Student Gets Banned From Prom Over Confederate Dress

it should be bannned.

How stupid! HERITAGE NOT HATE! Why does everything have to be a race issue?

You might be a redneck if….

You might be a redneck if….

Dumb & mighty unflattering too!

Dumb & mighty unflattering too!

Why?

Why?

Who would wear that to the prom?
1ST) IT'S FUGLY!
2ND) She's only wearing it to offend someone or to see what she can get by with!
3RD) He should be wearing a confederate tie to match! lol

Blacks are embroiled right now in the Trayvon Martin case, and emotions are high. People should use common sense. Don't bait these people, not even out of ignorance. Be very very careful. Don't approach groups of them in parks this summer. Don't take a chance. Wilding sprees are on the rise.

it is heritage, not hate…people are so ignorant…leave her alone..if I had that dress, I would wear it..you go girl, never be ashamed of where you are from, the south is awesome…

every time I see that flag I think "hatred"….just do..when I see black and white tatoos, I think "drugs"…when I see a person with a hoodie covered up, I think "danger"….just do.

Just a way to get attention. Pity she can't get it in a better way.

She can wear whatever she wants, but lets be real here for one second… The Confederate flag may be a "heritage" symbol and yada yada, but a lot of that so-called "heritage" was trying to keep their slaves. Also, why would anyone wear the flag of the losing side? But hey! Someone wants to make an ass out of themselves for their "cause" then go for it. I could always use a good laugh.

Heritage…..not HATE! Total infringement of a person's 1st Amendment rights. Legal precendent my ass. Courts cases prove otherwise. And to believe this happened in Tennessee. My Confederate ancestors are rolling over in their graves.

Um…if the heritage is based on hate then it IS racial.

You cant just pretend that racism never happened (or is over). Sorry, it is still an issue…EVERYTHING isn't, but this is. Too bad.

So you want to be silent and not express yourself, she probably never considered it offensive only true racist are offended, gesh

why should something that has been a part of her life and thousands and thousands be banned, and besides that did she say she was a rebal flag…….no. We have this thing called "freedom of speech", who decides what can be worn and what can't. Give it a break folks, the day someone tells me I can't wear something is the day we are truely letting big brother run our lives.

Jenny Garnsey Because it is the flag of an enemy of the USA. ALso, it is now a symbol of hate and is anti american. Thats why. Would you be okay with a Nazi flag made into a dress….thought not.

She should not have been banned from attending her prom in that dress. Mississippi and Georgia official state flags are based on Confederate flags. The flag of North Carolina is based on the state's 1861 flag, dating back to the confederacy & would appear to be based on the first Confederate flag. If it's OK to represent a whole state, it should have been fine for her prom dress too! I hope she takes the Gibson County School district to court. She'll win. It's an easy case.

Jenny Garnsey for the same reason we don't run around with nazi flags taped to our dresses.

Jenny Garnsey the confederate flag had its time. it was crushed. it was destroyed. it was roundly defeated in battle, and in concept. the ideas and values that it stood for have been SALTED. the young woman who was denied her "rights" to wear what she wants to a prom now perhaps feels like what it must be to a person who has no rights, ie a "slave".

Nice try…but the heritigae is based on one group of people ENSLAVING another. That WAS the main difference between the USA and the enemy Confederate states.

Well it looks like she got her 15 min of fame, and maybe trying to get some money out of it… sad, I love Alan W comment below, You might be a redneck if……….

David Serventi no it isnt, it is being proud of where you are from, and what each individual sees as part of there heritage…why does it have to be about enslaving people? where is it written that the confederate flag means slavery??? show me where it is written…no i totally disagree with you..and im sure others do as well

In all honesty, I think she can wear whatever she wishes. I know the people of the South claim that the flag represents their heritage and everything, but what they refuse to say is what their heritage actually is… Because they know it often goes hand in hand with some pretty racists and inhumane stuff. So this girl can wear whatever she wants, like I said, but that doesn't mean she isn't an idiot for wearing that and it doesn't mean anyone should respect that flag and what it really means.

Jenny Garnsey why….1. it looks stuip and its looks agly looking 2. you dont see any one wearing the america flag or other flag made out of a prom dress 3. it starting a hate crime

if you had that dress you would be just as big a fool as her. besides the fact that the confederate flag represents the worst our country has had to offer, this dress is HORRENDOUS! no1 in their right mind would wear this dress, even if the flag had no meaning at all.

its a school, schools have many rules telling KIDS what they can and cannot wear

Do you have a citation that proves "wilding sprees are on the rise?" I don't believe that to be true, statistically.

Suzanne Quarterman Graham then you are trying to HIDE the hate that the confederate flag stood for, for so many years. are you *proud* of the position on slavery that the confederate states espoused, and fought for, and that so many men died for? are you proud of the hundreds of thousands of slaves that were mere chattel to your ancestors? maybe you are, and if so i can possibly understand why you might care to use the flag as a memory of the past? but if you do NOT have pride for your ancestors' use of humans as slaves then i personally can find no cause to want to "proudly display" a flag that has so much human misery, pain and outrage associated with it. period.

Please…grow up. I like how you slipped in the hoodie comment there.

I'm a clean cut, square looking white guy and I bought a hoodie from The Gap (the whitest place on earth) and are you really going to pretend that if I was walking down your street on a brisk day with my hoodie up, you would feel scared? Come on. That sounds like you re looking to rationalize your irrational behavior. That's like saying that I heard about a bad experience someone had with a woman with too much lipstick on (on TV) and therefore I every time I see a woman with too much lipstick, then it is completely rational to think that she might behave the same way as the woman on TV did. Please just shut the F up.

Let me ask you a question Suzanne… How many Black, Asian, Hispanic or any other non-White people have you seen sporting this "heritage" flag you love so dearly?

You know why it's offensive? SLAVERY. Seriously, people. Get a clue.

Terri Kaye would you feel similarly OK with people wearing the white KKK dress & headgear about town?

my question is why does she want to wear a confederate flag dress? the main reason the south seceded from the union was because of slavery (yes there were other reasons, but slavery was the main one) so why wear a dress that basically will symbolism that belief. if I was her mother I wouldn't of let her out of the house like that.

@Jackie, I find your comments more offensive than the dress, these people, don't appproach a group of them, WTH is that about, just who are THESE people? I live in an town 99% white, and there is so much outrage ove the Trayvon killing here, guess you should not come to our chili cook off, you might get attacked… lol your nuts! have a good day.

EXACTLY. I think any racist piece of white trash should be free to wear whatever she wants to her prom to show the world that she supports slavery and the dissolution of the U.S.A. But she better not cry when some potential employer sees a picture and decides not to bother interviewing her dumb, racist ass.

She asked if it would be ok everyone said no it would be inappropriate and she came in the dress anyway? Its not a race thing its a common sense thing, what was the point of asking? What is the point of making a big deal about getting kicked out of prom if you were told it wasn't going to be ok? what exactly was she expecting the school officials to do? Was it worth going against what she was told not to do to make a point that leads to nothing? Its not like confederate flags are banned and she probably has one on her car, in her locker, on her facebook, and hanging infront of her house, what was the point of the dress that again she was told not to wear when she asked for permission? Again not offended by the dress offended by the lack of common sense. If she hadn't asked a bunch of people before doing this it would be different but she did so what she did seemed more stupid than offensive.

She asked if it would be ok everyone said no it would be inappropriate and she came in the dress anyway? Its not a race thing its a common sense thing, what was the point of asking? What is the point of making a big deal about getting kicked out of prom if you were told it wasn't going to be ok? what exactly was she expecting the school officials to do? Was it worth going against what she was told not to do to make a point that leads to nothing? Its not like confederate flags are banned and she probably has one on her car, in her locker, on her facebook, and hanging infront of her house, what was the point of the dress that again she was told not to wear when she asked for permission? Again not offended by the dress offended by the lack of common sense. If she hadn't asked a bunch of people before doing this it would be different but she did so what she did seemed more stupid than offensive.

Only a fool would deny that the argument over slavery was not the primary reason that the south seceded from the north. The reason this flag was created is to preserve slavery as a southern institution and that is a simple, if ugly, fact. That being said – I am a lifetime southerner and am proud of my heritage even if some of it isn't the most attractive. I also think that political correctness run amok, as it is here, is a bad thing. The dress should not have been banned.

Only a fool would deny that the argument over slavery was not the primary reason that the south seceded from the north. The reason this flag was created is to preserve slavery as a southern institution and that is a simple, if ugly, fact. That being said – I am a lifetime southerner and am proud of my heritage even if some of it isn't the most attractive. I also think that political correctness run amok, as it is here, is a bad thing. The dress should not have been banned.

Meaghan Marino I fly a confederate flag in my home, i wear a conferdate flag bandana..I am proud to be from the south..All im saying it means different things to different indivduals..Heritage, not hate..take it any way you want it…freedom of speech baby girl.. and you have a nice day, honey!!

Meaghan Marino I fly a confederate flag in my home, i wear a conferdate flag bandana..I am proud to be from the south..All im saying it means different things to different indivduals..Heritage, not hate..take it any way you want it…freedom of speech baby girl.. and you have a nice day, honey!!

What really amazes me is that she and some others just don't understand why that would offend anyone. I guess the southern school systems are worse that I had feared.

To pretend that the confederate flag is not a symbol of a pro slavery point of view is insane…so are the people supporting this insane or just that stupid?

FYI…the confedrate states were:

•Pro Slavery of other humans (not very Christian).
•ENEMIES of the USA.
•losers of that war.

But keep pretending that is is just a harmless image that has no meaning. Would you all be okay if someone wore a Black Panthers dress to your Tennessee prom? Thought not.

What really amazes me is that she and some others just don't understand why that would offend anyone. I guess the southern school systems are worse that I had feared.

To pretend that the confederate flag is not a symbol of a pro slavery point of view is insane…so are the people supporting this insane or just that stupid?

FYI…the confedrate states were:

•Pro Slavery of other humans (not very Christian).
•ENEMIES of the USA.
•losers of that war.

But keep pretending that is is just a harmless image that has no meaning. Would you all be okay if someone wore a Black Panthers dress to your Tennessee prom? Thought not.

Ugly dress.

Ugly dress.

