Quote:
Originally Posted by DrPhil
However, unlike SydneyK, I would not use the KKK as an illustration of the negatives associated with the "cross." Christianity, and Christian symbols such as the cross, has represented the "religious arm of power," European-white diasporic dominance, colonialism, missionaries, slavery, the push to civilize the unGodly savages, racism, sexism, homosexism, rape, and overall social exclusion. Religion, specifically Christianity in this instance, has been used to perpetuate social inequalities around the world and keep oppressed populations compliant. Since we're thinking about the history behind symbols, and telling people that they cannot rightfully respect symbols that have an oppressive history and offend masses of people, there are people around the world who cringe when they see Christian symbols including the cross. For instance, the Black Church and the role of Christianity in Black oppression and assimilation has always been criticized by people of African Diaspora around the world who believe that Christianity was forced on the African Diaspora; and a "white Jesus and His cross" should not be worshipped.
Is there a substantive difference when we look at national/international history regarding this or only a difference in what people personally believe in (since Christianity is the world's largest religion)? If it is the latter then that defense of personal beliefs and the positive despite the negative are why people justify respecting and displaying the Confederate Flag.
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Ideally, common areas would be free from any type of potentially offensive displays, including Confederate Flags and crosses.
Speaking to your question, though, I'm looking at two aspects.
First, what is the base meaning of the symbol? For the Confederate Flag, it is secessionism, treason, slavery, etc. For Christian/other religious symbols, the base meanings are intended to be morally positive or perhaps neutral.
Building on the base meaning, it is not a far jump for the Confederate Flag to have evolved into a symbol of hate. Could the Confederate Flag become a positive symbol? Perhaps, but it is not currently so.
On the other hand Christian symbols may take on a negative connotation in certain contexts, but there has always been a conflicting positive connotation in other contexts.
Second, going back to the question I asked, what is the real root of the reason people in the 21st century are displaying a Confederate Flag? I would ask the same question of people displaying Christian symbols. If a person is holding a cruel protest sign in one hand and gripping a cross in the other, the cross is takes on the symbolism given it by the individual. However, the same cross around the neck of a volunteer doctor carries a very different symbolism.
Reasonable, empathetic human beings will recognize the difference and use symbolism appropriately in various contexts.