First Ole Miss then the nation: let’s do away with the Confederate flag for good

Controversy over the Confederate flag has existed since the emancipation of slavery in southern states. Although some refer to it as a symbol of slavery, and others a representation of heritage, most can agree that something needs to be done about it.

The Confederate flag is upsetting to countless individuals and groups around the nation, and rightfully so. Many can argue that this flag represents a nation formed under the pretenses of racism and slavery. How can a flag that blatantly represents these practices not be considered problematic? There is a point where people need to make sacrifices, such as giving up a small piece of their troubled history, in exchange for an end to years of civil unrest. America needs to be at peace about this issue, and one of the only ways left to solve it is by doing away with the Confederate flag.

Currently, the University of Mississippi, otherwise known as Ole Miss (a phrase derived from what slaves used to say when addressing the wife of a plantation owner), is having its own moral troubles in the decision of removing the Mississippi flag from their campus. The state flag boasts a miniature Confederate flag as its focal point, which continues to be another topic of controversy across the nation. The university has been working diligently towards erasing any traces of racism from its campus starting with the basics; this includes retiring the school’s ancient mascot and depiction of an old southern plantation owner ‘Colnel Reb,’ and removing songs like ‘Dixie’ from the band’s playlist. These are changes that need to happen in order for the greater good of our people and nation.

The majority of Mississippians, according to poll results on CNN, see their flag as a symbol of Southern pride, and want to keep the mini Confederate flag as part of it. Those polled agree that the Mississippi flag, as well as the Confederate one, is a part of history and is something that should be preserved. People need to honor those who died on both sides during the Civil War, but when a flag stands for something so horrifying, it would be more honorable to have it taken down. By leaving this flag up, many could argue that we as a nation are giving into the idea that what happened in the past is acceptable. We are potentially regressing rather than progressing. Now is where we ask ourselves where a line needs to be drawn, and the answer is here.

Sadly, the minds of many Southerners are stuck in the 1800s. It seems as if they are clinging onto this age-old piece of their unique history, which unfortunately isn’t an option any longer. The Rebel flag is a symbol of the Confederacy’s past, and that is all it should be–the past.

Often, sacrifices must be made for a greater good; the Confederate and Mississippi flag should be these sacrifices. With compliance from its supporters, these flags could be relinquished into museums only to be looked at as our nation’s past. Those who stand by them as a representation of their past could still be able to express that in their home, dress, and way of life, as long as the government no longer allows them to be flown as legitimate flags of the southern states. The Confederate and Mississippi flag will not be forgotten in the hearts of those who take pride in it, but as of now, they certainly should not be honored. I wouldn’t want a flag flying in my town that symbolizes years of relentless servitude and torture, would you?