Confederate flag

The battle flag of the Army of Tennessee.
A rectangular variant of the square Confederate Army battle flag was used by a few Army units, such as the Army of Tennessee. (This flag is similar to the second naval jack design adopted, except with darker blue bars.[citation needed]) Despite never having historically represented the C.S.A. as a nation nor officially recognized as one of the national flags, it is commonly referred to as "the Confederate Flag" and has become a widely recognized symbol of the South. It is also known as the "rebel", or "Dixie" flag and is often incorrectly referred to as the "Stars and Bars" (the actual "Stars and Bars" is the First National Flag, which used an entirely different design).[21] The self-declared Confederate enclave of Town Line, New York, lacking a genuine Confederate flag, flew a version of this flag prior to its 1946 vote to rejoin the Union.
[edit]20th century popularity.
During the first half of the 20th century, the Confederate flag enjoyed renewed popularity. During World War II some U.S. military units with Southern nicknames, or made up largely of Southerners, made the flag their unofficial emblem. The USS Columbia flew a Confederate Navy Ensign as a battle flag throughout combat in the South Pacific in World War II. This was done in honor of Columbia, the ship's namesake and the capital city of South Carolina, the first state to secede from the Union. Some soldiers carried Confederate flags into battle. After the Battle of Okinawa a Confederate flag was raised over Shuri Castle by a Marine from the self-styled "Rebel Company" (Company A of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines). It was visible for miles and was taken down after three days on the orders of General Simon B. Buckner, Jr. (son of Confederate general Simon Buckner), who stated that it was inappropriate as "Americans from all over are involved in this battle". It was replaced with the flag of the United States.[22] By the end of World War II, the use of the Confederate flag in the military was rare.[23].

this is all about the Solid South (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid_South)

Suzanne Quarterman Graham Well Suzanne…maybe you should read a book. The Confedarate flag is the flag of an ENEMY of the good ol' USA.

If you had read a book that you would understand that the Confederate flag was flown by a group that wanted to be able to keep slavery legal. You sure you want to back that horse?

"All im saying it means different things to different indivduals"
No it doesn't. People like you pretend that it has other meanings but the reality of it is that it only means one thing…you can pretend other wise but intelligent people know what the confederate flag REALLY represents. Would your dumb ass be okay with someone wearing a dress to your prom with Al Queada symbols on it, and then pretending that it means something else?

So by your logic, someone can wear the swastika t-shirt and claim that they are merely expressing pride in their German "heritage." You can toss around "heritage" all you like, but that heritage you refer to was built on a foundation of racism. End of story. By the way, I think that racists like this girl have every right to broadcast their stupidity and their racisim by wearing confederate flag clothing. It makes it a lot easier to identify and avoid their kind.

And that dress was straight up ugly. It looked like it was made out of plastic.

Suzanne Quarterman Graham OMG YOU MUST LOOK SO BEAUTIFUL IN YOUR CONFEDERATE FLAG BANADANA!! LOL! just kidding .. i bet you look as ridiculous as she does in your bandana. and you ma'am, are more than welcome to free speech! have at it! but free speech doesn't protect you from the consequences that may follow your choice actions. and the confederate flag may mean something different to you, but to the intelligent members of this country, we learned the history of that flag and what it meant to the ppl who flew it.

You're pathetic. Trying to pretend that the confederate flag has many meanings make you look stupid. Sorry the confederate states were ENEMIES of the USA. Also, she was in Tennessee so your failed state flag theory is even more failed. But nice try. Hey that Muslim symbol that your kid wants to wear to elementary school has many meanings too…is that okay for them to wear….thought not.

And…

It's still the flag of an ENEMY of the USA. That wanted to keep slavery legal. Sigh.

Exactly.

So wait…its okay to wear a dress that you admit is made from the symbol of a government that supports slavery and in fact fought a war with the USA over the right to OWN people…you think thats okay? Really?

Suzanne Quarterman Graham Looks like MORE people agree with David than with you…me included

Rick Tait This has NOTHING to do with that.

Suzanne Quarterman Graham Do you also where white sheets and pointed hoods at night while burning crosses on your neighbors property? No doubt your reply will be "I have many black friends"

Meaghan Marino, why was the dukes of hazzard on tv for so long then,

Meaghan Marino, why was the dukes of hazzard on tv for so long then,

Jenny Garnsey NO ONE OWES you an explanation….get over yourself

Jenny Garnsey NO ONE OWES you an explanation….get over yourself

Maybe I was taught different but at one time didn't the north and south have slaves. Oh by the way it wasnt just blacks that were slaves. When some of my distant relatives were trying to get here they had to sign on as slaves and they weren't black. Whites and blacks fall in that catagory. The flag represented part of the nation at one time and never stood for slavery. Some of the people who flew it did. Most of my family is from the south and fought on both sides. If the south had won then the USA flag today would have the same issue. Get over yourselves.

Shawn Myers – Dumbest. argument. ever.

Thats for owning yourself. Now it is easy to identify you and ignore.

Alyssa Hamilton Right?! I didn't want to say all that but the dress was straight up ugly I'm sure their is a cuter way to make a confederate flag dress. In fact I'm positive their is.

Carolyn Fine…and then you woke up! School districts have guidelines, she asked in ADVANCE and was told it was inappropriate, she made her choice…umm, CASE CLOSED

Carolyn Fine…and then you woke up! School districts have guidelines, she asked in ADVANCE and was told it was inappropriate, she made her choice…umm, CASE CLOSED

The PC groups are destroying this country…Thousands of Americans fought and died under this Flag and that's History…What next people, the Obama Flag? The Stars and Stripes going to be banned? You can't change History but you can learn from it…..The raciest crap that goes on still in this country is disgusting….It's the Sharptons and Jacksons that still Race Bait the blacks for things that were ended a Century ago.. I haven't heard of Slave Owners in my life time..We have major problems in America now with the destruction of ALL our freedoms and you piss and moan about a piece of history…God help us!

The PC groups are destroying this country…Thousands of Americans fought and died under this Flag and that's History…What next people, the Obama Flag? The Stars and Stripes going to be banned? You can't change History but you can learn from it…..The raciest crap that goes on still in this country is disgusting….It's the Sharptons and Jacksons that still Race Bait the blacks for things that were ended a Century ago.. I haven't heard of Slave Owners in my life time..We have major problems in America now with the destruction of ALL our freedoms and you piss and moan about a piece of history…God help us!

David Serventi well mr california, until you live in the south, and know the people and there heritage, you should not be judging anything…so go surfing or something..

David Serventi well mr california, until you live in the south, and know the people and there heritage, you should not be judging anything…so go surfing or something..

Suzanne Quarterman Graham – Yes it is. You can pretend that the confederate flag has other, more nobel meanings, but the REALITY of it is that it is the flag of an ENEMY of the USA that was pro slavery. END of discussion. No matter what you say, no matter how you try to spin it…it is the flag of an ENEMY of the USA that was pro slavery.

I still amazes me that so many people think the Civil War was about ending slavery…

Kelly Carreno-Jack Are you seriously trying to compare the KKK to the confedrate flag? The flag never represented wiping out people cuz of the color of their skin color or beliefs. People fought for what they believed in and if the south had won, this issue be the other way around. The victors always change history to suit themselves.

If you knew anything about where the true origins of African American slavery BEGAN you probably wouldn't be as eager to reply that way. Slavery in Africa began with Arabs capturing and enslaving black people.It began in Africa with them selling eachother.
I am definately not racist, in fact I find the whole issue deplorable but at the same time I am from the south and a "Rebel Flag" in a front yard or on a t shirt or license plate is considered heritage. I am glad you brought up Germany.I am almost 100% German and The Holocaust is without a doubt the worst most horrible thing that has ever happened in the history of mankind. Jewish people have wayyy more to complain about than the African Americans these days who still talk about being enslaved and marching with King when in fact there is probably no one alive who had anything to do with that.And honestly racism is still alive today because people refuse to stop living in the past and move forward. It was bad, it happpened, its over. I think this country has enough problems without bringing up old issues.

David Serventi Prior to that confederate war, the states were hardly united, at all. And, what state she resides in doesn't matter. The facts remain. Those flags fly high, whether you or anyone else condones them and their meanings.

Your statement is based on and opinion. Mine is based on simple fact and an understanding of our country's history. I didn't offer my opinion of what the flags represent. Go back and read my post again. It's obvious that you are injecting that which has what is not stated inflected, nor intended.

And my children have been taught to embrace all people regardless of religion, and race. Obviously, your poor parents have failed, somehow, at that task.

This is all beside the point that insulting others while failing to make your point, is based on pure ignorance and immaturity. There's no need for such rudeness and anger. I am embarrassed for you as a fellow American. People who behave like you, are dragging this entire country down.

I think I'll make a shirt with a picture of Native Americans dying of smallpox, clutching the disease-ridden blankets given to them by the settlers. and then if anyone tells me it's a hateful, disgraceful image, I'll just say hey, it's all part of our American "heritage"! (Just to make it clear – I'd be a lying sack of shit (or a complete fool) if I tried to claim I was only being "proud of my heritage" with clothing like that).

Spring Costine Wilcox … Yeah, those Southerners fought for their beliefs that blacks were only considered 3/5 of a human being and should be slaves. Would you vote for a candidate that supported that today?

Vicky Ruiz, you are a basket case. I pity you and pray you do not procreate

David Serventi You idiot, back then it was NOT the USA.Both sides had their own seperate laws to abide by.The Emancipation Proclamation unified both sides after Lincoln abolished slavery in what? 1857 or something like that…

Prior to that confederate war, the states were hardly united, at all. And, which state she resides in doesn't matter. The facts remain. Those flags fly high, whether you or anyone else condones them and their meanings. It is what it is.

Your statement is based your personal opinion. Mine is based on simple fact and understanding of our country's history. I didn't offer my opinion regarding what the flags represent. Go back and read my post again. It's obvious that you are injecting that which has what is not stated inflected, nor intended.

And my children have been taught to embrace all people equally, regardless of religion, and race. Obviously, your poor parents have failed, somehow, at that task.

This is all beside the point that insulting others while failing to make your point, is based on pure ignorance and immaturity. There's no need for such rudeness and anger. I am embarrassed for you as a fellow American. People who behave like you, are dragging this entire country down.

David Serventi Also if you had any kind of knowledge of symbolism you would know that the Swatszika did not originate with Hitler.No excuse what he turned it into is disgusting and will never be forgivable but what is now probably the most known symbol of hate in the world actually started out very spiritual and peaceful

Its true, but technically the Nazi's had heritage too…

Kelly Carreno-Jack Where do you see it stated that she asked in 'advance'? It would seem that you are seeing things that aren't there. It says she was told that the dress would be considered inappropriate and no where in this article does it state WHEN she was told. Based on everything in this article, it is suggested that all conversations took place at and/or outside of the prom's location.

The USA allows flags of similar representation to fly at full staff. Like it or not. If the USA federal government condones it, it's a mute point.

Sincere apologies for any unintended confusion, and the following reply was directed at @David Serventi :

Prior to that confederate war, the states were hardly united, at all. And, which state she resides in doesn't matter. The facts remain. Those flags fly high, whether you or anyone else condones them and their meanings. It is what it is.

Your statement is based your personal opinion. Mine is based on simple fact and understanding of our country's history. I didn't offer my opinion regarding what the flags represent. Go back and read my post again. It's obvious that you are injecting that which has what is not stated inflected, nor intended.

