Historical Heritage And Regional Identity - 1732 Words

When does the symbol of someone’s historical heritage and regional identity become unacceptable due to the same symbol being found offensive and representative of the oppressed heritage of someone else? Recently at the University of Mississippi the topic as to continue flying the state flag was put to a vote. The Associated Student Body voted to remove the flag from any and all buildings on campus; the chancellor ultimately decided that the Associated Student Body was right in this decision. The appropriateness of the Confederate flag has become a major point of dispute in this country. In the state of Mississippi, however, the argument is complicated by the fact that the state flag itself incorporates the Confederate flag into its†¦show more content†¦These people believe it’s preventing businesses and athletes from coming to our state, and that it’s time for a change. The critics of the state flag have pushed for the Confederate symbol to be remov ed from the state flag for many years before it became a hot topic at the University of Mississippi. People who oppose the current state flag believe the Confederate design embodies the evil that was the southern states before and during the Civil War (International Business Times). Mississippi is one of the last states, which were a part of the Confederate States of America; to remove the Confederate symbols from representative objects (Confederate Flag Debate CNN). The University of Mississippi is the fourth college in the state to stop flying the state flag on campus (Ole Miss Student Senate). The symbol of the Confederate Battle Flag has been adopted as a representation of groups who resort to nefarious actions to promote a malicious agenda. The original intent of promoting the heritage represented by the flag has been replaced by racist and oppressive actions perpetuated by its banner. Many people have had negative experiences with the Confederate symbol. One man recounts a time when he first saw the Confederate flag as an indication of hate; he remembers being about twelve years old watching Ku Klux Klan members entomb an acquaintance while carrying the Confederate flag (Confederate Flag Debate CNN). The University of Mississippi’s student body has just