What does the Confederate Battle Flag really represent?

Question

Yes, there have been a few groups, and a lot of individuals who have used it, and abused it, as a symbol of their bigotry and hatred. But, what does it really represent in American history and the heritage of the South?

Answer 1

Basically, it represents freedom. The freedom to think and act according to one's own beliefs without the interference of a Federal Government. We can see more clearly every decade how these freedoms have been lost since the War Between the States. You can't even spank your own kids in your own home now without drawing the attention of the Federal Government. You lost much when you crushed the 'rebellion'. I wonder how long it will take before you see it?

Answer 2

Here is an excerpt from wikipedia.org Use the link below to get more info. There are also pictures of the various flags and detailed descriptions.

The following flags were used by the Confederate States of America. Although they have not been in official national use since the end of the American Civil War, personal and official use of some of these flags and their decendents has continued under considerable controversy. Until recently the Confederate Navy Jack flag (see below) was flown over the South Carolina State House. A Confederate Battle Flag now flies over the SC Confederate Soldier Monument which is on the state house grounds. The design of the Confederate Battle Flag was also incorporated into the state flags of Mississippi, Georgia, and in variant form, Arkansas. Georgia's flag has recently been changed as described below.

Answer 3

Whoever quoted from Wikipedia is correct on the origins of the Confederate battle flag. However...it has turned into a symbol of an idea. The flag is usually associated with racism, but to many it stands for a sense of Independence...or rebellion.

Although I don't agree with what the flag represents as associated with racism...I fully agree with anybody's right to fly it.

That's the beauty of the country we live in...although everyone might not agree with what you do...you at least have the right to do it.

Answer 4

The Stars in the flag represent the States that joined
the south in the "War of the rebellion".

Answer 5

The south

Answer 6

It depends on who is looking at it. Historically it was the flag of the Confederacy, which was the government that the south formed when they broke away from the North. It was considered a national flag.

Answer 7

A few years ago I read about a community in Brazil, descendants of Rebs who fled there after the CW. They still use(d) the Stars and Bars as a symbol of nationalism and traditions - according to the article and its interviewees, they were totally unaware of the racist interpretation of its usage, as they were well adapted into multicultural Brazil (perhaps one of the must multi-C places on Earth).

I found it interesting.

Answer 8

I'm not from the south but I live in the south now. I cringe every time I see one of those flags. I think it has a legacy of pain that outwieghs any historical value that it might have, and it should not be used today. It's a relic from the past.

Answer 9

A piece of history. People will use it to get their opinion or attitude across as they feel fit. Kinda like the Raiders symbol, rising sun, or other symbols.

Answer 10

It represents rebelling against the Union, and for the ignoble cause of perpetuating slavery. People who think they're honoring their ancestors with it need to realize that their ancestors do not deserve honor. They were TRAITORS.