And my children have been taught to embrace all people equally, regardless of religion, and race. Obviously, your poor parents have failed, somehow, at that task.

This is all beside the point that insulting others while failing to make your point, is based on pure ignorance and immaturity. There's no need for such rudeness and anger. I am embarrassed for you as a fellow American. People who behave like you, are dragging this entire country down.

Amy Robillard Sigh…it was about states rights. The key one being slavery. Are you really going to pretend that it wasnt about that? And Desert Storm was about saving Kuwait…but oil had something to do with it.

You are over simplifying it so that you sound intelligent.

Stop spinning what the Confederate Flag actually represents, people. Those people fought the North and died for their beliefs and one of their beliefs was to enslave black people for their own personal gain. You can't just forget about that part and expect people to be all fine and dandy with you people representing your "heritage". There are somethings you leave in the past, that is why it is called HISTORY! LET IT GO! It serves no positive purpose in our present day and age.

Carolyn Fine Try READING the article…its in there…you should READ before you BASH people for stating FACTS, its "unbecoming"

First let me just say that the dress is ugly as all get out. Aside from that you guys have to realize that we are dealing with a school function. School districts have policies, although they are not always clear. I'm sure that the policy doesn't specifically say "do not wear a confederate dress to the prom" but there is a dress code that the students must adhere to and it is the principal's job to use his discretion at what is inappropriate attire for the prom. Like he said, he has to consider the safety of all of his students and if that means that she is not allowed to attend the prom in that dress, then so be it. The real issue is SAFETY. If she was allowed to attend and a fight broke out because of that dress, resulting in student injuries. Then the principle and school district will have a bigger problem on their hands, like multiple lawsuits instead of one lawsuit over a stupid ugly dress. BTW I was born and raised in the South, still here and I hate that flag because it does represent yrs of oppression.

Carolyn Fine She was not "Flying a flag at full staff", she was wearing the dress to a School function. Your argument is a MOOT point.

Malinda Wilson WOW….you should maybe read a book. The Union IS the USA…and the confederates withdrew (we should have let you losers go) but we kicked your asses. And are you really pretending that slavery had NOTHING to do with the civil war? Really?

Malinda Wilson I'm confident I have a deeper understanding of world history than you do, although there's no point in debating it online. But since you presume to know more than I do, I had to respond with an equally useless comparison.

You fail to address the point I made about swastikas being claimed by some a "German heritage." I don't really care if you are "almost 100% German" (you sure sound American to me, and you live in Florida). Bringing up the Jews is an irrelvant straw-man tactic, it has nothing to do with the issue here. And as far as racism being something that was "bad, it happened, it's over" – that is as clueless and shallow a persepective as one could imagine. It's still alive and well, and not because of black people. but way to go, blaming the victim! nice try! I'll bet you are one of George Zimmerman's biggest supporters.

Malinda Wilson – Oh, and idiot, since you are calling names…the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863…TWO years after the start of the civil war. And the confederates got beaten so bad two years later …that's what unified the two.

Intent is everything. You see slavery when you look at that flag while most who display the confederate flag do so as a symbol representing that they are proud of and embrace their heritage and their history. You're the one intent on making it a symbol based on hate, not the people posting here in support of that young girl's dress.

Some people in our country choose to focus on the beauty of our history, others are obsessed with calling attention to the ugliness and mistakes of it's past.

Can someone who is pro-Confederate Flag please tell me the wonderful and rich meanings of that flag and how it applies to today's society. I would love to read about it… Try to stay away from Google. Anyone can find a Confederate sympathizer and use his or her words to try and justify their beliefs. Give me YOUR thoughts on what the flag means.

P.S. Not all Americans are christian. What does that have to do with this subject???

Malinda Wilson —So your arguement is that it's okay to have enslaved those people back then, because other people also enslaved them. Dumb. DUMB. DUMB.

"It was bad, it happpened, its over."
Is it over? Ask a number of people in Florida if racism is over? Start with the Martin, but seriously, ask 10 random people…you will not find that racism or mistreatment of people based on race is over. You may be tired of hearing about it (for some reason) but victims of racism are even more tired of people like you pretending it doesnt exist.

Kelly Carreno-Jack Quote it.

that is messed up kiking her out bc of that.

Spring Costine Wilcox No what im am alluding to is MOST people who fly the confederate flag are racists and I was asking Suzanne, who so PROUDLY sports her confederate bandana, if she wears sheets at night

Kelly Carreno-Jack I posted in reply to your exact post, exactly as you worded it… nothing more and nothing less.

Based on that, please show via quote, exactly where it states, as you have insisted that, "she asked in ADVANCE and was told it was inappropriate".

And yes, the word that I meant was actually moot, not mute. It's a mistake that I commonly make. I'm working on that. Thank you for pointing that out. I appreciate it.

David Serventi. Thanks for taking time out of your busy busy day to, sigh…, set me straight. Sure slavery was an issue. But the abolishion of slavery was about crippling the South from an economic standpoint. And it worked. Slavery was a terrible thing, yes. But the Confederate Army was fighting for the same basic principles that the founding fathers of our country fought for during Revolutionary times, the same thing countless others have fought and died for throughout the world from the beginnings of civilization: freedom from overreaching gov't, whether that be dictatorship, tyranny, racial oppression, etc.

And just to be clear, I think the dress looks stupid. And she looked stupid in it. But it should still be her right to wear it. Just like it's any American's right to wear anti-christian symbols on their clothing. It may offend me and countless others, but that's their prerogative. And if any such articles of clothing should incite violence in others, then shame on those who allow one person's stupid, insensitive, and irresponsible acts to cause them to lose control. Or were they just looking for an excuse to lash out?

LMAO right now at you Jackie King Fenning. You sound so stupid and you probably looked stupid when you typed it, crouched down behind ur keyboard like a black person wearing a hoodie is going to jump thru ur computer screen and get you. LOLLLLL! Jackie you need to get it together. There are no wilding sprees on the rise. If ppl are being attacked then it has nothing to do with Trayvon Martin. I would run away from u if I saw u in a park this summer, fearful that ur going to kill me because I'm black and u think I'm an attacker. Lady ur as crazy as a blind dragon spitting fire out of his a$$.

Malinda Wilson Wow Melinda, do you live in a cave? Its over??? Guess I didn't get the memo…

Malinda Wilson Wow Melinda, do you live in a cave? Its over??? Guess I didn't get the memo…

Malinda Wilson –People like you are the worst. EVERYBODY ON EARTH knows that the swastika was originally a hindu symbol. People like YOU always point that out in order to sound intelligent. But only a FOOL…a TOTAL FOOL, would pretend that the Nazi use of it now doesn't supersede the original meaning.

So then I ask, what is your point? In this time in the universe the swastika is a nazi symbol. In this time and era, the confederate flag is a symbol of a former enemy of what is now the USA and represents what that enemy stood for…the legalized ownership of humans for slavery.

But nice try , trying to sound knowledgeable…try applying the next step of having knowledge which is making a point. So go back to misusing the little bit pof knowledge that someone else told you.

Malinda Wilson –People like you are the worst. EVERYBODY ON EARTH knows that the swastika was originally a hindu symbol. People like YOU always point that out in order to sound intelligent. But only a FOOL…a TOTAL FOOL, would pretend that the Nazi use of it now doesn't supersede the original meaning.

So then I ask, what is your point? In this time in the universe the swastika is a nazi symbol. In this time and era, the confederate flag is a symbol of a former enemy of what is now the USA and represents what that enemy stood for…the legalized ownership of humans for slavery.

But nice try , trying to sound knowledgeable…try applying the next step of having knowledge which is making a point. So go back to misusing the little bit pof knowledge that someone else told you.

Kelly Carreno-Jack I didn't claim that the girl was flying a flag. My point there is that there are states in our country which are represented by flags which obviously, based on the layout of the design, colors of the flags and symbols contained in those designs, are well known, and are noted throughout our history books for being quite similar to the confederate flag. The fact that you seem to either miss, or choose not to accept, is that it would represent a double standard, as well as a contradiction of those USA condoned flags to be accepted to represent states in America, while condemning any American citizen for otherwise displaying a similar design….. be it by clothing or any other chosen mode of display.

Suzanne Quarterman Graham 1 DO live n the south and confederacy SHOULD BE BANNED

April Harden I was kind of reminded of Penny's mom in "Hairspray." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuavD-rcf6s

Carolyn Fine a true American isn't about hate, and should have the sense to know what incites "Hate". A prom is for the celebration of graduating. Why in the world would someone want to make a statement "a stupid statement" at their prom, after being advised not to wear the thing? Doesn't anyone care about the youth following directions and not deciding to go against the rules set forth by the officials that we entrust our kids to? If my daughter went against what a school official told her, she would have serious issues with my wife and I. We send her to school to learn, NOT make a point! And certainly not to practice going against what her superiors tell her to do. When she is an adult and making her own money then she has every right in the world to do as she wishes, and if she doesn't use her head doing so. Dad nor Mom will be there (Immediately) to bail her out. (I'd make her sweat and think on her follies before saving her)

David Serventi Prior to the Civil War it was the United States where the states were sovereign. People were citizens of their state and they fought to support their state. So those who fought for the Confederacy were not enemies of the USA. You really are ignorant about the history.

Kim LaCapria LOL i just watched the vid omg so funny

Shawn Myers *LOVE* …… and that show was made into a movie that got way more love than any of David Serventi's posts!! LOLOLOLOL

April Harden The part with the cop cracked me up.

Some of these comments are more ridiculous than the dress! And just for the record…slavery was not brought into the war until two years after it started. Lincoln owned slaves himself…so did many of others in Northern states. The war was about STATE RIGHTS plan and simple. Slaves were brought into it when Lincoln saw he was losing the war and figured if he offered Southern slaves freedom for leaving their homes and joining the Northern cause. Most…I did NOT say ALL..slave owners believed that the slaves were good workers and many even gave them land and freedom for their service. Don't twist my words here but just as an example…if you spent good money on a plow horse…would you then turn around and mistreat the same to the point of it not being able to work for you? Please don't think I am saying slaves were work horses…that's not what I meant. But the fact is…most of the slaves that were abused was done so by NORTHERN carpetbaggers who came to the South. Todays schools have become so politically correct…if you ask them…half of the history that we learned in school when I was there…never happened!

Carolyn Fine if you don't look at the ugliness and mistakes of the past … how in the devil can you learn from it?? People who CHOOSE not look at history as life lessons, are tip toeing thru the tulips and at some point will be in for a big dose of reality.

