So, a couple somewhat random things occurred to me in the last 24 hours.
First, I do think that the significant majority of people who keep Confederate flags are not racists. They enjoy the in-your-face rebel reputation that it portrays. As a symbol, the flag has been (for a long time) co-opted by the skinheads and white power types. Seems like the "normal" people should do more to denounce the extremists and try to take back the symbol that has been appropriated by them. Putting it in those terms would help the center-lefts connect to the situation.
Second, as someone who's grown up listening to rap/hip-hop, I've witnessed the evolution of the "N" word. Building on my first point, above, I think there's been an evolution of the Confederate flag. It isn't about secession (to the vast majority) - it can't be; they lost that argument. It is about heritage and a sense of resistance to authority. That's pretty common in American society anyway. So, my point is that if certain elements of society can say that the "N" word isn't what it used to be, those people ought to be equally open to the notion that the stars and bars isn't what it used to be, too.
Third, still wondering how 1917 Russia is in any way related to modern American society.
Oh, and cookies. Anyone have Thin Mints anymore?
First, I do think that the significant majority of people who keep Confederate flags are not racists. They enjoy the in-your-face rebel reputation that it portrays. As a symbol, the flag has been (for a long time) co-opted by the skinheads and white power types. Seems like the "normal" people should do more to denounce the extremists and try to take back the symbol that has been appropriated by them. Putting it in those terms would help the center-lefts connect to the situation.
Second, as someone who's grown up listening to rap/hip-hop, I've witnessed the evolution of the "N" word. Building on my first point, above, I think there's been an evolution of the Confederate flag. It isn't about secession (to the vast majority) - it can't be; they lost that argument. It is about heritage and a sense of resistance to authority. That's pretty common in American society anyway. So, my point is that if certain elements of society can say that the "N" word isn't what it used to be, those people ought to be equally open to the notion that the stars and bars isn't what it used to be, too.
Third, still wondering how 1917 Russia is in any way related to modern American society.
Oh, and cookies. Anyone have Thin Mints anymore?