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Essay / Significance of the Confederate Flag - 2385
Time has affected and changed the true meaning of the Confederate flag. While the original meaning of the flag was to symbolize the freedom of the Confederate States, from the 1860s to the present, many new interpretations have surfaced. Some believe the flag symbolizes their heritage and the fallen soldiers who fought for the Confederate States of America. On the other hand, others believe that the flag represents racism, white supremacy, and hatred (Briggs). This was put forward because what might be another's legacy is another's slavery and heartbreaking history. This topic brings out an abundance of varied emotions and feelings in those it affects. The placement of the flag at the State Capitol has also been one of the main issues causing controversy and controversy. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected president of the United States. Lincoln's election immediately posed a problem for Southern states who felt it threatened their way of life, based on slavery. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation which freed all slaves in the rebellion states. Lincoln was a strong supporter of the 13th Amendment which granted freedom to all slaves in the United States ("Lincoln on Slavery"). In Lincoln's last public speech, he even recommended that African Americans be given the right to vote ("Lincoln's Last Public Address..."). As Lincoln's public stance on slavery continued to change, he made great efforts to improve the lives of slaves. The seven Deep South states that were outraged and prepared and implemented their plans to secede from the Union were Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. After the Civil War began in 1861, Arkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia also seceded. The new Confederate States of America were formed in February 1861. The goal of these states was to preserve slavery, states' rights, and political freedom for whites ("Confederate States of Inclusive would be a complete interpretation of the flag , all the meanings it holds and how it has affected history for centuries For those who support the flag, an exhibit dedicated to teaching how the flag's role has affected Carolina's history. of the South would be an understandable decision, but questionable, as the current location of the flag has not posed any problems. However, this decision would be a step in the right direction. It would show how the flag symbolizes the fallen soldiers who, for. some, trace back to their family heritage and represent their southern pride For those who are against the flag, this exposure would mean no we no longer have to worry about the flag flying high and stirring up the negativity it is perceived to be. carrier. History and all the events that took place are set in stone. This exhibit would demonstrate how the flag exudes the negativity that accompanies themes of race, white supremacy, hatred and slavery. Everyone has their own opinions, feelings, and beliefs when it comes to the Confederate flag. How can you tell someone else that their opinions aren't valid or that their feelings don't matter? Topics like slavery and racism are difficult for some to talk about, but they are an important part of South Carolina's history. They cannot be erased. Therefore, if the Confederate flag symbolizes