Carolyn Fine – Sigh

"while most who display the confederate flag do so as a symbol representing that they are proud of and embrace their heritage and their history."
EXCEPT…their history and heritage is that of one where they actually fought for the right to own slaves. No matter how you try to spin it, the confederate flag the purest representation of the Confederate states…which where enemies of what became the USA AND support the ownership of slavery. Nice heritage, nice history. But let me guess, you can overlook that for all the other stuff right? Eyes rolling. WHy not use ANOTHER symbol to represent that heritage and history? One doesn't evoke SLAVERY. You dont see Germans using the Swastika to represent German heritage, just neo-nazis…and thats what this is equivalent to…neo- nazis. And what youa re doing is what a child does…try top pretend something has some other consequence based on some technicality. Sorry the confederate flag WILL ALWAYS be a symbol for a fail country that supported owning humans for slavery.

"You're the one intent on making it a symbol based on hate,"
This is amazing. You are trying to make me the negative one that is all about hate. Please, the confederate armys and slave owners did plenty to make that flag a symbol of hate….way before I was born.

"Some people in our country choose to focus on the beauty of our history, others are obsessed with calling attention to the ugliness and mistakes of it's past."
So I guess we should just forget anything that happened that was bad…right? Sigh. Please leave this country and go on with your life somewhere else. Sorry but your precious heritage is UGLY and EVIL all on its own. Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. But keep glossing over the stuff that doesnt matter you today and let people who are still victims of racism, which is rooted in slavery, just suffer. Anyway, go back to watching Grey's Anatomy. Who would actually post that picture? That tell more about your intellect (or lack there of) that your pathetic childish statements on this board.

PS. But part the awful heritage and history of the south is that it is now heavily Christian. Even though the Confederates supported something TOTALLY un-christian, somehow your southerners just pretend that there is no conflict.

If you Confederate flag sympathizers can say that slavery is over and we should forget about it, then maybe you should forget the "heritage" that was pretty fond of keeping slavery. Just a thought…

Amy Robillard Sigh…thanks for taking time between eating out of the Paula Deen butter cookbook to misconstrue history and facts.

"But the Confederate Army was fighting for the same basic principles that the founding fathers of our country fought for during Revolutionary times,"

SORRY…you dont get to claim that the south was just a group of innocent farmers that were trying to fight off oppressors. THE CONFEDERATE STATES OWNED SLAVES AND THEREFORE WHERE THE OPPRESSORS.

And if the southern economy was based on humans owning humans then it DESERVED to be destroyed. Yes, humans are more important that southerners having plantation money.

As far as the the dress, yes she has a right to wear that on her own dumb time. But at a public school function, where she was TOLD NOT to wear the dress but showed up anyway, where it will offend people, yes, I have no problem. If someone had, not anti christian symbols, but symbols that supported the harming of Christians, I would say that can be excluded too. Again, you can say and do WHATEVER you want on your own time. But if the Government is paying for it, like a school prom, then you have to not be discriminatory in your ways.

The confederate flag is a symbol of white supremacist hate groups all over the country. To pretend it has some nostalgic historical significance other than that is either playing ignorant, or being so overly apologetic as to be ridiculous.

Suzanne Quarterman Graham – Well…thats a dumb opinion.

I grew up in Virginia, I know who f'd up the south is. and it's "their" not "there" heritage.

But anybody who can read (not many in the south) can read and LEARN that the heritage is ugly and evil. That they actually fought for the right to keep slaves….think about that. Anyway, back to ignorance and pretending that your "heritage" is something to be celebrated. If it was ONLY about heritage, you would select a symbol that didn't have that kind of baggage. No hmmm….I wonder why you all (y'all) choose to use that symbol….maybe it's because of the latent meaning. Intelligent people see right through it. You ignorance is not as valid as other intelligence.

Lets just say the south did win the war…….Then I would understand why people would want to represent this flag ,but the south LOST ………. THEY LOST why be proud of that? Only flag I would sport is the American Flag:) it's not even about race .

Why does she want to wear the dress? Because she is just one of those rednecks? Or because she thinks it may tick off a few people? Maybe both? If you a choosing to wear a dress like that where some people may take it the wrong way then NO! She shouldn’t be allowed to wear it despite her intentions. Like it or not that flag is a symbol of racism for a lot of people and has been identified as that for a long time. I agree with the school. What if they let her wear it and someone started something over it and attacked her? Would that be the schools fault for not recognizing something like that symbol could cause mixed emotions? redneck, antagonizer, or just clueless it doesn’t matter.

Chris Hewitt buy the way the swastika was and still is a sign of peace in some cultures, so are they racist cause they have used that symbol for peace for hundreds of years,and still use it today? and cause some jerk to take it and made it what we know it as today? and no im not racist i have friends of all colors and creeds. move forward not live in the past.

Agree,with David . I live in Florida ,I date a white guy and racism is still around , but I also dated a white guy who had a tattoo of a confederate flag on his shoulder , on his truck and he wasn't races to some people it doesn't have anything to do with race but then again to others it's all about race …You can never really tell , to me I don't know why people would wear it ..The south lost the civil war but to each it's own …I don't even care but racism is still out there untill you walk in another color other then your on you can't tell me its not

what ever anyone say's or think..She was fully aware what was going to happen when she decided to wear that dress to her prom and she got the reaction she was looking for….I don't Feel sorry for her because this was her agenda……

David Serventi you are an idiot. The false notion that the Battle Flag must be a racist symbol is born of a mistaken belief that the Civil War was about Slavery. This bit of propaganda has been repeated ever since President Lincoln and his political allies decided to "Free the Slaves" ( in actuality Lincoln only freed those slaves in the Confederacy, slaves in the Union states such as Maryland and West Virginia remained slaves.) The truth however, is plain to anyone who wishes to delve into history and the proof lies in the proposed Corwin Amendment of 1861. This Amendment was proposed by Congressman Thomas Corwin (R) from Ohio. So there you go I wear the flag with pride and no one can tell me not to. The flag isn't racist. It is a Battle flag. The flag use to be a Battle Jack. A battle jack is a square piece of cloth with an X and stars sown on it. General Beauregard decided to get a new because the battle jack looks like a surrender flag, so he picked a new person to do the flag and he picked the new colors and did the same design. The new colors ? Red, Blue and white and the retangular shape we see today? It also got changed over the years of the war. It wasn't and will never be racist. If you think it is you're an ignorante person and can't let go of the past. You need to do some research on the war and flag before you open you big mouth.

David Serventi you are an idiot. The false notion that the Battle Flag must be a racist symbol is born of a mistaken belief that the Civil War was about Slavery. This bit of propaganda has been repeated ever since President Lincoln and his political allies decided to "Free the Slaves" ( in actuality Lincoln only freed those slaves in the Confederacy, slaves in the Union states such as Maryland and West Virginia remained slaves.) The truth however, is plain to anyone who wishes to delve into history and the proof lies in the proposed Corwin Amendment of 1861. This Amendment was proposed by Congressman Thomas Corwin (R) from Ohio. So there you go I wear the flag with pride and no one can tell me not to. The flag isn't racist. It is a Battle flag. The flag use to be a Battle Jack. A battle jack is a square piece of cloth with an X and stars sown on it. General Beauregard decided to get a new because the battle jack looks like a surrender flag, so he picked a new person to do the flag and he picked the new colors and did the same design. The new colors ? Red, Blue and white and the retangular shape we see today? It also got changed over the years of the war. It wasn't and will never be racist. If you think it is you're an ignorante person and can't let go of the past. You need to do some research on the war and flag before you open you big mouth.

Not really sure it looks like a Confederate flag. Just a bad dress design.

Its only a race thing when certain black people make it a race thing we r n the south i see them hanging all the time heritage not hate

Nice, debate, you win!

David Serventi it was not a War of the USA, but the states, get your facts right.

David Serventi – The Confederate Flag no more represents an enemy of the USA than the state flags that now fly over all the former confederate states. A total fool is someone who sees the Swastika and only sees the bad! A well educated person sees it as a symbol of an idiot that was laid down by good men who did not stand idly by, but also as a symbol of peace as it was originally made to represent. IN THIS TIME AND ERA WE NEED COMMON SENSE WHICH IS LACKING IN THE GENERAL POPULATION, which is why we still have racism and people who want to make the past go away. If we do not acknowledge the past, the good, the bad, the ugly we are doomed to repeat it.

David Serventi Get your facts before you open your mouth

David Serventi Get your facts before you open your mouth

Carpetbaggers is a pejorative term used by Southerners so it's clear you are from the South, it says Hazelwood Central High next to your name so its clear you are either quite the failure of a student or you are a teacher who has not read any textbooks since the late 1980s. Slavery was brought up at the beginning and is one of the main reasons why the South seceded. The abuse done to slaves was done mostly by Southern plantation owners and there is an enormous record of this. To help pursue his cause Lincoln made slavery unconstitutional, and is extremely rare for any slave to have received even a small portion of land from their previous owners. The war was for economic gains, the South's agrarian economy would have collapsed is slaves were freed so they fought back for that specific purpose. Slavery was also made unconstitutional in all by the mid-American (Minnesota, Oklamhoma, etc.) states long before the war started. So thank you for writing a paragraph of opinions. Also, the dress was not attractive and she probably made it at home with a broken sewing machine and safety-scissors. Oh and by the way, the Conferate flag represents the Confederecy, not the South.

Carolyn Fine Once again…IT IS IN THE ARTICLE…READ IT. It apparently is over your head

I have yet to see her explain her motives behind wearing the dress. She obviously knew it was an issue, as she talked to a pro m sponsor in advance. I tend not to feel sorry for her when she knew this was coming. My guess is someone wearing that dress is in it for shock value because I don't here her expressing southern pride as the reason.

Carolyn Fine no worries, i read the article for you and decided to do a little copy and paste so you wouldn't have to rack your brain anymore than you already have ..

“She was told because of the dress and what it would look like, it would be considered inappropriate. SHE HAD TALKED with the prom sponsor and they told her it would be inappropriate .."

see how they use the words "had" and "talkED" .. they represent PAST tense, meaning BEFORE the dance. maybe your poor reading comprehension skills are why you have such a hard time understanding history.

Carolyn Fine “She was told because of the dress and what it would look like, it would be considered inappropriate. She had talked with the prom sponsor and they told her it would be inappropriate. …
A DIRECT QUOTE from the story…let me pick it apart FOR YOU…"She was told because of the dress and what it WOULD look like"…meaning IF SHE WORE IT… "She had talked with the prom sponsor and they told her it would be inappropriate. … meaning she was not yet at the prom and wearing the dress WOULD BE inappropriate…Therefore it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out this CONVERSATION happened IN ADVANCE of the event…

So in ten years if I wore a suit with the design of the Taliban on it would you mind?
How about a shirt with the modified Nazi swastika?
Or a tie decorated with the symbols of the Black Panthers?
Or pants that say free Anwar Al-Awlaki?
The flag isn't racist, but it represents racism in this country, so no. Also since you clearly don't read enough you should be aware that all information is biased and there for propaganda, saying the battle flag is innocent is also propaganda.

