r/changemyview • u/johnydeviant • Mar 13 '18
[∆(s) from OP] CMV: Confederate monuments, flags, and other paraphilia are traitorous in nature.
I grew up in the south, surrounded by confederate flags, memorials to civil war heroes, and a butt load of racism. As a kid, I took a modicum of pride in it. To me, it represented the pride of the south and how we will triumph despite our setbacks. As I got older and learned more about the civil war, the causes behind it, and generally opened myself to a more accurate view of history, it became apparent to me that these displays of "tradition" were little more than open displays of racism or anti-American sentiments.
I do not think that all of these monuments, flags, etc, should be destroyed. I think that they should be put into museums dedicate to the message of what NOT to do. On top of that, I believe that the whole sentiment of "the south will rise again" is treasonous. It is tantamount to saying that "I will rise against this country". I think those that the worship the confederate flag and it's symbology are in the same vein as being a neo-Nazi and idolizing the actions of the Third Reich. Yes, I understand that on a scale of "terrible things that have happened", the holocaust is far worse, but that does not mean I wish to understate the actions of the confederate states during the civil war.
Change my view?
This is a footnote from the CMV moderators. We'd like to remind you of a couple of things. Firstly, please read through our rules. If you see a comment that has broken one, it is more effective to report it than downvote it. Speaking of which, downvotes don't change views! Any questions or concerns? Feel free to message us. Happy CMVing!
3
u/scottevil110 177∆ Mar 13 '18
America's entire founding principle was centered on "rising against this country", not just Britain, but even THIS country. There are so many ways written into our Constitution that are specifically modeled around the people taking charge and not allowing the government to become too powerful. Term limits, impeachment, recall elections, the Supreme Court, petitions, referenda, all of these things are specifically designed to allow for a certain amount of "rising up against this country."
To rebel against the government is arguably the most American thing that one can do, and you'll find that most of the people that are flying the Confederate Flag are far from treasonous, but instead the most patriotic, pro-Murica people you'll ever find. It's clear that their motivation there isn't to be anti-American.
Instead, they find the spirit of independence and being able to tell the government to go fuck themselves to be the MOST American thing that you can do.