Whilst scrolling on Twitter and listening to my peers throughout the halls, I’ve noticed something quite puzzling amongst those around me.  Despite the sense of heightened racial awareness in our country today, I’ve realized that not many people truly understand the meaning behind the Confederate flag.  I have shockingly seen the symbol worn on t-shirts, bumper stickers and just throughout my day to day life.  Although I know some people understand the offensive nature of the flag, I realize that some are quite clueless and honestly have no idea what the flag symbolizes to others.

The Confederate flag we know was never officially the flag of the Confederate States of America.  The first CSA flag was so similar to the United States’ flag that the Army of Northern Virginia began using a square version of the confederate flag we know of today.  There is no getting around the fact that, the Civil War was fought mainly over the issue of slavery; the Confederate states wanted slavery to stay in existence while the North wanted its abolishment.  The Confederate flag represents those who fought to preserve slavery. Those who claim it does not have any racial ties ignore the simple fact.

Even if supporters wanted to assert that the civil war was 150 years ago, examples of the flag as a divisive symbol extended well into the twentieth century. The Ku Klux Klan, a known hate group has also used this flag frequently. Though it is not their official flag.  During the 1940s the flag became a symbol of the political party, the “Dixiecrats” who were mainly devoted to maintaining segregation.  This party opposed making lynching a federal crime and fought anti-discrimination laws.  White supremacy was all this party truly cared about. In response to the civil rights movement of the 50’s and 60’s, white southerners asserted that the flag was a symbol of their traditions. In far too many ways they were traditions of segregation and inequality. In 1963, Governor George Wallace held up the Confederate flag over the State Capitol whilst protesting integration in Alabama.  To this day the flag can be seen to emerge at rallies promoting intolerance.   Those who argue it has historical value deny how that history has been corrupted.

The Confederate flag has come to represent racism and bigotry in this country.  Its history proves the harsh reality of what the flag embodies.  For those who argue that the flag is just a symbol of patriotism should just simply look at the facts.  The Confederate flag should not just wave freely and it is ridiculous that it continues to be showcased so proudly.  The flag stands for hatred, discrimination and violence, so why do we insist on waving it?