Gail Finnell – So let me get this straight, you would be okay with someone wearing a Swastika on their t-shirt. And when you say, "Hey, that is maybe a bit offensive," to which they reply, "It's actually a hindu symbol." And you would just take that at face value? After all, by your logic, it would be foolish to look at it as having ONLY one (the most common) meaning.

And thats what they are trying to do here. I dont buy that it is just an innocent symbol of heritage and history cause it's a F'd up history. Find another symbol. After all plenty of good people died to stop the confederate states from keeping slavery legal…and did not stand idly by.

Sorry but your precious flag is NOW and FOREVER a symbol of the confederates states that fought the Union to keep the supposed right to have slaves.

Tammy Romo Lucas …Sigh. Yes, it was a war between the Union and the confederate states. I wonder what happened to the Union…oh, thats right it became the USA. Sigh. And guess what, it was still a country (of states) that fought to protect slavery.

David Serventi you are an idiot. The false notion that the Battle Flag must be a racist symbol is born of a mistaken belief that the Civil War was about Slavery. This bit of propaganda has been repeated ever since President Lincoln and his political allies decided to "Free the Slaves" ( in actuality Lincoln only freed those slaves in the Confederacy, slaves in the Union states such as Maryland and West Virginia remained slaves.) The truth however, is plain to anyone who wishes to delve into history and the proof lies in the proposed Corwin Amendment of 1861. This Amendment was proposed by Congressman Thomas Corwin (R) from Ohio. So there you go I wear the flag with pride and no one can tell me not to. The flag isn't racist. It is a Battle flag. The flag use to be a Battle Jack. A battle jack is a square piece of cloth with an X and stars sown on it. General Beauregard decided to get a new because the battle jack looks like a surrender flag, so he picked a new person to do the flag and he picked the new colors and did the same design. The new colors ? Red, Blue and white and the retangular shape we see today? It also got changed over the years of the war. It wasn't and will never be racist. If you think it is you're an ignorante person and can't let go of the past. You need to do some research on the war and flag before you open your big mouth

Carolyn Fine Also the State Flag of Tennessee (where she lives) is no where close to a confederate flag…its a red banner with a blue circle and 3 stars….She was not wearing her states flag…the only similarities are the colors Red, White and Blue

Donald Calvin Im not "certain black people" and what that flag stands for is OPPRESSION. BTW YOUR COMMENT is clearly RACIST.

David Serventi The American Civil War has been known by a number of different names since it began in 1861. These names reflect the historical, political, and cultural sensitivities of different groups and regions.[1]

The most common name, particularly in modern American usage, is simply "the Civil War". Although used rarely during the war, the term "War Between the States" became widespread afterward in the Southern United States. During and immediately after the war, Northern forces often used the term "War of the Rebellion", while the Southern equivalent was "War for Southern Independence". The latter regained some currency in the late 20th century, but has again fallen out of use. Other terms often reflect a more explicitly partisan view of events, such as "War of Northern Aggression", used by some Southerners, or the "Freedom War", used by their black counterparts to celebrate the effect the war had on ending slavery.

A variety of names also exist for the forces on each side; the opposing forces named battles differently as well. The Union forces frequently named battles for bodies of water that were prominent on or near the battlefield; Confederates most often used the name of the nearest town. As a result, many battles have two or more names that have had varying use, although with some notable exceptions, one has tended to take precedence over time. Check your history.

David Serventi David Serventi you are an idiot. The false notion that the Battle Flag must be a racist symbol is born of a mistaken belief that the Civil War was about Slavery. This bit of propaganda has been repeated ever since President Lincoln and his political allies decided to "Free the Slaves" ( in actuality Lincoln only freed those slaves in the Confederacy, slaves in the Union states such as Maryland and West Virginia remained slaves.) The truth however, is plain to anyone who wishes to delve into history and the proof lies in the proposed Corwin Amendment of 1861. This Amendment was proposed by Congressman Thomas Corwin (R) from Ohio. So there you go I wear the flag with pride and no one can tell me not to. The flag isn't racist. It is a Battle flag. The flag use to be a Battle Jack. A battle jack is a square piece of cloth with an X and stars sown on it. General Beauregard decided to get a new because the battle jack looks like a surrender flag, so he picked a new person to do the flag and he picked the new colors and did the same design. The new colors ? Red, Blue and white and the retangular shape we see today? It also got changed over the years of the war. It wasn't and will never be racist. If you think it is you're an ignorante person and can't let go of the past. You need to do some research on the war and flag before you open you big mouth.

David Serventi David Serventi you are an idiot. The false notion that the Battle Flag must be a racist symbol is born of a mistaken belief that the Civil War was about Slavery. This bit of propaganda has been repeated ever since President Lincoln and his political allies decided to "Free the Slaves" ( in actuality Lincoln only freed those slaves in the Confederacy, slaves in the Union states such as Maryland and West Virginia remained slaves.) The truth however, is plain to anyone who wishes to delve into history and the proof lies in the proposed Corwin Amendment of 1861. This Amendment was proposed by Congressman Thomas Corwin (R) from Ohio. So there you go I wear the flag with pride and no one can tell me not to. The flag isn't racist. It is a Battle flag. The flag use to be a Battle Jack. A battle jack is a square piece of cloth with an X and stars sown on it. General Beauregard decided to get a new because the battle jack looks like a surrender flag, so he picked a new person to do the flag and he picked the new colors and did the same design. The new colors ? Red, Blue and white and the retangular shape we see today? It also got changed over the years of the war. It wasn't and will never be racist. If you think it is you're an ignorante person and can't let go of the past. You need to do some research on the war and flag before you open you big mouth.

Tammy Romo Lucas … I am willing to be a good amount of money that the people who raise that flag have no idea what you just posted about the history of that flag.

I do think it's okay, David. Freedom of speech is supposed to be one of our unalienable rights in the United States.

David Serventi The Confederacy was not the enemy of the USA. It decided it didn't want to maintain its membership in the federal government. They were exercising their rights to be sovereign states. The issue of secession has never been resolved by the Supreme Court and it was only decided by force started by the federal government.

Tammy Romo Lucas … And I am not David Seventi… He never commented on any of my posts.

Tammy Romo Lucas … And I am not David Seventi… He never commented on any of my posts.

Ryan Carranza So you are saying people from the South are Dumb.

It is Heritage, many of our ancestors fought and died under that Flag, most people use that symbol because it is part of there Heritage, and sadly a few use it to mean something totally different, those people are ignorant and losers, I don't believe this girl was trying to offend anyone, just a young girl that liked a dress, and is proud to be southern.

Tammy Romo Lucas … I never said anything like that, you are suggesting that I implied that. Did I say that? No… Most people can't even name the 3 branches of government, or explain what the Bill of Rights is. What makes you think most people would know the history behind the Confederate Flag? It's not exactly a trending topic on Twitter these days… Try thinking about it.

Tammy Romo Lucas The civil war was caused by the south's rabid protection of the institution of slavery, man. Call it a war for state's rights or whatever, and sure you've still got the long and short of it, but the issue at the heart of the south's secession was the institution of slavery. Yes, the actual fighting was done to "preserve the union" and to bring the southern states back under union control, and Abraham Lincoln was no great enemy of slavery as some might think, but I believe that it is truly ignorant to posit that the Civil War is not a product of the debate over slavery. As such any Confederate symbol is, albeit indirectly, associated with the defense of the institution of slavery. To say otherwise is to be purposefully blind to the truth of American history.

Tammy Romo Lucas The next time you try put words into my mouth, I will gladly go ahead and turn the table on you once again. Logic doesn't fail, so try using it.

Everyone here has missed the point. This is not an issue of race or heritage. This is an issue of freedom of speech/expression in America, and how it is so easily tossed aside by squeamish power figures.

Can you tell me the meaning of your heritage Flag.

Can you tell me the meaning of your heritage Flag.

I love the dress… Anyone who knows anything, knows the flag is where you come from, not how you feel about race… I was raised in Tennessee until I was 5, and lived there 2 twice as a teenager.. I am the least racist person you will ever meet, but I wave my flag high!!! I love the dress and think its absolutely stupid to ban this girl from her prom because she's proud if where she comes from.

Donald Calvin I know not all people see the flag a symbol of hate or oppression but there are big many that do. that flag was used to show hatred in so many diffrent ways over the years. Yes I can see why some people relate it to herritage and look past it's relation to hate crimes. BUT that dosent change that fact that it is related to hate. so becuase of that alone is why I am saying she shouldnt be able to wear it to school. Not when someone can easily see it as a hate thing and not a proud heritage thing. Im sorry but living here in texas the people I see with flags like this are usally racists. NOT ALL OF THEM BUT THE VAST MAJORITY. Ill admit that the people i see with this flag i usally watch with a highbrow untill i can figuer them out.

Tammy Romo Lucas .. The Chicago flag has 3 stripes to acknowledge the North, West and South side of the city. The Blue Stripe represents Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. The 4 Stars represent Fort Dearborn, The Great Chicago Fire, World's Columbian Exposition and the Century of Progress Exposition. The flag was officially the flag to represent Chicago in April of 1917. I know my heritage… Anything else?

IT ONLY HAS A BAD MEANING AS LONG AS YOU GIVE IT A BAD MEANING!

Carolyn Fine, Intent is everything. That flag does not represent the beauty of the country. I fail to understand your ascertaince of this young woman's intent. 147 yrs. later—the more things change, the more they stay the same.

It is Red White and Blue with Stars and Stripes.

It is Red White and Blue with Stars and Stripes.

it really isnt about being a symbol of heritage its about people relating this symbol to hate. They have good reason to feel that way about it. wether you think its herritage or hate you haft to admit that.

David Serventi I did not say it was my precious flag. By your token OUR current flag should be banned as well. It could be construed to stand for Brutality, Imperialism, or any other bad conotation (sp) instead of freedom and equality. I fully understand why it would offend some, but then it is up to that person to educate themselves and learn correctly from history and move on, not waller in it and be mired in the hatred and stay in the same place which is why we still have racism. Get it now? Yes I would take it at face value UNTIL they provide an action to make it offensive.

Ryan Carranza Then why were you going to put money on the line that they would not understand my post only to those who raise "that" flag. Did did not post the word you did. Maybe where you come from you don't know but we in the South no our History…

Tammy Romo Lucas … You speak for everyone in the South? Were you the elected spokes person of the South?

Tammy Romo Lucas … Given your complete ignorance and just over generalization, I have no choice to think that you don't know your history either. But hey… The Confederate Flag totally doesn't represent the enslavement of other human beings, right?

Tammy Romo Lucas I should be charging you for all of this knowledge and time.

David Serventi -just want to point out that the government did not pay for their prom. The tax dollars their parents paid to the state paid for the prom. Last time I checked the government is a not for profit organization. IE – we pay them!

David Serventi – You do realize that the flag of the USA – the country everyone loves – is racist and demeaning to all Native Americans and therefore by your logic should not be displayed.

