The Confederate Flag Conundrum

Recently a young man who'd previously posed with a confederate flag carried out a vicious shooting attack on African American members of a Charleston area church. As a result, many politicians, companies, and citizens decided to ban the confederate flag; citing the flag as a divisive symbol of racism.

I carry no love for the notion of the confederacy, or its flag. In fact, I was surprised to learn it is/was flown at many state capitals/monuments across the south. I'm also vigorously opposed to the notion of discrimination or racism, on any level. Hate is a terrible thing. However, the flag controversy is a very slippery slope. 

1) The first amendment makes it unconstitutional for any state actor to ban or inhibit speech based solely on its content. Hate speech is even protected, for the most part. While the first amendment clearly doesn't apply, due to the outcry being from individuals, I think the values of free speech should still apply. 

Its dangerous social precedent to ban speech/symbol, based solely on content. Maybe this time, you're on the popular side of the issue. But what happens when you're not? What happens when society wants to silence you, based on what you're saying? Because this starts a slippery slope. Whats next to be banned because people don't approve? Our society thrives on the concept of free flowing ideas. Not only the ones we agree with. 

2) History is history. The good, the bad, and the ugly. The flag was a symbol of seceding states (which, frankly, I'm surprised doesn't offend people) and used by racists only in the past few decades. Even though its often seen as a symbol of hate, its still history.

Our nation's history definitely has its warts. From the awful acts of slavery, to the trail of tears, to the internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII. We cant afford to forget history just because its bad. In fact, one might argue this type of history is MOST important. 

George Santayana correctly stated the famous line: "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Yes its awful. Yes people get emotional, upset, angry, etc; and I understand why. But by learning about the ugly parts of history, we can be better situated to not repeat these mistakes. This is even more true for the monuments, and historic sites; which politicians are now clamoring to ban.

If you're fighting for this flag because it represents your racist view fueled by hate, then you're the problem. Even so, I think its a dangerous precedent and a very slippery slope when we begin censoring people and editing history; just because we don't like what they say.