Unfortunately, this is not a new situation for residents of our world. In the 1930’s a hate group in Germany co-opted a 5,000 year old symbol for peace as a symbol for their hatred and racism. To this day, Europe is still conflicted over the use of the swastika as a symbol of Nazi aggression versus the swastika as a symbol of religious peace and tranquility. Here, in the States, we continue to experience those conflicted feelings over the Confederate battle flag. The symbol of some southern soldiers was not equated with slavery after the war. It was equated with a rebel spirit that united the south. It was not until the 1950s that the battle flag became a symbol of racism when it was used by hate groups and politicians to “rebel” against racial justice. Yet in the 70s, the Dukes of Hazzard was still popular throughout the country despite the prominent display of the battle flag on the top of a car named for the south’s favorite military hero.
Today we are faced with a conflict between intent and perception. While many may have a sincerely non-racist and peaceful intent with their respect for the Confederate battle flag, most Americans perceive it as a symbol of racial intolerance and white supremacy. Perceptions are not always right, but we must respect them, just as others should not assume a hateful intent by those who respect the Confederate battle flag.
I do not label all South Carolinians as racists because of the banner flying on their capitol grounds and I will not shy away from reruns of the Duke boys raising cain in Hazzard county. That being said, I know of many other ways to promote peace and tranquility without the need of a swastika and I don’t need a rebel flag to continue to rebel against injustice in this country, and in its politics.
