsel]

"...if people today hang that flag they play into racism by keeping its ideals alive." --PrezLeeFun

<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->I hang the Jolly Roger flag up at my house. Does that make me a pirate or do I glorify the pirates' looting and killing for plunder? No. The same with my Confederate flag, and as far as I know, none of my ancestors fought in the Civil War. I don't have a Nazi flag, though.

[DesertFox]

I've read that what's being called the Confederate flag -- the flag that went up over Charleston, SC, in 1956, and which has caused all the ruckus -- isn't the Confederate flag at all.

[PrezLeefun]

"...if people today hang that flag they play into racism by keeping its ideals alive." --PrezLeeFun

<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->I hang the Jolly Roger flag up at my house. Does that make me a pirate or do I glorify the pirates' looting and killing for plunder? No. The same with my Confederate flag, and as far as I know, none of my ancestors fought in the Civil War. I don't have a Nazi flag, though.

Then why hang it if you dont believe in it, and you know it offends people?

[Wolfcounsel]

The Confederate flag most commonly shown, the Star and Bars, is the Confederate Navy Jack, I believe.



"Then why hang it if you dont believe in it, and you know it offends people?" --PrezLeeFun

It's my house. I do what I want, say what I want, act like a jackass if I want, in my house. Besides, I'm not a thin-skinned candy ass. Not saying you are, Prez.:laugh:

[PrezLeefun]

The Confederate flag most commonly shown, the Star and Bars, is the Confederate Navy Jack, I believe.



"Then why hang it if you dont believe in it, and you know it offends people?" --PrezLeeFun

It's my house. I do what I want, say what I want, act like a jackass if I want, in my house. Besides, I'm not a thin-skinned candy ass. Not saying you are, Prez.:laugh:

not waving a flag that represents a medium of hate doen't make someone a candy ass. I'm a born and raised New Yorker we don't come in thin-skinned candy ass flavor:D

[DesertFox]

The Wolf got skin like rhinoceros hide. He got skin so thick bullets bounce off. His skin so tough acetylene torches turn and run. Kevlar breaks before the Wolf's epidermis yields so much as a micrometer to an invading virus.

The Wolf, he bad.

And he makes the real point, which is that America has fallen into a well of self-pity, wear your heart on your sleeve, see who can tell the most pathetic story. The very concept of "be a man" has fallen into disrepute, so nobody cares how candy-ass they look with all their whining and pathos.

[UnkHiram]

WOlf

The Most commenly flown flag is the Confederate Battle Flag not the Confederate Naval Flag.

[Beowulf]

To me, the Confederate Flag is the symbol of a former nation, The Confederate States of America. Yes, they embraced slavery but it seems as if the flag has been made the scapegoat for the beliefs of the Confederates. It speaks for a heritage, even if it isn't a good one in the eyes of some.

Personally, I like the looks of it but since I'm a born and raised Yankee (NOT Yankee fan mind you) the debate of heritage vs. Slavery in the south doesn't concern me although the KKK, Skinheads and such I do find offensive. I do feel that if one wishes to display it, they should be able to. If someone see it that doesn't like it, keep on going and pay no mind to it.

[Wolfcounsel]

http://americancivilwar.com/south/conflag/southflg.html

Scroll down to flags 4 and 5, Unk.

[Peachdiane]

It's my house. I do what I want, say what I want, act like a jackass if I want, in my house. Besides, I'm not a thin-skinned candy ass.

:thumb:

[Naturalized-Texan]

The flag that was appropriated by the KKK in the 1950s and commonly referred to as the Confederate flag was actually the Confederate Battle Flag under which Southerners, black and white, rich and poor, slaveholders and non-slaveholders, fought in the Civil War, which to us Yankees was the War of the Southern Rebellion (Yes, I'm a Yankee living in Texas).

Until the KKK appropriated it, that flag was used strictly to honor those who fought valiantly for the South in the Civil War and had nothing to do with slavery or racism. In fact, most Americans in today's military are from the South and many of them have that Confederate Battle Flag somewhere on their person to honor their valiant Southern ancestors.

