Confederate Flag Research Paper

Diana Caceres Erazo

HIST 1050

19 May 2024

Systemic Racism Project: The Confederate Flag.

Throughout history, there have been many symbols that represent the discrimination and injustice that African American people face and continue to face. Some of these could be embedded in songs, phrases, or even flags. One of the most prominent forms of embedded racism in a flag would be that of the Confederate Flag.

During the 1860’s, the confederate states of the US formed an alliance to spark the Civil War. In this, the confederate flag was created, marking not only the creation of this coalition but also signifying white supremacy while at the same time representing Southern heritage (Museum of Jewish Heritage). At first, this flag was used during …show more content…
The shooter, who espoused white supremacist views, prominently displayed the Confederate flag, reinforcing its association with racial violence. In response, many institutions and governments have moved to remove the flag from public spaces, acknowledging its role in contributing to ongoing racism and division between people.

Despite efforts to limit its display, the Confederate flag remains a symbol of controversy. It is still used by various groups to promote ideologies of white supremacy and is a common sight at rallies organized by far right and racist organizations. Its presence continues to cause strong reactions, symbolizing, for many, the ongoing struggle against systemic racism and the long shadow of America's history of racial oppression.

The Confederate flag is more than a relic of the Civil War. It is a powerful symbol embedded with meanings of both Southern heritage and racial hatred. Its history from the 1860s to the present day shows how symbols can be co-opted and repurposed over time, often carrying their original meanings while creating new ones as time goes on. Understanding the history of the Confederate flag is important to recognizing its role in systemic racism and the ongoing efforts to address and overcome this

Show More