I have really enjoyed this discussion as it focuses on a problem most southerners must eventually come to terms with. I was brought up in an atmosphere of racial prejudice and distrust. At the same time I was being taught that negroes were inferior, I was being taught to respect the rights of others and to harm no man because of his color or creed. This is the legacy of the Bible Belt South. My father was prejudiced, yet his best friend was a black man. In high school the pep rally's high point was when the band played "Dixie". My point: it is all about context. An ax handle when used as a tool has a positive connotation; but slip that same ax handle into the gunrack of a pick-up truck and the symbolic connotation changes. The axe handle transmogrifies into a threat. The message, "I can and will kick some butt." The Southern Cross, unfortunately, has that same quality. As a Southerner, who takes great pride in my heritage, I honor the flag my Great-great-grandfather died defending. However, I have no interest in flying a cheap Taiwain repro in my front yard. Am I offended by others who do? No! It is all about the context. If a bluegrass group is kicking it with a Rebel flag flying, so what? If Bubba and Otis are spinning donuts in their 4X4 and yelling racial epithets that is an entirely different context and requires an entirely differnt response. I am faced daily with a plethora of symbols that I could be offended by if I was so inclined. When I encounter negroes wearing racist, sexist,or pornographic T-shirts I try to keep it in context. If I wanted, I could be offended by every religious symbol I see, but I choose not to be. Why? Because I know that there are people in the world who are just waiting to show how sophisticated and hip they are by directing pejoratives at Southerners. Are any of you Northerners, interested in some prime Florida real estate? It's high and dry and will be waterfront propery some day (wink and a grin). I promise.
Ron