FYI, the vast majority of those Southern warriors - in the Civil War and now - are Scots-Irish (or Scotch-Irish, if you prefer), as were many of my ancestors. The Scotch-Irish were Protestants from Scotland who were moved by the British from Scotland to the northern part of Ireland (now Ulster) to help the British control Ireland. The Scotch-Irish, being among the poorest of the Southerners, never owned any slaves. Most of the slaveholders were of English ancestry.

For more details on the above, read Chapter 8 - "The Battle Flag" - in Ann Coulter's new book, How to Talk to a Liberal (If You Must) and Born Fighting: How the Scots-Irish Shaped America by James Webb.

[HomeschoolrsRUs]

I am sorry Homes...I totally disagree. The issue of states rights came up because of slavery! The people of the confederacy used that flag to show their defiance of the government so they could keep their slaves, if people today hang that flag they play into racism by keeping its ideals alive.

I'm sorry, Prez . . . I don't agree. As a southerner, I am very well aware of the history and heritage of my land. States rights was about the way the NORTHERNERS wanted us to do things down here . . . slavery was just one issue about which we were being dictated. It (slavery) would NOT have succeeded, slavery was on the way out. There would be no slavery today, even if the southern states had been allowed to secede from the Union.

Today, the Confederate Battle Flag has come to symbolize the pride and heritage we have in our brave fighting men who died in the line of duty. We (my family) do NOT fly the flag in the face of people of color as a symbol of hatred, racism, and bigotry, but as a symbol of our faithfulness to our heritage.

I am sorry if this offends you . . . however, by looking at the flag, are you physically harmed in any way? Do you suffer from injuries sustained by turning your head and looking the other way? Every day of my life I run across people/things who offend me, as a Christian, as a woman, as a homeschooler, as a taxpayer, as a stay-at-home-Mom, and so on. Offense is what is PERCEIVED. Without talking to the "perpetrator" one never knows the motivation by or behind the action.

I am offended by sleazy television ads (like Victoria's Secret), gay-day at Disney World, and most recently, my government . . . I was filling out my tax form today, and it appeared that I might actually get a tax break, as there was a box to check for educators. Turns out when I checked WHO can take the education tax break, homeschoolers DO NOT QUALIFY. This offends me.


As for the flag being appropriated by miscreants . . . the democrat party tried to hijack republican/conservative ideals, they tried to twist the morals and values issue around. But we didn't stand by and let them do it. I don't plan on standing by and letting those self-same hoodlums in the whacko groups (KKK, skinheads, white-power, etc.) to do the same to the Confederate Flag. I am proud to be from a confederate state, I am proud to display my flag, I am proud of my heritage.

[Peachdiane]

Nice post, Home.

Recognize this quote?

My march is a march of heritage, not one of hate, to bring an awareness of the pride we feel. -- H.K. Edgerton

http://www.geocities.com/tnudc/EDGERTON.jpg

[PrezLeefun]

I'm sorry, Prez . . . I don't agree. As a southerner, I am very well aware of the history and heritage of my land. States rights was about the way the NORTHERNERS wanted us to do things down here . . . slavery was just one issue about which we were being dictated. It (slavery) would NOT have succeeded, slavery was on the way out. There would be no slavery today, even if the southern states had been allowed to secede from the Union.
Sry Homes thats not true...if the southern states seceded they would have tanked soon but slavery would have never ended. And blacks would have hell trying to get civil rights today.
Today, the Confederate Battle Flag has come to symbolize the pride and heritage we have in our brave fighting men who died in the line of duty. We (my family) do NOT fly the flag in the face of people of color as a symbol of hatred, racism, and bigotry, but as a symbol of our faithfulness to our heritage.


As for the flag being appropriated by miscreants . . . the democrat party tried to hijack republican/conservative ideals, they tried to twist the morals and values issue around. But we didn't stand by and let them do it. I don't plan on standing by and letting those self-same hoodlums in the whacko groups (KKK, skinheads, white-power, etc.) to do the same to the Confederate Flag. I am proud to be from a confederate state, I am proud to display my flag, I am proud of my heritage.

