[tuebor]

So tomorrow is Flag Day--not a big deal for most of us, evidently, but it does remind me of something that puzzles me about Michigan, namely, the prevalence of the Confederate flag.

I'd like to ask those who fly this flag from their porches, have stickers of it on their trucks, or wear it on their clothes: Why do you display this symbol and what does it mean to you?

According to the State of Michigan website, 90,000 Michiganians served in the Union forces during the Civil War, and 15,000 died. Flying the Confederate flag dishonors their memory, it seems to me. But I'm not interested in moralizing about it on this forum--I just want to know what it means to YOU, if you are somebody who flies this flag.

[tuebor]

Bump!

Here it is Flag Day again -- how time flies -- and I'm still wondering why so many Michiganders choose to fly the Confederate Flag.

I saw it a lot in the UP, and asked a few of my Yooper friends what the deal was. One refused to talk about it. One thought it was stupid but had no idea why it was so prevalent. A third thought it might be some kind of country music fan thing, more rural vs. urban than south vs. north or segregation vs. integration. But none of the people I've talked to flew it themselves.

[Michigansnowflake]

I dont fly it, but maybe the person has Southern roots that they are proud of. I believe people who fought for the South should be allowed to fly it...they fought and died same as the North, they believe in a cause same as the North......not to fly it dishoners them

[Rapunzll]

I see one now and then, but I sure wouldn't say they are a common sight.

[djmilf]

Tuebor, you see the Confederate Battle Flag around Michigan because there are people in Michigan with roots in the southern states.

Henry Ford's promise of a $5 work day back at the beginning of the 20th century drew in people from all over the country and even some from outside the country. This would naturally include people (both white and black) from those states that used to be in the Confederacy. Additionally, man-power shortages during WW2 also drew people to Detroit.

While most people who came to Detroit for the relatively high wages eventually returned to where they came from (after earning enough to meet their monetary goals), about one third remained in the metropolitan Detroit area. Of course this would include some white southerners.

As my heritage belongs among those who came to the United States after the Civil War, I can't (won't? shouldn't?) address why some do flag display the Confederate flag; it remains for those of white southern heritage to explain why they do display the flag.

I have seen discussions regarding the displaying of the Confederate flag on other web-site forums and they do get quite heated. Perhaps the question could be asked on the General United States forum? The wider audience will probably generate more responses to the second part of your question.

[MICoastieMom]

I agree with djmilf as to why there are many in Michigan with southern roots. I live Downriver. There are many in Taylor and some of the other southern suburbs who still have southern accents. I have lived in Michgan nearly all my life. Other than an occassional decal on a bumper, I can honestly say I have never seen a Confederate flag flown here. I would have noticed, having lived in the South as a kid. And my brother was born on flag day; I notice flags. I can you all the homes in my city where they not only fly the Star and Stripes, but also a military flag for a child in service because I do too. I notice flags.

[tuebor]

I saw a lot in the UP, and I really doubt that they were all transplanted southerners. I've seen fewer in the LP, and I understand that there may be more folks with actual ties to the South down here. But I want to know why Michiganders fly it, which is why I've posted it here and not on the general forum.

[Michigansnowflake]

Cause its perty!

[djmilf]

Originally Posted by Michigansnowflake

Cause its perty!

So's the New York Yankees logo...but you won't see me displaying it! <where's the graphic for the smilie that sticks out its tongue?>

[tuebor]

It's flag day again, so it's time for my annual rant about Michiganders who fly the Confederate flag (or wear it on their clothes or have it on their car or whatever). Apparently, for some people it's some sort of "redneck pride" thing. Surely there must be a better way to affirm a rural identity than flying the flag of traitors and racists.