Honey you are displaying common sense. Be careful on this page it is a dangerous thing.

Gail Finnell Wow…what a bizarre approach. Okay, yes, then, tax dollars cant be used to hold an event where people are wearing symbols of hate. Sorry. Just how it is. Not sure where you a re going with this. Tax payers, government, etc..none of the gov't money from taxes can allow that. What are you rambling on about it being non profit for?

David Serventi – Just correcting you that the government did not pay for the prom. Tax payers pay for the school system, which in turn pays for the prom. I did not say they were paying for her to wear"hate" symbols as only a person can give meaning to any symbol. Our government is a not for profit organization on all levels or were you not aware of that? IF our government at all levels were a for profit organization we would not have the freedoms or deficits we do now. I am not rambling just correcting were needed.

Gail Finnell – You dont understand what you are writing about. It's not that the Confederates fought a war…it's that they fought a war to keep slavery legal.

"I fully understand why it would offend some, but then it is up to that person to educate themselves and learn correctly from history and move on,"
A) They are CORRECT in viewing the confederate flag as a symbol of a country (the confed. states) that fought a war FOR slavery, and therefore should rightfully be shunned.
B) Move on? HAHAHAHA. Sorry but racism which has it's roots in slavery hasn't moved on. How about YOU move on and stop supporting the use on the hate symbol that flag NOW IS. How about you stop wallering in the "heritage and history" of the south by using that flag. How about you find a symbol that represents the south that doesn't have that baggage. Are you one of those people who think the swastika is not a symbol of hate because it was once used by the hindus? Sorry the confederate flag is NOW and FOREVER a symbol of hate….just like the swastika.
To pretend it has some nostalgic historical significance other than that is either playing ignorant, or being so overly apologetic as to be ridiculous.

Tammy Romo Lucas Actually Tammy…YOU ARE AN IDIOT. The Civil wars was about states rights vs the authority of the federal government. One of those "rights" was slavery. So no matter what you say, no matter how you try to spin it, it will always be a symbol hate now. Just like how the swastika is, even though it started in the hindu religion.

"If you think it is you're an ignorante person and can't let go of the past."
Sounds like the south cant let go of the past…you guys are the ones that keep bringing up the symbol of a country that fought the union that would eventually become the USA over the right to have slaves…YOU LOST. But once racism (which is based in slavery) is gone…THEN WE WILL F'N GET OVER IT. Until then, you guys can quit crying "heritage and history" ..which lets just call it what it is a LIE. The history of the south is FOREVER marred by the fight to keep slavery. So drop it already. You lost. NOTHING WILL CHANGE THAT.

To pretend it has some nostalgic historical significance other than that is either playing ignorant, or being so overly apologetic as to be ridiculous.

Gail Finnell – And where does the school district get the money…from the government. That money comes from taxes but the government collects and protects it's use. Which is to prevent it being used at proms that allow hate symbols.

" I did not say they were paying for her to wear"hate" symbols"
I didnt say you did. I am saying that tax dollars (thru the gov't) can't be used for school event that allows hate symbols like the confederate flag.

" as only a person can give meaning to any symbol."
To pretend it has some nostalgic historical significance other than that is either playing ignorant, or being so overly apologetic as to be ridiculous.

" Our government is a not for profit organization on all levels or were you not aware of that?
Yeah, no sh*t sherlock. What does that have to do WITH ANYTHING we are talking about here. I have no idea what this has to do with what you ARE rambling on about.

Yeah, so I guess it's okay to wear symbols or flags that represent people who DID fight to keep slavery legal. While your post may be factual…it doesnt mean that we should stop the use of the hate symbols at school function. I know its hard for you to understand but all the inequities int he past doesn't excuse the actions of the confederate states. Even if the slaves where white, it' wouldnt have been okay. Even if others had slave, it doesnt make it okay to fight for the "right" slavery. It doesn't.

Gail Finnell – Really, how is it anti -native americans…this should be good?

Tom Reinheimer Well Tom, you dont have that "right" because you lost. You lost the "right to keep slaves. And you lost your states right. Because the FEDERAL gov't supersede state right. The end.

Matt McKenzie Not at pubic schools. Would you be okay with children wearing swastikas to prom? Thought not.

Tammy Romo Lucas – Blah, blah, blah. Was the confederate flag used by the confederate states? Yes. Did the confederates fight to keep slavery? yes. The end.

David Serventi – I COMPLETELY UNDERSTANDS WHAT I AM WRITING ABOUT! It is you who do not understand what you are writing about. The CIVIL WAR was not ALL ABOUT SLAVERY, SLAVERY was only a part of the war! However you would like us all to believe that it was the only reason for having the war! PLEASE go to your local library and pick up some books READ, digest, then come back and tell everyone what the civil war was about. Racism will forever be here until people learn to move on – MOVE ON means get a life realize that what happened in the past happened in the past and that as long as you remember what happened and strive to not act as those people did, then and only then will racism be eradicated. How about accepting that the symbol has baggage but you are not going to let it "upset" you until a person acts in such a way to remove all doubt as to their true intent. Again only a person can give a symbol meaning and as soon as everyone stops getting all worked up over it, it looses its meaning. IE act like an adult.

David Serventi I have seen several comments that you made about Obama, and I hear nothing but Hate coming from your mouth, I believe you are a Racist,sorry just how it is, Truth Bites Hard

David Serventi – the prom was not cancelled! THerefore the money used was not for allowing hate symbols.

I do not pretend that it is nostalgic! I am neither ignorant nor am I being overly apologetic. It is a symbol much like all others! IT JUST AN F"ng symbol that only a person can give meaning. You choose to give a negative meaning, your choice.

" Our government is a not for profit organization on all levels or were you not aware of that?
Yeah, no sh*t sherlock. What does that have to do WITH ANYTHING we are talking about here. I have no idea what this has to do with what you ARE rambling on about. – because you said the government paid for the prom. Perhaps you should quit rambling and try reading with intelligence. I was just pointing out your error.

David Serventi – the prom was not cancelled! THerefore the money used was not for allowing hate symbols.

I do not pretend that it is nostalgic! I am neither ignorant nor am I being overly apologetic. It is a symbol much like all others! IT JUST AN F"ng symbol that only a person can give meaning. You choose to give a negative meaning, your choice.

" Our government is a not for profit organization on all levels or were you not aware of that?
Yeah, no sh*t sherlock. What does that have to do WITH ANYTHING we are talking about here. I have no idea what this has to do with what you ARE rambling on about. – because you said the government paid for the prom. Perhaps you should quit rambling and try reading with intelligence. I was just pointing out your error.

David Serventi – Well you really do not understand that the land the US sits on belongs to Native Americans? Native Americans were treated horribly by the US and looked down upon as worse than being black until the 1970's, perhaps you should look this chapter of US history up as well as the Civil War. Are you not familiar with the Trail of Tears & Little Big Horn?

Gail Finnell –

" the prom was not cancelled! "
I never said it was…are you able to read English?

"THerefore the money used was not for allowing hate symbols.
Right, because they sent her home, not because they cancelled the prom. You're not much of a reader are you?

"because you said the government paid for the prom. Perhaps you should quit rambling and try reading with intelligence. I was just pointing out your error."
And yes, the government, used the tax dollars it collected to pay for the prom. I never said they profited from the prom. In fact, "profit" never came into the equation. But yes, PUBLIC schools and their events are paid for by PUBLIC funds…collected as taxes and doled out by the gov't. Why is this so are to wrap your brain around it. Therefore if PUBLIC funds (collected as taxes and budgeted by the government) are used to pay for the prom, it cannot allow students to wear hate symbols. Schools AND THIER PROMS all have dress codes…deal with it.

"IT JUST AN F"ng symbol that only a person can give meaning. "
So by your logic, you would be okay with students wearing swastikas, al Queada s, Black Panthers, Satansist symbols right?…it's just a symbol that only one person can give meaning to. Or not. Symbols DO have meanings. You dont get to just pick and choose the meaning so that it gets you what you want. Sorry, the world doesnt work that way. Thats what childred try to do…is that who you are trying to be like?

I don't think she's a racist. Most people who have Confederate flags in their homes, cars, or wear it on attire, do so because of "heritage, not hate." But, it's understandable since the article stated that the school has had some incidents relating to the flag and because of the flag's infamous mark on US history. From what I saw in the video clip, I think this girl is just proud to be a southerner, since she wore a camouflage dress to her junior prom.

No one will EVER be able to convince these people who support her choice of appearal, that it is wrong. They were born and raised to think that black people are 2/3rds of a person, not a whole person. True, it's there heritage to look down on people of color. The South trying to "take America back." Pathetic! But what they don't acknowledge is that this just perpetuates the stereotypes about black people and themselves (the deniers). I don't care what anyone says to support the flying of the Confederate flag. No matter how hard you try to convice us, we're not buying it. It's racist, plain and simple. And only aware people seem to get that. Suzanne, Malinda, Katrina, Jenny you are NOT! Kinda making the rest of us girls look dumb.

Brittany Reeves, I know what you're taking about, girlfriend. But, Florida?? I feel sorry for you. ; ) I am white and date a black guy. It's astounding how much racism exists even today. But, really, if you think about it, it's their problem, not ours. F*ck 'em!!!

Nice, Thomas!!!!

Justen Parsons Yeah, and in some cultures they eat dogs. You want to eat a dog? go live there. The swastika has never been used as a sign of peace in THIS culture, so in THIS culture (as in Europe) it has one meaning, which is why only neo-nazi groups sport it. Stop playing word games and stop denying the fact that IN OUR CULTURE there is a clear and unambiguous meaning to the confederate flag, and that is the celebration of a culture that was built on, and fought to perpetuate, the enslavement and forced labor of black people. And using some lame argument that it's merely celebrating "heritage" (a mealy-mouthed, open-ended, completely vague word to begin with) is a silly and transparent attempt to disguise what we all know it's really about.

Justen Parsons Yeah, and in some cultures they eat dogs. You want to eat a dog? go live there. The swastika has never been used as a sign of peace in THIS culture, so in THIS culture (as in Europe) it has one meaning, which is why only neo-nazi groups sport it. Stop playing word games and stop denying the fact that IN OUR CULTURE there is a clear and unambiguous meaning to the confederate flag, and that is the celebration of a culture that was built on, and fought to perpetuate, the enslavement and forced labor of black people. And using some lame argument that it's merely celebrating "heritage" (a mealy-mouthed, open-ended, completely vague word to begin with) is a silly and transparent attempt to disguise what we all know it's really about.

Suzanne, you're an idiot! Of course you would wear it! The South totally sucks, and you know it!

Anyone with any brains would get the hell outta the South as soon as they could walk! Still living in the dark ages and doesn't want to change.