Homes although I still strongly disagree with you, I still respect you. And I hope that you make time to clarify the reasons you fly your confederate flag. If you want to fly it thats your business; but make sure people know why you do fly it. Because for those who have only seen it as a symbol of hate, it makes you appear to be the one perpetuating that hatred. If you want to fly your flag make sure it becomes a symbol of love for your heritage, not the south's sad history of hate.

[UnkHiram]

WOlf

I stand corrected, I didnt realize it was also the Navy Jack.

[CzechPrince]

I think anyone should be able to fly whatever flag they want in their own yard. So that could be a Nazi flag, a Rainbow flag, or a Confederate flag, British, American, whatever---to a point. If someone finds the flag offensive the only way the person should move it is if it is by the road or in plain view to see, except the American flag, since that is our nations flag.

I live in the South, well, somewhat.(VA) Although I am from Europe, I understand why a lot of people like the flag--heritage or whatever, so I don't have a problem with it and most blacks I talk to, at least my age, don't give a rat's ass. I realize the KKK and skinheads use it and hate blacks and Jews, but remember they hate Catholics as well.

[Peachdiane]

[b][size=3][color=seagreen]but make sure people know why you do fly it. Because for those who have only seen it as a symbol of hate, it makes you appear to be the one perpetuating that hatred.

Prez, KKK wears the Christian cross. Does that mean the cross is a symbol of hate?? The confederate flag is no more a symbol of hatred than than the cross.

The problem with symbols is that their meaning (or lack thereof) is in the eye of EACH individual beholder.

[PrezLeefun]

Prez, KKK wears the Christian cross. Does that mean the cross is a symbol of hate?? The confederate flag is no more a symbol of hatred than than the cross.

The problem with symbols is that their meaning (or lack thereof) is in the eye of EACH individual beholder.

Sorry Peach but the cross is very different. It is a symbol of love and sacrafice amongst the majority of people. Those who are in groups like the KKK have adapted it from true christians and use it as an excuse for their hatred. They are clearly know to be blasphemers. The confederate flag however was a well know symbol that represented rebelion for states "rights" to keep slaves. Very different Peach, very different.

[Curtman]

The confederate flag however was a well know symbol that represented rebelion for states "rights" to keep slaves. Very different Peach, very different.

Wrong... Just more propaganda. Prez, you have much potential and just by being on the board you show a great interest in what America is all about. For your own good study a little bit more on this matter before posting in such a reckless manner. You are buying into a liberal lie and accepting the ACLU's endorsement to it as gospel. Think about your source. Your ok, but you are just mis-informed on this issue.

[Wolfcounsel]

I go along with CzechPrince. And if your neighbor wants to be a skunk, he can fly the Nazi flag on his property. Although that would be a little like some anti-gun dumbass posting a sign on his property declaring it a gun-free zone.

[PrezLeefun]

Wrong... Just more propaganda. Prez, you have much potential and just by being on the board you show a great interest in what America is all about. For your own good study a little bit more on this matter before posting in such a reckless manner. You are buying into a liberal lie and accepting the ACLU's endorsement to it as gospel. Think about your source. Your ok, but you are just mis-informed on this issue.

that is not propaganda! you show me how it is. Its not a liberal lie, its history. Tell me specificly how I am mis-informed. Show me where you got information that proves the confederate flag is more hertiage than hate.

[Curtman]

Your dis-respect is noted. :duh:

