IMO, the rebel flag really should be done away with. Before folks who know which side of the racial divide I fall on pounce on me, I ask that you hear me out because I'm about to tell it like it is! No sugar coating here, folks.
I fully understand this particular flag's place in history. It's a symbol of historical pride for many who were born and raised in the South. However, for some that "pride" goes deep and it's dark...really dark.
For many, the rebel flag is nothing more that a symbol of southern pride and historical memorabilia; nothing more. These are people who very likely are history buffs, born and raised in the south who love southern traditions and take great pride in being good, decent, kind, fun-loving southern folks. Being that I'm a Black man who happens to be a "Yankey livin' in the mid-south," I can tell you I've met more kind hearted White southerns than I've met any who wish to do me harm. However, there are those whose view of the rebel flag represents something much more sinister - White racial unity and supremacy. Anyone who denies this is very likely attempting to hide behind a segregationist mindset born of a bygone era of slavery, share cropping, racial hatred and racial inequality against those who are not of "their own kind".
It is for the latter reason that I believe the rebel flag should be done away with because whenever it is raised under that dark cloud of racial hatred, inequality and bigotry all one racial group sees is "Let's go get us one of 'dem there **gers! Get a rope!," while the other sees "Danger, Will Robinson!".
I would not have a problem with the rebel flag being placed in a national museum, i.e., the Smithsonian, because of its historical significance. Treat it exactly as we've treated all former versions of the Stars and Stripes from the 13 original colonies to when this nation ratified Hawaii as its 50th state. Moreover, while it is totally permissible for each state to raise its state banner, I find no reason whatsoever to raise the rebel flag and give it such homage just because of its historical significance connected only to those southern states that lost the Civil War. As such, hang it on your walls in your homes if you wish to display your southern pride! Put rebel flag bumper stickers on your cars. Hang calendars or posters with southern beauties draped in it if you will. (I just gave somebody a nice marketing idea! Go me!!
) But I honestly see no reason to wave this flag at public events because in the majority of situations whenever it is waved high with vigor, there's also the venom of "piss and vinegar" that accompanies it. (Ever been to a KKK rally?)
I respect the historical significance of the rebel flag, as well as the attachment for some as a symbol of southern pride, but to ignore the dark stigma that comes with it...
While I don't see the rebel flag as a sign of treason, I do question why its still allowed to be put on public display considering that when you strip away all the historical relevance, this flag is used more to remind people of what tore this country apart rather than what should be holding us together. Play Taps, fold it neatly, retire it and tuck it away in a display case.
