As of the early 21st Century, the rebel flag has become a highly divisive symbol in the United States.

In a 2015 national survey all races, 57 percent of Americans had the opinion that the second Confederate flag represented southern pride rather than racism. A similar poll in 2000 had a nearly identical result of 59 percent. In the 2015 poll, 72 percent of African Americans and 25 percent of whites nationwide saw the Confederate flag as a symbol of racism, while in the south, 75 percent of African-Americans said the flag was a symbol of racism. Whites in the south were divided in their views along educational lines, with only 18 percent of those without a college degree and 41 percent of those with a college degree viewing it as a racist symbol. Whites with a college degree were less likely to view the flag as a symbol of Southern pride than those without one.

Johnny Reb and other Confederate statues are being relocated. Great!

Here is another alternative: Continue to allow these reminders of the Confederacy or Auschwitz and other death camps and stains on our nation and others. They are part of our human journey to become a better nation and a better world. It is our sordid history, however, these are not acceptable nor appropriate to remain unless there are plaques prominently affixed to those monuments. Those plaques must state this or similar sentiments: The anarchistic, rebellious, secessionist, slave-owning ideology this statue represents was soundly defeated and humankind is far better for the defeat thereof.

Or, to capture the sentiment on the “I’m with stupid” T-shirt with an arrow pointing in a direction: This Anarchist who prosecuted war against the United States in order to continue to oppress and enslave people and to continue to profit off their uncompensated labor.

Fortunately, the Union of States was saved and the ideology of enslaving people came to an end in the United States. Right won over wrong. Despotism and hate were shown to be what they are: crimes against humanity. 

Choice Edwards, Clermont

 
PHOTO BY MONIVETTE CORDEIRO