The War was not over slavery. Slavery has only been made an issue by the liberal revisionists. It was not an issue. Let me prove to you just by two simple statements. I will give you more, but let me prove to you that the War was not fought over slavery and therefore this flag could never ever have represented slavery. You see Abraham Lincoln proposed a thirteenth amendment to the constitution. He proposed that thirteenth amendment in March of 1861. It is the only proposed constitutional amendment that was signed by a sitting President. It bears Abraham Lincoln's signature. Here was Abraham Lincoln's proposed thirteenth amendment: "No amendment shall be made to the Constitution which will authorize or give Congress the power to abolish or interfere within any state with the domestic institutions thereof, including that a person's held to labor or service by laws of said State." Did you hear that? Lincoln's proposed thirteenth amendment said Congress shall not have the power to interfere with any institutions within any state including those held to labor or service by the laws of that State. In other words, what Abraham Lincoln was saying to the South if you will accept this proposed thirteenth amendment, you may forever keep slaves. Folks, Beauregard never fired on Fort Sumter until April 9. This was in March of 1861! If the War had been about slavery and if the South wanted just to keep slaves and that was it, why fire a gun? Why fire a shot? Just simply accept this proposed thirteenth amendment and it would all be over. This resolution was passed unanimously by Congress on July 23, 1861. You may read it for yourself in the Congressional Record. Here is what this resolution says: The War is waged by the government of the United States not in the spirit of conquest or subjugation, nor for the purpose of overthrowing or interfering with the rights or institutions of the states, but to defend and protect the Union. Congress said the War is not about slavery. Lincoln said the War is not about slavery! I will even give you a thirteenth amendment that will allow you to make slavery permanent.
You see what was happening was this: There are a lot of issues and I can't cover them all tonight, but one of the issues was an economic issue. Do you realize the South before the War was extremely wealthy. And the South before the War funded probably 75 to 80% of all the taxes. But the North wanted a 40% tariff. The South said no. The most we will ever agree to is a 10% tariff. And what Lincoln and the radical republicans were doing was this: They were saying we would give you the thirteenth amendment. We will let you keep your slaves if that is what you want. You just let us keep our tariffs. In other words, the North was willing to sell the blacks out for money, for higher taxes! They weren't interested in the slaves. They could care less. You see, Hapgood's book, Abraham Lincoln. The Man of The People, on page 273 quotes Abraham Lincoln as saying, "if I could save the Union without freeing any of the slaves I would do it." Abraham Lincoln later said that slaves are property and if freed they should be paid for. Later on Lincoln said, "I have no purpose directly or indirectly to interfere with the institution of slavery in the states where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so and I have no inclination to do so." Now here Lincoln is acknowledging that he has no lawful right to interfere with slavery. Slavery, by the way, was constitutional. All thirteen colonies agreed on it and by the way, in 1776 all thirteen colonies held slaves, not just the South, all of them! Lincoln said, "I have no lawful right to interfere nor, he says do I have an inclination to do so." In a letter to Alexander Stevens who happened to be later the Vice President of the Confederacy, Lincoln wrote Alexander Stevens and said this, "Do the people of the South really entertain fear that a Republican administration would directly or indirectly interfere with their slaves or with them about their slaves? If they do, I wish to assure you that once as a friend and still I hope not an enemy, that there is no cause for such fears. The South would be in no more danger in this respect than it was in the days of Washington". So once again, Lincoln is saying it's not over slavery.

Read more here, front to back.
http://mauricesbbq.itgo.com/truth.html

[Taylor]

I don't understand why so many blacks think the Confederate flag is offensive and racist. Especially, when they support a political party that has a racist history. For instance the southern Democrats also known as Dixiecrats were racist against blacks. I'm not trying to be racist. I don't find the Confederate flag offensive at all and I think it should be flown right besides the American flag.

[HomeschoolrsRUs]

HomeschoolrsRUs said, I'm sorry, Prez . . . I don't agree. As a southerner, I am very well aware of the history and heritage of my land. States rights was about the way the NORTHERNERS wanted us to do things down here . . . slavery was just one issue about which we were being dictated. It (slavery) would NOT have succeeded, slavery was on the way out. There would be no slavery today, even if the southern states had been allowed to secede from the Union.

Sry Homes thats not true...if the southern states seceded they would have tanked soon but slavery would have never ended. And blacks would have hell trying to get civil rights today.

No Prez, the southern states would not have tanked, the south was VERY wealthy. We had the farmland, we provided the tax dollars for the north. But slavery WOULD have ended . . . there was no way it could have survived. As progress occurred, wisdom would have prevailed. It was not logical to continue the act of slavery. So you think if the Confederate States of America would have been formed and existed today, slavery would still be practiced here in the South? That simply doesn't make sense . . . the advent of the Industrial Revolution alone would have caused the end of slavery. Sorry, you're wrong about this one.

