Home & Family Facts and Notes

Most of us recognize the battle flag of the Confederacy as a symbol of the south. This flag, also referred to as the Southern Cross, has some pretty strong associations for most people. Some of them are positive, but others are negative - it all depends on what you think of when you see this flag. Some people have associations with their regional heritage, and are very proud of the Confederate flag. However, for a lot of other people, this is a symbol of slavery, institutionalized racism, and restrictive blue laws that were a big part of the south’s history. Add to that the fact that more than five hundred racist organizations use this flag as a symbol and you have a complicated situation.

Many people believe that the Confederate battle flag was the national flag, too. However, this isn’t true - in fact, it’s not even the only battle flag used, and the national flag changed three times over the course of the Civil War. There were actually more than a hundred and eighty different battle flags used in the Confederacy. Some of them looked like the Southern Cross we’re most familiar with, but others bore little resemblance to it.

Display of the Confederate flag is a big deal for lots of people, because almost no one can agree on exactly what it stands for. While this flag acts as a symbols of the south’s racist heritage for some, it’s a sign of pride for many others. There are even some groups, mostly outside the US, who’ve used the Confederate flag to signify a general sense of rebellion, completely outside its historical context.

Because of this mixed symbolism, displaying the Confederate flag at a sporting event, on a public building, or as part of a state flag is a big deal. This flag is very politically charged, and some people even see it as an attack. That’s why legislatures in the south have been struggling with the problem of the Confederate flag for almost twenty years now.

Many states still display this flag in some locations and on particular locations. It’s a good idea to remember that display of the Confederate flag, while politically charged, isn’t always a direct statement about race.

Many people display the Confederate battle flag as a personal point of pride, and aren’t necessarily attempting to imply racist beliefs. However, if you’re thinking about putting up a flag of your own, you should think about all the possible meanings.

The flag is a big symbol of pride in the south. However, the fact that the Ku Klux Klan and similar groups have used it as their own symbol means that there can’t help but be other associations. Display your Confederate flag carefully, and be willing to explain calmly what it means to you.

The Confederate battle flag has a long history, and is still looked on with pride by many. That means that it shouldn’t be dismissed as a banner of racism. It’s a popular symbol that means a lot to many people. Just remember that there are negative associations, too, and that almost everyone reacts strongly to it when it’s on display.

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