Passive Resistance

Although I completely agree with the author in the article (Cassandra Najera, The Texas Talk, 7/25/14) and with the notion that the Confederate flag is undoubtedly a painful memory for many of those who suffered in the name of slavery can have many meanings for the people of Southern Heritage. I have to contest the point that the government must do something about it or ban it on the basis of it being hurtful to the feelings of many. The government has stated in the first amendment that they should provide full liberty and freedom of speech to all. Therefore to contest on the basis of the usage of the symbol or the flag, is merely useless if it holds varying individual perceptions.

                An example can be used from recent history, the attack of 9/11 have hurtful memories for many. In turn this has created an upheaval where a certain group of Muslims have claimed responsibility for these actions. Although the citizens of the United States have been outraged by this particular event, Muslims in the United States still have the freedom to preach and practice their customs. Now one may argue that because one sect of their religion has committed a heinous crime, that they all be punished by not giving them their freedom of speech or by letting them practice the customs of their forefathers. Such is the case for the Southern pride, although it may signify for many the events of slavery, it could also be that Southerners are showing their pride.

                Furthermore I agree when the author points out that if a Swastika was posted on the bumper of a car that wouldn't be received well. However those are two different scenarios, which possibly can’t be compared in terms of cruelty. In the article when the author mentions that the state doesn't care, it does, it just wants to keep an open mind to people’s opinions and respect their culture. Not everyone that has a Confederate flag can be considered racist. Therefore we should stop stereotyping on the account of others behaviors.

As much as I understand the sentiments of the author, I feel that in order to evaluate whether the government should revise the first amendment is out the question simply because the author states that action should be taken against hate speech. However this is not considered hate speech when it is well within the law of the state and it just merely consists of people taking pride in their culture. Furthermore surely the government has evaluated that minorities will always feel oppressed, therefore a certain flag won’t make much of a difference. Thus I feel that the decision of the state and government aligns to that of providing the freedom of speech and turning our backs to those that don’t fit our mindset. In this passive resistance manner no racism or hatred towards any such group will exist.