Homes although I still strongly disagree with you, I still respect you.

And I, you.

And I hope that you make time to clarify the reasons you fly your confederate flag.

Please don't take offense to this Prez, but I don't owe anyone an explanation as to a reason why I/we/my family flies our Confederate Flag. We do so for US, not for you, or any passers-by who might look up to our yard and see it.

But in any case, I do believe I have given you reasons. For the family members who bravely shed their blood and died in battle for their southern heritage, their family, their God. It represents a simplier time, before all this new-fangled technological progress, when a simple man's day of work resulted in a day of wage, to be proud of. For those in our family who tilled the soil, worked the land, and lived by a code of honor, dignity, civility and gentlemanliness. As I stated before, my husband's family is MULTI-generational southerners . . . their are proud of their family and their heritage. Are they proud of EVERYTHING that happened (including slavery), of course not. But every culture has a dark time in their history that they would rather sweep under a rug and forget. I am proud, WE are proud of our heritage, warts and all, because ALL things contribute(d) to the person(s) we are now.

If you want to fly it thats your business;

Yes, and that's the point.

but make sure people know why you do fly it.

The burden is not on me to prove why or "make sure people know why I fly it." It's my yard, it's my freedom, it's my right to freedom of expression. I was not the one who appropriated the flag, and twisted it to mean bigotry, hatred, racisim, or discrimination.

Because for those who have only seen it as a symbol of hate, it makes you appear to be the one perpetuating that hatred.

What is stopping them from asking, as you are doing, what the flag symbolizes for me? Why must you ASSUME that it means hatred . . . you don't know me, they don't know me. If I had a mannequin of a black person hanging from my tree beside my Confederate Flag, I might agree with you on this, but that is not the case. People in my neck of the woods (of all shades and races) KNOW the kind of person I am. They KNOW what my flag stands for and they are not offended. Why? Because THEY took the time to get to KNOW me, not assume things about me.

You know, you would be LIVID if you heard someone refer to a group of black people standing around a corner talking as an (assumed) bunch of thieving crack-heads, now wouldn't you? The same goes for those who try to box us Southerners in with the KKK and the skinheads when they see US fly our Confederate Flags.

If you want to fly your flag make sure it becomes a symbol of love for your heritage, not the south's sad history of hate.

Prez, please don't take this the wrong way, but if you want to dis people because they fly the Confederate Flag, I believe YOU need to do some further study on the issue of the Civil War and States Rights to make sure it's not you that is percieving it as a symbol of the "south's sad history of hate." Most of us down here, we've done our best to get over the dark parts of our past, and to move on to a brighter future. We don't use the flag as a symbol of past mistakes, but of a people who are strong, proud, loyal, and brave, and for our ancestors from whom we inherited the traits.

[PrezLeefun]

Homes I get where you're coming from now; but I don't think you get me. When I raise my fist in air making the black power sign I make sure people know why I do it; so that they don't feel offened. Its common courtesy in my neck of woods. Furthermore cleary the North teaches about the Civil War much differently from the South. Our perceptions of reasons for why things fell apart are different. I'm sorry but in this case someone sugar coated your history textbooks. We have a much more distinct idea of what that war was about up here. Racism is harder to deal with in New York because there so many kinds of people. Knowing what offends is just one part of the struggle to bring people together, that is why I have such strong feelings about the confederate flag. A symbol like that tears people apart up here.

I don't beleive most of the people here are hateful or racist, but no matter what I still have serious problems with that flag.

[HomeschoolrsRUs]

Homes I get where you're coming from now;

Most people can reach that point when they bother to take the time to find out what the other is saying. Civil discourse is ALWAYS better than general assumption.

but I don't think you get me.

Apparently not. But I'm a Southerner, remember, we do things a bit slower down here don'tcha know, LOL:D

When I raise my fist in air making the black power sign I make sure people know why I do it; so that they don't feel offened. Its common courtesy in my neck of woods.

Guess our woods are clearly filled with different trees.

Furthermore cleary the North teaches about the Civil War much differently from the South. Our perceptions of reasons for why things fell apart are different.

