The Confederate flag was a symbol of the South in the U.S. Civil War and has no place in today’s society. The Confederacy shouldn’t be erased from history, but it shouldn’t be promoted by American citizens. The Confederates lost the war, deeming the flag almost meaningless. It should be left to museum displays as a reminder of America’s past division. Those who display the flag on their vehicles, houses, and clothing only add to the division America still faces today.

The common defense from Confederate flag supporters is that the flag represents Southern heritage, history, and pride. While it is true that the flag is part of American history, it represents one of the darkest times for our country. The country was divided and at war with itself, and the war was being fought because the South wanted to keep their slaves. Some Confederate flag supporters downplay the role of slavery in the Civil War, but it was undeniably one of the major causes. Supporters have also argued that there were heroes in the Confederacy, and that’s not entirely false. There were brave soldiers on both sides of the war, but that doesn’t change the fact that Confederate soldiers were fighting for the wrong reasons. 

The bottom line is that the Confederate flag represents a history of division and racism, and it will always be tied to that. White supremacists of today even use the flag as a symbol. In order for the country to truly be united, the Confederate flag and the ideals it represents must be left behind.