The Confederate Flag: Mainstream Symbol or Extreme Ideology?

The confederate flag has long been a symbol of the historic south and the storied battles of the Civil War. Armed with its cross and stars, many people today fly the flag as a tribute to their heritage and culture. However, that flag also brings about many negative feelings regarding the dark side of U.S. government history.

Created in 1861, the flag was flown for 4 years and served as the national symbol for the Confederate States of America. During that time the south was a racially divided “nation”, under which any person of color had little or no rights in society. It was this era that spawned the belief system of the members of the KKK, beliefs that largely still hold influence in their organization today.

At large extremist events, such as ones held by members of the KKK, it is common to see the confederate flag flying proudly.  It is the stereotypical “Southern Confederate Man” who many assume are associated with such groups and their ideals. Them members who appear at these rallies, although in costume, outwardly identify themselves as extremist members of society. Take for example this picture of KKK members saluting the Confederate Flag:

However, not all who fly the Confederate Flag, associate themselves with the ideologies and beliefs of such extremist groups. For example, a group of high school students in Indiana faced serious consequences for flying the flag on school property. The boys who stated that they believed the flag represented “the confederate army (that) was in rebellion to the U.S. Army who were about money and power” and insisted that “(we) never took it as racial or anything like that.”

Upon hearing of the incident, school officials immediately suspended the three seniors, prohibiting them from attending graduation the following day. This example clearly demonstrates how bits of the “extreme” can eventually work their way into the “mainstream” of society. In the younger generation, for instance when I think of the confederate flag, I am not immediately consumed with horrific thoughts of racism and the tragedy of the civil war. Rather, I look at it as a controversial symbol of our past, one that means a variety of things to a wide range of people.  

After reading this article, I found myself questioning what truly defines “mainstream” vs. “extreme”. Does it take a death or a heinous crime to define an “extreme” action, or does an action such as flying the confederate flag in society today render an “extreme” title. The school officials in this case were forced to determine that definition, which ultimately ended in their suspension of these boys.

When asked about the decision school officials stated, “We are very clear that the Confederate flag is a symbol of hatred, bigotry and racism," said Rick Kaufman, the Executive Director of Community Relations at Bloomington Kennedy High School. "It's truly unfortunate that the bad decision they made will prevent them from walking across the stage in graduation.”

Race will forever be tumultuous topic in American history both presently, and in the past. However, if we can educate and define the true meaning of symbols such as the Confederate Flag, then we might be able to indirectly address the censorship regarding such controversial symbols. 

Here is the link to the story mentioned above: www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=513203