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Reexamining Confederate symbols displayed on flags and monuments in public spaces: Two fallacies in the heritage versus hate debate

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  • James Michael Martinez
  • Mary Christine Cagle

Abstract

Objective This article examines ongoing arguments over the meanings of Confederate symbols—especially symbols displayed on flags and monuments—to assess two fallacies that frequently influence the debate. Method The article explores the historical record concerning public displays of Confederate symbols. Results The traditional debate is based on two fallacies. First, it presupposes that the meaning of a symbol can be limited to a single referent or set of referents and fixed in time. Second, it assumes that the meaning of Confederate symbols can be divorced from hateful messages of white supremacy and bigotry. Conclusion A symbol cannot be limited to its original meaning because the context is constantly evolving. Even if it could be limited, the original meaning of Confederate symbols was always hateful. The debate sometimes has been cast as “heritage versus hate.” Because displays of Confederate symbols in public spaces have always been in a context of “hate”—to defend a slaveholding republic, to promote white supremacy, to defy court‐ordered integration of public schools, or to promote the agenda of racist advocacy groups—the meaning of Confederate flags and monuments was never about heritage alone. Hate was always part of the message.

Suggested Citation

  • James Michael Martinez & Mary Christine Cagle, 2022. "Reexamining Confederate symbols displayed on flags and monuments in public spaces: Two fallacies in the heritage versus hate debate," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 103(2), pages 346-364, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:103:y:2022:i:2:p:346-364
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.13133
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Adam Chamberlain & Alixandra B. Yanus, 2021. "Monuments as Mobilization? The United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Memorialization of the Lost Cause," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 102(1), pages 125-139, January.
    2. Michael Reksulak & Gökhan Karahan & William Shughart, 2007. "Flags of our fathers: Voting on Confederate symbols in the State of Georgia," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 131(1), pages 83-99, April.
    3. Sara Z. Evans, 2021. "The Removal of Confederate Monuments: Reflections on Power and Privilege in Shared Spaces," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 102(3), pages 1044-1055, May.
    4. Christopher A. Cooper & Scott H. Huffmon & H. Gibbs Knotts & Seth C. McKee, 2021. "Heritage Versus Hate: Assessing Opinions in the Debate over Confederate Monuments and Memorials," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 102(3), pages 1098-1110, May.
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