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Germany has banned all swastikas in the country. Should the confederate flag be banned also? Many say it stands for racism and slavery? Do you think so, don't care, or have another opinion? Please share...
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Well, I'm generally against banning symbols here in the U.S. since I'm a firm believer in the 1st Ammendment. I live in the South and I know a lot of people who love the confederate flag but are not racist - even many black people. Some even have problems understanding why other people would see it as racist. For them, it's just a symbol of southern culture (which is not just slaves in cotton fields) and the power of local/state govt. ahead of federal (which has often been seen as being controlled by northerners).
I won't say that the Civil War was not about slavery. It was. But it wasn't only about slavery. That was just the catalyst. It really did have a lot to do with states rights. Or better paraphrased, "Who the hell do you think you are, Yankees, trying to tell us how to run our lives?"
Unfortunately, the South has had problems with slavery and racism. But then so has the North! Granted, slavery was eliminated there before it was in the South, but many happily profited from the South's use of slaves and had no issue with slavery. And the North has definitely had its share of racism. So why should the confederate flag be tainted but not the union flag?
Anyways, during and after the Civil War the northerners really crippled the South. And yes, there is still some cultural resentment, especially in poor areas. For these people, the confederate flag is less a racial symbol and more like Mel Gibson flashing his buttocks at the British (in this case Yankees) in a show of resistance. Their way of saying, "You haven't really beaten us."
Of course, I do understand why some consider it offensive. And I, being particularly sensitive to others feelings, will probably never display a confederate flag.
As far as the confederate flag, it is just a flag. Take it away and the people will just find another flag to use. Censorship is just bad.
I have always believed that this is some sort of story spread by anti-USians but am assured that this idolatry really happens.
I'm not a big fan of the pledge of allegiance but I wouldn't go so far as to call it "worship" or "prayer". Even with the god references added in, it's not directed towards that god. I do agree that American culture puts too much importance on the union flag. Conservatives keep trying to pass an ammendment against burning the flag. Seems ridiculous to me. For me, the flag is a symbol of our freedoms and as such shouldn't be a pawn in censorship battles - or as a tool to promote conformism.
I wouldn't say "nothing". I used to be a big Civil War buff and if you look at the events leading up to the outbreak of war slavery was definitely an issue. The North, in general, wasn't out to totally abolish slavery anytime soon, but the South sure didn't like the North butting into what they saw as their business. And it was something that did divide the country geographically as well as politically. IMHO, it was the straw (albeit heavy and important straw) that broke the camel's back, so to speak.
:usflag: Here's a symbol. LOL
And I see the pledge as a mindless, habitual-type thing--I'll stand, to respect the people in my class, but unless I'm feeling unusually patriotic, I don't really say anything.
I worship the flag of the US the same as I worship a statue of the buddha - not one bit. I stand before the flag as I bow before the buddha, with a clear mind and an open heart.
Palzang
Well, actually, slavery was a reason for the Civil War in the US. Politically, it might not have been one of the main reasons, or the first reason - but it was still a reason or a result.
Hence the Emancipation Proclamation that we still use and reference today.
-bf
The same goes for any "symbol" designed to evoke any response of fidelity, patriotism, Promise, sacrifice or allegiance.... the object is a pure symbol of what we aspire to. That is for us alone to know. but just as I have 17 Buddhas of varying sizes and types on my altar, it might just as well be an empty table. It's what I carry in my heart, and think, say and do that carry me through the day, and enable me to look myself square in the eye..... Live what you believe, or each moment is worthless.
I am religious Christian man but I also listen to the Buddha, hell with them Puthujanas (those that worships the fleshes). It mentioned in the Sutra OK to wack them if needed.
Hallelujah
M Bolden