The Confederate Flag

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I vote 'hate' and 'no'.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

What about the flag of Nazi Germany?

I always wondered why the Swastika is considered one of the grossly offensive images there is, but not say… the flag of Soviet Russia?

[vartan 0]

I voted more then the wiggles hate.. and no .. Would say heritage but the US has such a short past that I dont consider that time frame heritage.. maybe a hertigito

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

What about the flag of Nazi Germany?

I always wondered why the Swastika is considered one of the grossly offensive images there is, but not say… the flag of Soviet Russia?

My guess - because Nazi atrocities were better documented?

[iceyspots 0]

I voted both and no

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

What about the flag of Nazi Germany?

I always wondered why the Swastika is considered one of the grossly offensive images there is, but not say… the flag of Soviet Russia?

My guess - because Nazi atrocities were better documented?

Not really - Stalin's 5 year plans put the Holocaust to shame. Probably because he was our ally in the period - I don't think people were necessarily ignorant of what Stalin was doing, it just wasn't as well publicised. The Nazis were THE enemy and so inevitably took the brunt of our hatred - If you've read 1984 - the part where they show the face of "the dissident" so that the public have something to direct their anger and abuse at is very similar. Clever guy Orwell.

They've (the nazis) certainly have become the cartoon bad guys that are trotted out whenever someone is asked to imagine "evil government".

Just seems strange that one flag which represents a government that killed millions of people is considered horrifically offensive (to the point where it can't even be used in jest), but noone would blink twice at a guy wearing a Hammer and Sickle T-Shirt. Try wearing a Swastika shirt down the pub. It won't end well ;-)

The confederate flag is offensive because it has obvious associations to slavery - but I think what's happened is that it is such a part of American history and culture (although slavery was abolished) that even though it stands for something incredibly odious, it (like the hammer and sickle) it is considered a somewhat softer image than that of the Swastika.

[samir_shannon 0]

gupt i knew this was coming lol

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

gupt i knew this was coming lol

I am nothing if not predictable

[cindi&richard 0]

Ohh, as a southerner, this is the debate you do not like to get into. It is heritage.

Edited August 30, 2006 by cindi&richard

[Arazia 0]

I voted for 'both' and 'no'. I live in the midwest. Most of the people who wave that flag around have never even been in the south and even fewer have any idea of what it actually means. Those that do, use it proudly for it's racist roots. There is a reason why you don't see many non-whites at country music festivals. Then again, this is just my personal opinion. I don't much appreciate people wearing flags from Hitler or Stalin or anyone else when it has that meaning behind it. It isn't the image itself, it's the meaning behind it.

[*Robert* 2]

definitely hate, and no, it doesn't bother me... however, if someone wants to use it, they should also wear a white hood over their head as well!

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I voted for 'both' and 'no'. I live in the midwest. Most of the people who wave that flag around have never even been in the south and even fewer have any idea of what it actually means. Those that do, use it proudly for it's racist roots. There is a reason why you don't see many non-whites at country music festivals. Then again, this is just my personal opinion. I don't much appreciate people wearing flags from Hitler or Stalin or anyone else when it has that meaning behind it. It isn't the image itself, it's the meaning behind it.

Which still begs the question, why is the swastika always considered to be the height of offensiveness? I understand what you are saying - but would it be true to say that some symbols are synonymous with and completely inseparable from the meaning behind them?

Hence I wonder why it is that the Union flag, synonymous as it is with the support of slavery and racial repression is not considered just as offensive.

[*Robert* 2]

Hence I wonder why it is that the Union flag, synonymous as it is with the support of slavery and racial repression is not considered just as offensive.

Good point...

Unfortunately, it is a part of American history, and falls under the protection of civil liberties and freedom of speach.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Hence I wonder why it is that the Union flag, synonymous as it is with the support of slavery and racial repression is not considered just as offensive.

Good point...

Unfortunately, it is a part of American history, and falls under the protection of civil liberties and freedom of speach.

Yes it does. But so does the Swastika. That's the point - when it comes to what images are considered socially acceptable it seems there's a degree of relativity when it comes to one offensive image as opposed to another.

[Sheriff Uling 3]

It's a symbol filled with rich history and heritage. Unfortunately the symbol is tarnished with actions of hatred and ignorance. Just my opinion! Cheers!!!