Was I wrong?

Question

I chastised my 15 yr. old son for wearing a shirt with the Confederate battle flag on it.

We live in the south and I would like to hear the opinion of others that live in the south.

He said it represents the south. I educated him a little about that flag. I asked him if he thought it would be alright for a neighbor to fly the Nazi flag. He indicated that would be wrong. I told him they are the same flags. They are both flags flown by enemies of the US. Just one enemy was in Europe and the other was inside the US. The Confederate flag did not represent the US it represented a militia in the southern US. I also told him that the southern militias flew and faught under many flags that was only one of them.

Was I wrong?

Answer 1

I think you were a little heavy-handed but overall I agree with you. I think secession was probably legal, and the invasion of the Confederacy was probably unconstitutional, but the outcome was certainly the right one, even without justification. It's worth a few talking points, and it could be a great opportunity for you to teach your teenager something about history that he isn't going to get in school. But I'd probably have freaked, too, if one of mine had worn that shirt.

Answer 2

Wrong? that depends on how much you want to believe the closed minded people that portray that flag as racist or somehow a symbol of oppression. In the early to middle 20th century the Confederate flag underwent a boom of popularity. During World War II some units with Southern nicknames made the flag their unofficial emblem. Some soldiers carried confederate flags into battle. After the Battle of Okinawa a Confederate flag was raised over Shuri Castle by a soldier from the self-styled "Rebel Company" (Company A of the 5th Marine Regiment). It was visible for miles and quickly taken down and replaced with the Stars and Stripes.[1]

Answer 3

Right or Wrong is a matter of opinion. A flag is just a piece of cloth , with no special powers. Stars and Bars is the battle flag flown as the southern armies fought. The KKK used he flag in their ceremonies and parades starting in the 1900's. They also marched with the America flag down street of Washington D.C. and New York during he 1920's.
They also had bagpipes playing and other marching songs. So should we have those items banned for public use. The question you should ask your son where and who got the shirt for him and why.
Honest and open discussion can and will solve most problems. Ensure you are the one providing him with information , he can use in life.

Answer 4

With education comes knowledge so hereare some websites on various southern flags of the Civil War and history.
As a parent your job is to teach, instill morals and teach by example so you were wrong - just expand on this moment and show your son facts and love.
Maybe now would be a good time to do some research together , exchange ideas and see what is myth and what is fact.
It could be a great opportunity for both of you to spend time together and explore the south with the Internet.
Teenagers learn by example and what they see in every day life so take this time and enjoy it .

Answer 5

I don't know. There are many interpretations of what the Confederate flag could mean. It makes some people think of racism and ignorance. But it could also make some think of rebellion and standing up for your beliefs. It doesn't just represent the South. I think both you and your son need to discuss that period in history and get perspectives from North and South.

I am a Northerner. BTW.

Answer 6

If you believe that the Confederate flag is a negative symbol, then don't let your son wear it. You are entitled to your own parental decisions.

Answer 7

you were right. over 600,000 Americans died in the civil war, more Americans than any other war.