Cherie A. Daniel Yes ,Girl…Florida! lol , Worse state to even think about having a interracial relationship in! I feel sorry for myself! Very true, I use to let it bother me but if I let everything bother me I would be in the mental institute by now ! Exactly Eff them lol

Gail Finnell
I didnt say it was ALL ABOUT SLAVERY. It was about the south misguided thinking that they have states rights to superseded the Fed gov't…WHICH THEY DON'T. But they fought for the ability to make up any old dumb law they thought of….ONE KEY ONE, was the ability to own slaves. So whether you like it or not, slavery was a big part of the civil war.

I know you think that because it is brought up every time the civil war is brought up that the word "slavery" also comes up that you think people are stupid and think it was a war to stop slavery. You're not smarter than others. It was a war to stop the south from thinking they can ignore the fed government rule. Now that your lack of insight has been exposed, can we go on?

Sigh.

"MOVE ON means get a life realize that what happened in the past happened in the past "
I would acknowledge this except that racism is STILL ALIVE AND WELL. Look at the martin case in FLA. Until the racists can REALLY get over the idea that one race is less than thier own then racism is here to stay…which means that people being sensitive to what have become hate symbols, like the confederate flag will also stick around. You dont get to decide for others that they should be over it…when they are still be victimized by racists. You really are never going to win this argument…you may not like it, but the confederate flag is now a symbol of a time when people in America fought with what is now the USA for the right to keep slaves.

Chris Hewitt so the gerneral lee was racist? racism sucks period. and as far as eating dogs, i dont care as long as its not my dog. and not only that sometimes you just gotta do what you have to, to get by. and if i was poor and lived in those counties i sure as shit would be eating dog.

I'm not sure how I'd take this. I don't think she should have been banned from the prom because she has questionalble taste. I find it offenseive…but still…

You need to read your history, and quit listening to your racist parents, Katrina. Lincoln never owned slaves and his parents were part of a seperatist baptist church that opposed slavery. Lincoln's wife Mary Todd's family owned slaves…don't get the two confused. The term 'Carpetbaggers' was given to northerners who moved to the south in the 'reconstruction period' from 1865 to 1877….uh, the civil war and slavery ended in 1865, so I don't think they owned many slaves, do you? And…if you think the north was ever losing the war, try to find a civil war battlefeild up north….there are very few.. And the way you talk about human beings in comparison to a work horse is beyond sickening and incomprehensible that hicks like you still exist….

Meaghan Marino and Kelly Carreno-Jack I applaud your patience in attempting to communicate with a moron. But we must remember that people who cling to their tortured, gloriously diluted concept of "heritage" and repeatedly insist that the confederate flag (which is the most well-recognized symbol of the age of slavery that continues to be displayed today) is just a symbol of "heritage" (which is a completely vague cliche in any case) are clearly incapable of responding to reason. i mean, the word "nigger" is a part of this nation's heritage.

People who seem to think that they are supposed to be "proud" because they happen to have been born in a certain location are just not able to think critically. I don;t subscribe so cheap cliche's like "heritage". I examine the past carefully and try not to place an entire region or group on some pedestal. And i sure as hell don't assign some heavenly value to a frigging FLAG. But then again, it never occurred to me that my senior prom was an appropriate place to make some social statement.

Meaghan Marino and Kelly Carreno-Jack I applaud your patience in attempting to communicate with a moron. But we must remember that people who cling to their tortured, gloriously diluted concept of "heritage" and repeatedly insist that the confederate flag (which is the most well-recognized symbol of the age of slavery that continues to be displayed today) is just a symbol of "heritage" (which is a completely vague cliche in any case) are clearly incapable of responding to reason. i mean, the word "nigger" is a part of this nation's heritage.

People who seem to think that they are supposed to be "proud" because they happen to have been born in a certain location are just not able to think critically. I don;t subscribe so cheap cliche's like "heritage". I examine the past carefully and try not to place an entire region or group on some pedestal. And i sure as hell don't assign some heavenly value to a frigging FLAG. But then again, it never occurred to me that my senior prom was an appropriate place to make some social statement.

Roy, she should be banned for ignorance, if nothing else. She doesn't see anything wrong with her choice. THAT'S the problem here.

Cherie…I get it…but it the environment she's in…it's what she knows. It's sad…but you can't legislate ignorance…otherwise WalMarts would all be empty

So to be clear, in your ass backwards view points, since other people owned slaves and other people beat them, that it was really okay? Or at least the South should get a pass becuase they fought and killed for states rights…one of which was owning slaves.

People like you are proof that a little bit of information is dangerous. You have some knowledge on some topic and think that means you have intelligence. You don't. The bottom line is that the Confederates DID fight for the "right" to own slaves. And this was thier flag. It doesn't matter if everybody else had or beat slaves…what matters is that historically…the confederates where willing to fight to keep slaves …therefore…f*ck that flag.

So to be clear, in your ass backwards view points, since other people owned slaves and other people beat them, that it was really okay? Or at least the South should get a pass becuase they fought and killed for states rights…one of which was owning slaves.

People like you are proof that a little bit of information is dangerous. You have some knowledge on some topic and think that means you have intelligence. You don't. The bottom line is that the Confederates DID fight for the "right" to own slaves. And this was thier flag. It doesn't matter if everybody else had or beat slaves…what matters is that historically…the confederates where willing to fight to keep slaves …therefore…f*ck that flag.

news flash: indentured servants, who at least had a target date at which time they'd be free, were NOT slaves. So you need to offer up a bit more than your ridiculous claim that people "sign(ed) on as slaves" since that has never happened in the history of humanity. People signed on to be indentured servants and the conditions of their servitude were, in some cases, worse than what the relatively coddled "house slaves" had to deal with. But stop the bullshit already, or give one example of one of your white ancestors who "signed on to be a slave" with a cite to some authority to back you up. I guarantee you can't.

Gail Finnell – Okay, yes, but was there ever a policy that said that the US government should legally be allowed to beat Native Americans? No. We all know the Native Americans got the raw end of well everything, but it wasnt a government policy to mistreat them (some dumb laws where passed by states, but overturned later, another reason state DO NOT have the right to supersede the Feds) It was however policy of the confederates to own slaves.

but okay, try wearing an american flag on a reservation…see if anyone is offended. You will probably find someone who is offended….there. But since this was in AMERICA…where the THE UNION won the war, and since the dance was paid for by tax dollars, you can shove that flag up your cornhole.

Again, you are living proof that a little bit of information is dangerous…try learning more and see the whole picture.

Gail Finnell – Okay, yes, but was there ever a policy that said that the US government should legally be allowed to beat Native Americans? No. We all know the Native Americans got the raw end of well everything, but it wasnt a government policy to mistreat them (some dumb laws where passed by states, but overturned later, another reason state DO NOT have the right to supersede the Feds) It was however policy of the confederates to own slaves.

but okay, try wearing an american flag on a reservation…see if anyone is offended. You will probably find someone who is offended….there. But since this was in AMERICA…where the THE UNION won the war, and since the dance was paid for by tax dollars, you can shove that flag up your cornhole.

Again, you are living proof that a little bit of information is dangerous…try learning more and see the whole picture.

Tammy Romo Lucas – Thats a nice history about the origin of the confederate flag. Now let me finish it. It was adopted by the confederates state and they ended up fighting the union (which is the USA) for the right to ignore the USA's policies one of which was to keep slavery legal. But they lost.

You see…the orignin means NOTHING. only it's current REAL meaning. Which is NOT southern pride…To pretend it has some nostalgic historical significance other than that is either playing ignorant, or being so overly apologetic as to be ridiculous.

"So there you go I wear the flag with pride and no one can tell me not to."
And nobody ius…unless you are a student and what to wear it to a publicly funded prom.

Tammy Romo Lucas – Thats a nice history about the origin of the confederate flag. Now let me finish it. It was adopted by the confederates state and they ended up fighting the union (which is the USA) for the right to ignore the USA's policies one of which was to keep slavery legal. But they lost.

You see…the orignin means NOTHING. only it's current REAL meaning. Which is NOT southern pride…To pretend it has some nostalgic historical significance other than that is either playing ignorant, or being so overly apologetic as to be ridiculous.

"So there you go I wear the flag with pride and no one can tell me not to."
And nobody ius…unless you are a student and what to wear it to a publicly funded prom.

Tammy Romo Lucas – Thats a nice history about the origin of the confederate flag. Now let me finish it. It was adopted by the confederates state and they ended up fighting the union (which is the USA) for the right to ignore the USA's policies one of which was to keep slavery legal. But they lost.

You see…the orignin means NOTHING. only it's current REAL meaning. Which is NOT southern pride…To pretend it has some nostalgic historical significance other than that is either playing ignorant, or being so overly apologetic as to be ridiculous.

"So there you go I wear the flag with pride and no one can tell me not to."
And nobody ius…unless you are a student and what to wear it to a publicly funded prom.

Malinda Wilson , you really can't think the historical origins of slavery have anything to do with this conversation much less that reciting them is some sort of defense for your position can you? Seriously? Your entire response absolutely stinks of racism.

As a tourist from another country that visited the southern states I found it to be the most racist place I'd ever experienced and not just by a little bit. I had never even conceived of such ingrained racism until I went there. It is so inherent to the culture the people do not even understand that they are racist. Our hotel was prepaid for 3 days and we left after the first night.

Believing you are not racist is meaningless when the way you act and the things you choose to defend say otherwise. In the case of this girl she appeared to be attempting to make a political or social statement even though she had been warned. She knew the rule, she chose to ignore it and she got the correct response from the school.

I find you much more offensive than her. She is just not that bright, you are intentionally ignorant. You talk of Blacks complaining. You guys have been whining since you lost the war and now the descendants of the descendants are whining. Pretty cool heritage.

Malinda Wilson , you really can't think the historical origins of slavery have anything to do with this conversation much less that reciting them is some sort of defense for your position can you? Seriously? Your entire response absolutely stinks of racism.

As a tourist from another country that visited the southern states I found it to be the most racist place I'd ever experienced and not just by a little bit. I had never even conceived of such ingrained racism until I went there. It is so inherent to the culture the people do not even understand that they are racist. Our hotel was prepaid for 3 days and we left after the first night.

Believing you are not racist is meaningless when the way you act and the things you choose to defend say otherwise. In the case of this girl she appeared to be attempting to make a political or social statement even though she had been warned. She knew the rule, she chose to ignore it and she got the correct response from the school.

I find you much more offensive than her. She is just not that bright, you are intentionally ignorant. You talk of Blacks complaining. You guys have been whining since you lost the war and now the descendants of the descendants are whining. Pretty cool heritage.

Malinda Wilson , you really can't think the historical origins of slavery have anything to do with this conversation much less that reciting them is some sort of defense for your position can you? Seriously? Your entire response absolutely stinks of racism.

As a tourist from another country that visited the southern states I found it to be the most racist place I'd ever experienced and not just by a little bit. I had never even conceived of such ingrained racism until I went there. It is so inherent to the culture the people do not even understand that they are racist. Our hotel was prepaid for 3 days and we left after the first night.