I wouldn't argue with that. We all come from a point of positional bias, no one is completely unbiased, and usually brings to the table those things they are familiar with. It makes sense that those in the North percieve "The War" differently than those down here in the South.

I'm sorry but in this case someone sugar coated your history textbooks. We have a much more distinct idea of what that war was about up here.

:shame: Shame, shame, shame . . . how very elitist of you, Prez. Because I am a Southerner MY history textbooks MUST be wrong, right? Sorry, hun, you REALLY need to do some serious research on this issue and stop listening to all the pablum being fed you by the guv'mint!

Racism is harder to deal with in New York because there so many kinds of people.

Really, you have problems with racism . . . up there??? Gee, I thought it was only us backward redneck hill-billies who were racist. Racism is hard to deal with ANY where - - - there are idiots every where, my dear, every where.

Knowing what offends is just one part of the struggle to bring people together, that is why I have such strong feelings about the confederate flag. A symbol like that tears people aprat up here.

I don't beleive most of the people here are hateful or racist, but no matter what I still have serious problems with flag.

Offense is a personal thing . . . you can choose to be offended or just walk away. You can deal with the offense, or go on and live your life to prove the offender wrong. EVERYONE gets offended by something. If we begin to eliminate all things that illustrate offense, what in the world would be left?

I'm sorry you have a problem with the Confederate Flag, and I don't mean to appear insensitive, but you are the one with the problem, not me. Why should I get rid of my flag, becuase you have a problem? No, that's not logical. Prez, don't immediately look for the bad . . . isn't it better to assume the best, and then deal with the worst if it happens?

I hope you understand now why my family flies the flag, and at least if you drive by my house, you will know, it does not symbolize my family's hatred of a race, but their love of a family, a culture, a heritage that runs strong and deep throughout their genes. And if you are riding by, why not stop for some BBQ --- my Bubba does a mean grillin'! We usually have some deer, dove, or quail on hand for just such an occasion -- we'd love to have you stop in for a bite to eat.

[Peachdiane]

Especially, when they support a political party that has a racist history. For instance the southern Democrats also known as Dixiecrats were racist against blacks.

Boy and how! It goes as far back to Lincoln's time when Johnson (southern Democrat) vetoed 29 bills passed by the Republican congress to end slavery!

[Curtman]

Homes I get where you're coming from now; but I don't think you get me. When I raise my fist in air making the black power sign I make sure people know why I do it; so that they don't feel offened. Its common courtesy in my neck of woods. Furthermore cleary the North teaches about the Civil War much differently from the South. Our perceptions of reasons for why things fell apart are different. I'm sorry but in this case someone sugar coated your history textbooks. We have a much more distinct idea of what that war was about up here. Racism is harder to deal with in New York because there so many kinds of people. Knowing what offends is just one part of the struggle to bring people together, that is why I have such strong feelings about the confederate flag. A symbol like that tears people apart up here.

I don't beleive most of the people here are hateful or racist, but no matter what I still have serious problems with that flag.

Prez- Please take the time to read the Link I provided in an earlier post, You are out in orbit on this.
I do not usualy say this because I don't like to sound like a griper but, The white male in America is the most discriminated against person walking in this day. Not just by other nationalities but by our own government.
That aught to raise a few feathers.

[PrezLeefun]

Prez- Please take the time to read the Link I provided in an earlier post, You are out in orbit on this.
I do not usualy say this because I don't like to sound like a griper but, The white male in America is the most discriminated against person walking in this day. Not just by other nationalities but by our own government.
That aught to raise a few feathers.
I agree with what you say about white males; and i am very outspoken about reverse racism. But that has nothing to do with the topic and clearly you have not read my post you just quoted it.

[Rightknight]

Every flag is offensive to someone for some reason or another! The American flag could be considered offensive to some radical native Americans and even some Liberals. We as Conservatives can not let this POLITICAL CORRECTNESS effect us or the way we think IN ENY WAY! I even sliped up myself just then by useing the SILLY term NATIVE AMERICANS!!! Be CAREFULL EVERYONE ITS INSIDIOUS!!!!

