The odious stench of TIME magazine

[GT98]

Originally posted by Brian R.
Joel is right on the money. A Confederate battle flag has seen more hate because of the use it has been put to, post-war, than any other flag I can name. By itself with no modern connotations, it is a truly valiant flag.

What about the Nazi Flag with Swatisias? Thats another symbol (swatisa) thats been totally twisted out of its orginal meaning.

[Joel]

A Confederate Battle flag has seen more hate because of the use it has been put to, post-war, than any other flag I can name.

They say it's because it is seen as a symbol of slavery in the US. The fact is that not a single ship that brought slaves to the US ever flew a Confederate Battle Flag or a Confederate States flag for that matter. In fact the major of the ships that did bring slaves to the US either sailed under the Old Glory (our current US flag minus a few stars) or the British flag.

The Confederate Battle flag was designed for use during the Civil War because the Union 'Federalist' flag and the Confederate States flag were easily confused during that time on the battle field from a distance.

Joel

[Brian R.]

Symbols that are used for other purposes are not what I was referring to. Only flags. The Nazi flag has not been used for anything but hate for its entire existance, as far as I know. The Confederate battle flag should not be put in the same league as that.

My interpretation of the battle flag's misrepresentation is that is it associated with the institution of slavery as previously practiced in the South (pretty much as Joel said). This is because one modern (not exclusive) use of the flag is to proclaim the concept of white supremacy.

As most know, the Civil War was not fought by the South to defend the institution of slavery, but to enforce the Southern states' rebellion that was necessary to gain back their states' rights to self-determination. That was their goal and their weakness. I think one of the major factors in their failure was their inability to come together for mutual protection. This would have required a strong central government which was against their desires.

(Sorry for the digression)