Over the years, the meaning behind the Confederate flag has constantly changed. While the original meaning was to symbolize the Confederate states' freedom, over times, many new interpretations have surfaced. Many feel the flag represents racism, white supremacy, and hatred. As an African American, I feel that this topic does affect me. Hearing the different racial comments that are associated with this flag does sort of affect my opinions and views of the Confederate flag. After hearing these comments, one might change their entire view and wish for the flag to be removed. While I did believe the flag should have come down, it's also not a bad idea to see both sides of the argument. The flag didn't start off with racial intentions, but they did come along over time. My personal experience with this topic is my church affiliation. The incident that occurred right before the flag was removed was the tragic end of the nine lives at Mother Emmanuel AME Church. My family and I also attend an AME Church, so honestly and truly, that could've been us. It saddened my heart to hear about this incident. This event was the final trigger that was pulled that finally allowed the flag to come down. I feel qualified to write about this topic because I am an African American who feels somewhat impacted by the meanings behind the Confederate flag. I also would like to learn more about its history and true meaning. I've only heard the negative connotations of the flag, and I'm sure there is more to it. Learning more information will either alter my decision on the flag's removal or continue to support it. 

My first article was from a PBS News website stating "Things You Don't Know About the Confederate Flag." This article doesn't have a specific claim or evidence supporting or going against the Confederate flag. Instead, this article gives unknown information about the flag. It states how this Confederate flag wasn't even the actual flag of the Confederacy. It also gives some quantitative data from polls on how people feel when it comes to the Confederate flag. It's informing us the information many people do not know when it comes to this topic. This article's main interest is to inform the reader. The author also talks about how the flag took on a new meaning in the 20th century. It was beginning to be used as resistance to the government. It was even used by the KKK. There are five southern states who have legal protection for the flag, and then there's California who completely bans it. I feel that this source is credible because it comes from the PBS News website. However, when it comes to bias, I don't feel as if the author is really choosing a side. She doesn't say that she is for or against the Confederate flag or have evidence to support either argument. She is basically just informing us on information many people don't know or tend to leave out when it comes to choosing a side in this debate. 

My second article came from a website that argues "Is the Confederate Flag Racist?" This article is all for the removal of the Confederate flag which symbolizes racism and hatred. Many argue that this flag is not racist, however, the author of this article feels that it's extremely difficult not to tie the flag to slavery. However, it wasn't until after the Civil War that the flag was tied to racial injustices. The main interest of this article is to list many of the ways that this flag displays racism and injustices. When it comes to bias, it is very clear that the author is anti-Confederate flag. It is from a website that displays the "black voice." I can completely understand how an African American would feel when it comes to this topic, so it's easy to relate to the author. The information in this article seems credible because it is all backed up with reliable evidence from history. 

My final argument is titled "The Confederate Flag Debate." The purpose of this article is to argue that the Confederate flag does not symbolize racism. It blatantly states that "African Americans love to hate the flag because their meaning of it is clear." It's more to the argument than just the flag is racist. The main argument is that the flag is to honor the soldiers that were killed during the Civil War who were fighting out of love and dignity not hatred. Many people see it as a part of South Carolina heritage. The article doesn't say much about the author. But, when it comes to his credibility, I feel as if this article is believable. The author has evidence, statements from different people, viewpoints on those for, against, and who don't have opinion on the issue, and uses history to support all his or her arguments. 

My research question is arguable because everyone has their own personal opinions and viewpoints on the Confederate flag. While one may see the flag as a symbol of racism and hatred, another may see it as heritage and honor to fallen soldiers. Who is to say the other's opinion is invalid? These sources have their own viewpoints, but they all seem to touch on both sides of the argument. They argue their side, but briefly give some facts about the other side. The sources disagree when it comes to deciding for or against the flag. The different perceptions affect my opinion because I can see that the flag isn't just one big horrible symbol of racism and hatred, but I do see ways where this negative connotation was adopted. It gives me insight into the opposing side, however, I don't think it's enough to change my viewpoint. I do feel that I can do a lot more research to try and fully understand the feelings of those who do support the Confederate flag. All of its supporters are not racist people, but some of them really do feel that the flag is a part of their heritage and it should remain. I could revise my research question to specifically talk about the positive or the negative connotations of the flag instead of how it has changed over time.  