[PrezLeefun]

Every flag is offensive to someone for some reason or another! The American flag could be considered offensive to some radical native Americans and even some Liberals. We as Conservatives can not let this POLITICAL CORRECTNESS effect us or the way we think IN ENY WAY! I even sliped up myself just then by useing the SILLY term NATIVE AMERICANS!!! Be CAREFULL EVERYONE ITS INSIDIOUS!!!!

Actually Native Americans is the proper way to say it; being as they are not Indians as in India . Political correctness is not always bad.
PS
"ENY" is not a word, but "ANY" is.

[UnkHiram]

PRez

I hate to quibble over something as inance as PC language. However, I was born in America Thus I am a "Native" American, If you were born in America (I believe you were) then You are a "Native" American of African Ancestry.

[Naturalized-Texan]

PRez

I hate to quibble over something as inance as PC language. However, I was born in America Thus I am a "Native" American, If you were born in America (I believe you were) then You are a "Native" American of African Ancestry.
Absolutely! If one is born in America then one is a Native American.

[CzechPrince]

The people in the North, at least a large amount of them, were just as racist as people in the South.

Does anyone remember during the integration of schools the people in Boston I beleive rioted becasue they did not want their kids at schools with blacks? My point is the North did not fight to free the slaves, Lincoln wanted to COLONIZE them and send them back to Africa, (Liberia).

That much is propoganda. But I also feel that all those thousands of yankee boys who died and thus the slaves were freed as a political move by Lincoln, is enough reparations for blacks today.

Why do you think the border states who fought for the North were allowed to keep their slaves? That alone shows Lincoln did not give 2 flying F***s about blacks.

I'm tired of hearing people bitch about reparations. My ancestors were slaves, except in Europe they were called serfs. We got over it, now it's your turn, you get over it.

Plus, my mom is Cherokee, so both sides of my family went through hell.

[CzechPrince]

I go along with CzechPrince. And if your neighbor wants to be a skunk, he can fly the Nazi flag on his property. Although that would be a little like some anti-gun dumbass posting a sign on his property declaring it a gun-free zone.

That's cool that you have the jolly roger flag hanging in your yard. What do you have it for, besides how awesome it is?

[CzechPrince]

PRez

I hate to quibble over something as inance as PC language. However, I was born in America Thus I am a "Native" American, If you were born in America (I believe you were) then You are a "Native" American of African Ancestry.

Native American, such as the cherokee, which I am exactly 1/2, is the ethnic group we call Native Americans.

How do you distinguish people like that from white caucasion, "Native Americans?"

[Republican_Legion]

Native American, such as the cherokee, which I am exactly 1/2, is the ethnic group we call Native Americans.

How do you distinguish people like that from white caucasion, "Native Americans?"

if u were to be asked which do u see ur ethnic group in "native american indian or czech" .

if i were asked "mexican or german" i would choose mexican , cause i can tan pretty dark if i actually stayed out in the sun long , and i my hair color and eyes are brown .

[UnkHiram]

Czech

I would call a cherokee a Native American of Cherokee Ancestry. But Only if they insisted on a label.

[Wolfcounsel]

"That's cool that you have the jolly roger flag hanging in your yard. What do you have it for, besides how awesome it is?" --CzechPrince


It's inside the house. It means come in peace or be carried out in pieces.:laugh: <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[PrezLeefun]

"That's cool that you have the jolly roger flag hanging in your yard. What do you have it for, besides how awesome it is?" --CzechPrince


It's inside the house. It means come in peace or be carried out in pieces.:laugh: <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

wow w-o-w wow rotflmao

[CzechPrince]

if u were to be asked which do u see ur ethnic group in "native american indian or czech" .

if i were asked "mexican or german" i would choose mexican , cause i can tan pretty dark if i actually stayed out in the sun long , and i my hair color and eyes are brown .

Czech, mainly since my last name is Czech and I can speak it.

[DesertFox]

I just spent five months living and teaching on a rez in Montana. They prefer to be called by their tribal name (Crow, Shoshone, Cheyenne, whatever), but don't mind being called Indians. The school mascot where I taught was the Indians.