Believing you are not racist is meaningless when the way you act and the things you choose to defend say otherwise. In the case of this girl she appeared to be attempting to make a political or social statement even though she had been warned. She knew the rule, she chose to ignore it and she got the correct response from the school.

I find you much more offensive than her. She is just not that bright, you are intentionally ignorant. You talk of Blacks complaining. You guys have been whining since you lost the war and now the descendants of the descendants are whining. Pretty cool heritage.

Steve White

"It is so inherent to the culture the people do not even understand that they are racist."

I have thought this about the south for years.

David Serventi There is supposed to be a federal government with limited powers. Unfortunately ignorant libtards fail to understand that and that is why we are having an argument on Obamacare. I didn't lose any states right you moron. We have all lost rights due to an out of control federal government that is enslaving us all with run away debt. And we are enslaving future generations. The Democrat controlled Senate has failed to pass an annual budget in over 3 years.

So tell me bright guy, when did we scrap the Constitution? Does the Tenth Amendment mean anything to you?

The vast majority of the south was fighting to defend itself as the vast majority of the south did not own slaves. They didn't view themselves as citizens of a federal government. And though I am from the North, I am sure had they seen how out of control this government is now, more states would have fought to secede.

Thomas FakeMiddle-Name Pope nicely stated … but alas, an educated counter is a poor defense against intentional ignorance my friend.

Patrick Saltsman -

Well Patrick, please do share what i have said about Obama…this should be precious. Then I will be talking to you about the truth.

Thomas FakeMiddle-Name Pope I am not a Southerner nor a student or teacher. I have been out of school for a long time….before history became politically correct. But You have the right to your education and I have the right of truth….you should do a little more research.

Thomas FakeMiddle-Name Pope I am not a Southerner nor a student or teacher. I have been out of school for a long time….before history became politically correct. But You have the right to your education and I have the right of truth….you should do a little more research.

Katrina Simmons

". I have been out of school for a long time….before history became politically correct. But You have the right to your education and I have the right of truth….you should do a little more research."

That really says it all…about Katrina. You dont even understand what "politically correct" is. Thanks for identifying yourself, we can now ignore you. Not that people aren't ignoring you in your life anyway.

Patrick Saltsman Still waiting Patrick. I would love to hear the so called hate speech that you think I am saying. You really are about to get a lesson in Truth.

Tammy Romo Lucas, You are misguided, the Confederate Battle flag was not originally a racist symbol, but in Western society (this does not just include the US, but parts of Western Europe, Canada & Mexico) it is a racist symbol. In the same way the swastika was once a Buddhist peace symbol but is now a symbol of hate. Also the girl does not live in the Confederacy so all arguments that say she should be allowed to wear it are void. There is not a single person in the South today who can talk about the Confederacy as if they were a part of it. So regardless of your opinions, the Confederate flag now represents racism, public schools can dictate how a student dresses, and the dress is ugly. Next silly response, please?

David Serventi Are You a Ted Nugent Fan ,I cant tell because your answers are so disconnected are you moderate, Democrat, Republican? you have Ted Nugent and Obama articles on your wall and I do not understand any of your comments on them

Kelly for u to say my comment is racist YOU DONT FUCKEN KNOW ME for them to say she cant come to prom NOW THAT IS FUCKEN RACIST

And sorry mrs sweet i hope u dont think im trying to start shit im just speaking my mind

if i was him i would have dressed up as robert e lee! that would really piss them off! lol

Let's try this again, the North and South, when separated, never had slaves. There were only two types of slaves during this time in American History, Black and Native American. Unfortunately, most Native Americans died from this bastardization of indentured servitude and only Black slaves remained. The flag has and always will represent the legality of American slavery. The South would not have won because the majority of manufacturing was in the North and the North could grow food. If your family was from the South, they fought on the South's side. Also, once more they didn't sign on as slaves, they signed on as indentured servants who worked for the opportunity to get into America. Anything else?

No, "Americans" didn't die under that flag, "Confederates" did, there was no "America" at that time, it was the Union, the Confederacy and a few territories that had yet to be claimed. Racism didn't end a century ago, and if you can count you would realise that slavery didn't end "a Century ago…" It's not the Sharptons and Jacksons causing racial problems, its the Metzgers, Rockwells, Koehls, & Devis who (gasp) fly Confederate flags and cause immense racial unrest. Please, return to the hole you crawled from under.

David Serventi You havent a clue about my life but if that is the best you can come up with then so be it.

David Serventi Thanks for showing your intelligence. That flag represented a group of people who went to war and lost against the United States of America. It symbolizes a way of life in which slavery was the economic backbone.

Well bless her young heart….. that's southern politeness for " idiot". The apple never falls far from the tree it grows on. Wish Bradley Young would have gotten this much attention for wearing an American Flag to our freshman dance. Needless to say he was not allowed in.

Katrina Simmons
Well I certainly have been put in my place. Eyes rolling.

David Serventi perhaps you should read the article(link is below) to realize that symbols only have the meaning that anyone gives them. And no I am not acting like a child just an informed adult who does not live in the past but strives to create a better future because of the past. I do not judge a book by its cover but obviously you do. http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/black-college-student-hangs-confederate-flag-dorm-room-163334484.html

David Serventi you are a joke.LMAO!!!

Katrina Simmons
Oh no…you called me a joke…what am I to do?

Patrick Saltsman Of course i am not a Ted Nugent fan. Dont assume I am based on something that you dont understand…bad form…very GOP.

Gail Finnell
WOW…you have an article to say that symbols can mean various things depending on who is looking at them….WOW. Gold star for you.

It doesnt change the FACt that it was the flag of the confederate army and the confederate states were fighting for states rights (HAHA)…one of which was to keep slaves.

No matter what you or some article says, no matter how you spin it, that will ALWAYS be FACT.

The end.

David Serventi I pity you that you live in such a small world. Try getting out more. The longer you and other people stay under the same rock, the longer racism will be alive and well here in the US.

The civil war was NOT fought over slavery! It was fought over the rights of the free states to make, write and decide their own laws within and for the people of the state in conjuncture with federal law…. They fought the civil war for the exact same reasons they fought the revolutionary war!
(For the rights of a free nation to govern its self and its people without tyranny!)
The war did not turn into a slavery issue until Lincoln realized that the north was going to lose. The people of the north realized they were losing and stopped supporting the the northern effort, Lincoln needed a reason to get that support back so he freed the southern states of slavery but ironically not the northern states…. Lincoln new that if the north lost the war then the united states would then be divided and that if the united states became divided the south would control damn near all commercial trade. If this happened the north would fall apart! He could not let that happen do to the fact that the federal government was seated in the north. The south was willing to free the slaves but they were not willing to allow a central government tell them that they had to free the slaves. A government that fought against the same things that they themselves were now attempting to do to its own people!

I can understand if she came up to MI (where I live for the moment) and wore that dress to a HS up here, then it would be considered, OFENSIVE…but she wore it out of heritage and pride. In MI you can def. get shot for that esp. in Flint, Saginaw, or Detroit. (Some man already did, in Flint) In the South it is ok up here NO. She was indeed in the south expressing herself, she is diff. and in today's society being different is like standing out in a crowd, and society wants us all to be boring, all in one the same. All I can say is Go Girl, you were awesome, expressing your heritage. I hope that principal gets fired!

and you too will not be able to go to prom!! not very smart

and you too will not be able to go to prom!! not very smart

and you too will not be able to go to prom!! not very smart

Funny thing that it was ok for the north to have slaves and sell them to the South. Union Gen Grant( later president ) kept his slaves until after the war after the U.S. paid him for them. There was nothing in The Constitution outlawing states from leaving the Union. The Morrill Tariff was the main reason for the war. Lincoln supported the Corwin admendment to keep slavery legal if we pay the 20% Morrill Tariff import tax on quality English goods instead of buying crappy yankee goods.Google it oh I forgot you are afraid of the truth. The South may not rise but the U.S. will soon fall. Deo Vindice

Cherie, beleive it or not not all people view the confederate flag the way you and I might. Some view it will pride and honor of the history of the south, not as a symbol of racisim…..juts saying, depends on ones point of view. BTW I am not defending the confederate flag, just making a point…..I have actually seen black people wave this flag. It does make one UGLY dress………

Just ask my boyfriend, Mikey. Explain to him why it's okay to fly this rag.

Kim, that video cracked me up. I hope my mom watched it and was entertained. I think she's been in the house too long.

There are a lot of very stupid people for the confederate flag is about hreritage there were slaves on the north also

PEOPLE NEED TO GROW UP, ITS JUST A DRESS.get the hell over it.its always a race thing so sick and tired of hearing it.its over, move on……….

Try telling people who are deceived by the school history books (written and published in the North) all of this. I have had many a conversation with people on this same subject. Slavery wasn't interjected into the war until 1863 and even then the slaves were "freed" in the southern states without it being so in the northern states-which wasn't "legal" because the southern states were no longer part of the union and therefore didn't fall under US laws. The tariff is what caused my g-g-grandfather to fight, to preserve his life and tat of his family for then and the future. He had no slaves-none of my family owned slaves. They wanted to be able to live their lives as simple farmers able to care for their family without the so-called govt. imposing tariffs and telling them what to do.

David your the one not as smart as u really think u are the south only had 20percent of slaves owned by the rich the south was to poor to own slaves and yet was not till later that slavery was even brought into the matter it was all the north trying to step in and take over, its dumbasses like you who dnt know shit that are the problem south was right then and they are now look at our gov are u proud? With ur slavery comments why did even after the war did the union commanders still have slaves? Yet the south the slaves that were there went back on there own and when they died buried and laid next to there masters because they were taken care of and didnt mind being with them. The north would never done that…as far as the flag this wasnt even the original flag it was flown but only as the battle flag and the yes some racist picked it up.the american flag is the most racist flag ever flown the north killed and slaughtered many took over villages and put the indians on reservations and poisoned water and killed there food supply all for power and money yet u blame a group for carrying a flag well blame the people who wear the american flag as well the racism is still here with it and all the cruelty still goes on i wear my flag everywhere i go my family fought died for that war and it wasnt for any reason but there rights and to stay out of the government we have today…the schools dnt teach reality cause there government owned they want you to hear things to make them sound good when reality they are war mongars look around you….so yeah i can keep going but you dnt seem smart enough to probally even read this anyway but if i get through to one person then i done my part..

Oh and one more thing u wanna go christianity? Well the south always recognizes god more then the north why do you think it was taken out of schools and stuff? Not in the south god is everywhere and well mannered people who mind there business the north are hypocrits still to this day, the only reason lost was due to one gen who didnt follow throu with a order and flank on a hill that would have changed everything and we were out numbered…they say south will rise again look around you almost every country singer every race car driver, sure are alot of them that are famous for being stupid ol hillbillies…