[June 24, 2015] As a young boy growing up in the Deep South, the Confederate Flag had little symbolic value but was more of a historical icon of the “Great Civil War.” The reason, I believe, was that all the adults in my life (baseball coaches, boy scout leaders, teachers, veterans) taught me to believe that it was the United States Flag that represented our nation and the freedom it stood for.
Today our nation’s leaders debate the symbolism of the Confederate Flag and consider banning it from public property – and from polite society – because it represents the acceptance of slavery and of a divided nation.
At the heart of the debate is the state of South Carolina where there was a horrific shooting and deaths of nine Charleston black church goers by a white gunman. The state’s Governor, Nikki Haley, said that the Confederate Flag should be removed from the grounds of the state capital. She stands out, more so than many leaders, as an example of how a leader should act. She explained her view; “That flag, while an integral part of the past, does not represent the future of our great state.”
Since the murders, many politicians have used an appeal to emotion and represent a divisive force as they attempt to gain votes through heated rhetoric, promises of “doing something,” and revisionist history Others, through organizations like the Sons of Confederate Veterans, will see the attack of Confederate symbolism as misguided and an assault on the bravery of Confederate soldiers. While there is no doubt that the meaning of the Confederate flag has changed over time and that it means something different to many, the best leaders will look beyond the flag itself and use it as an opportunity to unite instead of divide.
Uniting people in a common cause is the epitome of great leaders. Governor Haley is one who is doing just this despite intense criticism. Interestingly, South Carolina’s state flag was the first Confederate flag to fly over captured United States’ territory at Fort Sumter in 1861. There has been no call for her state’s flag removal; probably because few know of its history or symbolism.
Alas, while symbols are not easy to attack but when compared real issues they pale in comparison. The real issue, of course, is racism and its destructiveness.1 Earlier this week, President Obama addressed the subject and did so rather clumsily and crudely. As the first U.S. black president, he has had many opportunities to help heal racial divisiveness but it has worsened during his term. History measures great leaders on their accomplishments and not on their intent, desires, or speeches.
South Carolina leaders should stand up and support removal of the flag from the state capitol yet as leaders they must clearly explain why. There is a risk at attacking symbols however.2 That risk should be made unambiguous; that the real problem of racism could be masked by an assault on symbols.
[Don’t forget to “Like” the Leader Maker at our Facebook Page.]
———————
[1] See my post on “The Effect of Racism on Decisions in War” where the racism of both Generals Douglas MacArthur and Ned Almond affected their decision-making during the Korean War: https://www.theleadermaker.com/the-effect-of-racism-on-decisions-in-war/
[2] Many people fear even talking about this issue; a sort of self-censorship. Others fear even showing the flag as I have done here out of a concern of being accused of being a racist.
Great article, thank you!