Another perspective

The same 'history' and 'symbols' can have different meaning and bring up different emotions in citizens of the South. The Confederate Flag was the flag of the South during the Civil War. (Four years) To those whose families immigrated to this land from Europe - it meant traditions of gentility, mint juleps, large plantations, small farms, friendly neighbors, etc., etc., etc. To those whose families were brought here on slave ships - it meant disruption of family life, beating, lynching, a poverty of soul and spirit. After the Civil War, the Confederate Flag was used to intimidate 'blacks' for years under the rule of Jim Crow, and the KKK. A wonderful friend of mine did not realize that many blacks feel threatened by this symbol. She feels - and it is her right to feel this - that the flag symbolizes southern traditions and culture. . .for this is what she was taught - and this has been her experience. If southerners, who now complain about the teaching of 'black history’, do not understand why blacks find the 'symbol' of the Confederate Flag offensive - then they have not been taught 'black history'. There are many citizens of the south who now get along with one another - and through dialogue - should be able to understand what that symbol means to the descendants of white immigrants and black slaves. I believe that there are many who wear the symbol of the Confederate Flag - who don't have a racist thought . . .but to a black person who doesn't know them . . .the reaction of any black person MAY be fear and intimidation. . . and anger. There is a need for honest dialogue here. We have too many enemies in other countries - we don't need to fight among ourselves. The South fought a war to preserve a way of life and an economy that was the envy of the world.. . .based on slave labor. After the war – in order to restore order and a semblance of life as it was before the war . . .blacks were relegated to a subservient/slave position by law. The laws have changed; the South has changed. Let’s don’t bring back the fear, anger, and hate that lies smoldering in the grave because of a lack of understanding of one another’s perspective.