The flag flap over burning the Stars and Stripes in America sometimes obscures the ongoing debate about displaying the Stars and Bars — the former battle flag of the Confederate States. That tiff made the news this week when an African-American woman complained after a local radio station gave away a replica of the General Lee — the hot rod from the movie "The Dukes of Hazzard" — complete with a Confederate flag painted on top.
For many black Americans, that battle flag triggers the same kind of feelings the old Soviet Union banner used to ignite in Americans. It is seen as an emblem of repression, aggression and inhumanity.
Should people be allowed to display the Confederate flag?
Absolutely. This is a nation of free speech. They should be allowed to have their say.
But by hanging out the Stars and Bars, such people should also realize that where the American flag is a symbol of "freedom and justice for all," the Confederate flag has become a symbol of "slavery and injustice for the few."
During the Civil War, the Southern states had several flags. The Confederate battle flag has become the most prominent, however, partly because several white supremacist groups have adopted it as a symbol. The flag features 11 stars (the states that formed the Confederacy). It is sometimes called "The Southern Cross" because the blue stripes form an "X" — the type of cross used to crucify St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland (many Southerners were Scottish).
Regardless of what it once stood for, however, today the Stars and Bars has come to represent those who would have chosen to leave the Union rather than give up their African slaves. Over the years, the flag has been removed from most state and government buildings because of its implications, though it can still be found on license plate holders, mugs, shirts and other paraphernalia.
Those who buy and display the flag have every right to do so. But those who are rankled by the insensitivity of such flag wavers have a right to make their feelings known as well.
As with any symbol that produces a fiery emotional reaction — from the Nazi swastika to distorted versions of the American flag — those who display such things shouldn't be surprised by the strong reaction of others.
Perhaps, in some cases, they are hoping to provoke that reaction.