Introduction to a Semiotic Analysis – Understanding theSouthern Flag?

Sep 2
10:52

2015

vikram kumar

vikram kumar

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There is one particular icon of the American Culture. That is the Southern Flag. This flag has been known to be very controversial. Its presence is even felt across the globe in other countries

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 Why do people feel so strongly about this flags emblem especially since this stopped existing more than 130 years ago? Why is it relevant?

It is a good idea to keep in mind that there is no particular meaning in regards to the Confederate flag. The only reason why there would be meaning is so that humans can create their own learning. This means,Introduction to a Semiotic Analysis – Understanding theSouthern Flag? Articles that those who think there is a symbol can come up with whatever meaning they like. The actual symbol is ongoing. The value of that which is symbolized is not ongoing. If the Confederate flag is a part of today's culture, then it is important that culture has meaning. A booked titled: Vinyl Leaves, written by Stephen M. Fjellman has a good meaning of culture. It states that culture is: "a public mixed set of meanings, symbols, understandings and beliefs. People try to understand these things and practice them in their everyday life". The Confederate Flag and other symbols and cultures, can be shared with all kinds of things. These include: family, economic, local, ethnic, international, regional and local. This then, lays the reason for controversy about the Southern Flag.

Semiotics means: "study of signs". This study looks at studying signs. Not at them having any original meaning. But rather as definitions given by the beliefs of society.

The most major reason above anything else is slavery particularly for the states in the southern areas of the country. Were "state rights" a problem? Yes, they certainly were. The states in the southern areas desired their "state rights" to their own slaves. So that they could succeed, slavery was a major part of their culture. This truth must not be overlooked. Before the succession, the Confederate Flag was not around. The flag first came about whilst the war was going on. It was first designed to represent the military units in the south. These military units were fighting to keep their "state rights" in their own slaves. Were other things being fought for? Yes. However, Slavery was still very high on the list. Perhaps not for all individuals, but the confederacy as a group. If the Confederate Flag is supported, what really is being supported then? All people can support the flag on whatever it means to you as an individual. This doesn't mean that you are racist. But all individuals cannot put aside the fact that the original purpose of the flag was for military units. These military units went to war to fight for slavery. If all you want to have is to show off "southern pride", or your culture; then something else can be decided on. Unless of course; you want to be a racist.