Confederate Flag aka Rebel Flag aka Flag of St. Andrews

[Black Dog]

Sorry, not buying the "racist because of slave states" if one does not hold the Union or Canadian flag to the same standard, as the "human rights" violations under those flags (including slavery, internments, legal discrimination, residential schools, etc.) is well documented. Slavery was an economic system based on far more than race.

You don't have to "buy it."

It is what it is.

[Shady]

You don't have to "buy it."

It is what it is.

To people that don't know better.

[bush_cheney2004]

I agree...the U.S. and Canadian flags are what they are, complete with historical ("racist") baggage.

[Black Dog]

Some more history for the buffs, including some tidbits about the totally not race-based nature of slavery.

A Declaration of the Immediate Causes which Induce and Justify the Secession of the State of Mississippi from the Federal Union.

In the momentous step which our State has taken of dissolving its connection with the government of which we so long formed a part, it is but just that we should declare the prominent reasons which have induced our course.

Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery-- the greatest material interest of the world. Its labor supplies the product which constitutes by far the largest and most important portions of commerce of the earth. These products are peculiar to the climate verging on the tropical regions, and by an imperious law of nature, none but the black race can bear exposure to the tropical sun. These products have become necessities of the world, and a blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization. That blow has been long aimed at the institution, and was at the point of reaching its consummation. There was no choice left us but submission to the mandates of abolition, or a dissolution of the Union, whose principles had been subverted to work out our ruin.

[Black Dog]

To people that don't know better.

There's nothing to "know better".It's regarded as a symbol of slavery and racism because it was and is a symbol of slavery and racism.

I agree...the U.S. and Canadian flags are what they are, complete with historical ("racist") baggage.

And some people would agree with you on that score. Doesn't really make the confederate flag less offensive.

[bush_cheney2004]

Lots of people take offense at things they consider to be "racist", but that doesn't necessarily mean that such things are "racist". Is the Canadian flag "racist" because of the "racist" things it still represents ?

[Shady]

There's nothing to "know better".It's regarded as a symbol of slavery and racism because it was and is a symbol of slavery and racism.

That's a little simplistic. But I can understand why people would think that way though.

[DogOnPorch]

That's a little simplistic. But I can understand why people would think that way though.

It's called 'Korrectspeak'. I seriously doubt a Confederate sharecropper at Antietam was thinking: "Oh boy! I hope we win so I get to keep mah slaves!" We know General Lee wasn't thinking that. Nor Longstreet.

[Black Dog]

Lots of people take offense at things they consider to be "racist", but that doesn't necessarily mean that such things are "racist".

But we aren't talking about "things." We're talking about a specific symbol that was and continues to be used to represent slavery and racism.

That's the baggage. If one uses a symbol with that kind of baggage and people take offense, its not their problem for being offended.

Is the Canadian flag "racist" because of the "racist" things it still represents ?

Some would say so. I think the Canadian flag and the American flag represent a lot of things like their history, good and bad. The Confederate flag is explicitly a symbol of a racist, treasonous slave state that has been adopted by groups like the KKK precisely because of its racist connotations. Some baggage you just can't unpack.

[DogOnPorch]

Irony here being Donitz himself attempted to rewrite history by casting himself as a soldier's soldier who was just following orders after the war when he was a loyal and vocal follower of Hitler's ideology throughout the conflict. But then it's no surprise: the next coherent argument you make will be your first.

His book is actually rather dry and deals with U-Boat operations rather than rewriting history. But, then, I've read it....

[Black Dog]

His book is actually rather dry and deals with U-Boat operations rather than rewriting history. But, then, I've read it....

Where did I just talk about his book?

[DogOnPorch]

Where did I just talk about his book?

You said Donitz rewrote his history.

[Black Dog]

You said Donitz rewrote his history.

So did this guy:

I suppose we could engage in rewriting history which is so popular these days and give him an evil mustachio to suit today's ideal.

Which book were you talking about?

[DogOnPorch]

Ten Years and Twenty Days

Here's both the Reb's early flags together...

[DogOnPorch]

As for WW2...I've forgotten more about that war than you'll ever know.

[DogOnPorch]

That's because most were recent defectors out of the Federal US army and had nothing else...

Actually...no. The Army was rather small in 1860-61. Uniforms were commissioned by the brigade or regiment and were often very unique to say the least. As the war dragged on, Union uniforms dyed by boiling in butternuts was the general standard...as such...for the Rebs.

Edited December 4, 2013 by DogOnPorch

[bush_cheney2004]

Clever restaurant owner in Hamilton knows how to attract attention and free publicity for his "Hillbilly Heaven" eatery:

[Black Dog]

As for WW2...I've forgotten more about that war than you'll ever know.

Good for you. You still don't know jack all about making a coherent argument (hint: it's not just throwing factoids and photos at the wall in hopes something sticks).

[DogOnPorch]

That's Hill William to you, suh!

[DogOnPorch]

Good for you. You still don't know jack all about making a coherent argument (hint: it's not just throwing factoids and photos at the wall in hopes something sticks).

Says MLWs name caller.

[Black Dog]

Says MLWs name caller.

If I only just called people names for no reason, you might have a point. But I don't and you don't. As per usual.

BTW you know what else is against forum rules? Trolling.

[bush_cheney2004]

Canadian Flag makes a fine backdrop for "blackface" makeup....but it sure ain't racist !

[Black Dog]

Clever restaurant owner in Hamilton knows how to attract attention and free publicity for his "Hillbilly Heaven" eatery:

Now closed and, like the south, unlikely to rise again.

[bush_cheney2004]

Now closed and, like the south, unlikely to rise again.

The "south" now has more automotive jobs than Canada. Rising just fine....and Canadian snowbirds will be heading to Dixie again this year.

Edited December 4, 2013 by bush_cheney2004

[Black Dog]

Canadian Flag makes a fine backdrop for "blackface" makeup....but it sure ain't racist !

By your logic, blackface isn't racist.