Confederate Flag Flying

[PineapplePrincess]

Neighbour has started flying a Confederate flag today.

We are a mixed raced family, and I’m feeling a little unsettled by this. They are generally nice people, although we don’t tend to spend much time in their company. They perhaps don’t understand the impact flying the flag would have.

Don’t think I would say anything (altho’ DH May feel differently). But is it unreasonable to feel slightly offended?

[MorganKitten]

I’d be very uncomfortable by this, I’m from London but worked in the Deep South USA and had issues.

[SachaStark]

Oh dear, we are also a mixed race family, and I wouldn’t like that at all.

Where do you live, OP? Are you in a US Southern state?

[YouJustDoYou]

Mixed race family here and British though even I know the horrific history behind that disgusting flag. Ydnbu.

[PineapplePrincess]

We’re in the UK. And they are definitely not Americans. That’s why I’m quite confused.

[NotAgainNo]

Is this a coincidence or a response to something? That's what I'd like to know to be able to tell if they're nice people. Why now? How long have you lived as their neighbour?

[Iflyaway]

Yes, I would be really uncomfortable about this. And I don't even live in US. thank fuck

I have a mixed race son.

[NotAgainNo]

@PineapplePrincess

We’re in the UK. And they are definitely not Americans. That’s why I’m quite confused.

Gosh! Assumed it was America. That's worrying then.

[SachaStark]

God, do you think there’s any chance that they don’t know what that flag signifies??

[Iflyaway]

You're in the UK??! That makes it even weirder.....

[KenDodd]

Are you in the UK?
If they're nice, as you say, I'd have a word with them about it. If you are in the UK it's highly likely they don't know the history and would be mortified if they knew. If I didn't know it's history and somebody told me I'd me really grateful. They might think it's a state flag or something.

[HappySonHappyMum]

Would like to think they're as thick as two short planks and have it up because they're fans of the Dukes of Hazzard

[AdoptedBumpkin]

I think for some people it represents rebellion? I've seen people wearing Confederate symbols as a kind of fashion statement.

[JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff]

I think a lot of British think of it as a statement or an indie/ alternative marker without quite realising the history.

Where I grew up, the Confederate flag is basically saying "I am a gun toting white supremacist and fuck you" so I was absolutely astonished to find it being used on t shirts, car bumper stickers etc over here.

[Stripesgalore]

This happened near me in the U.K.

It is bizarre and I don’t understand why people do it.

[Lordfrontpaw]

I’d ask ‘what’s with the flag?’. Someone near up was flying the Jolly Roger for a while, then the yellow smiley face. God alone knows why. They are American. I’m not certain but I don’t think the confederate flag is quite such a red button issue as it is in the US. But anyone with two eyes would know the issues.

[Troels]

Maybe someone needs to explain to them about it being racist.
They might be daft enough not to realize but I thought everyone knew.

[Quackersandcheese3]

In the uk? How odd.
I’m in a mixed race couple too and it would make me uncomfortable too.
Are they heavy metal fans ?

[TSSDNCOP]

I would start by betting they haven't a clue what the flag represents to very many people.

I would hope, that if that was pointed out to them they'd take it down.

Knowing though how the mortally stupid react if challenged though OP, I'd probably be more inclined to give your local PCSO a nudge.

[kenandbarbie]

I wouldn't think they realise. I think people in Uk just associate it with country music. It would make me uncomfortable though. I wonder what the law is in this respect.

[PineapplePrincess]

I’m hoping they are just oblivious to the history of the flag. As I said they seem pleasant enough and never knowingly had issue with us.

She is slightly eccentric (quirky dress sense and brightly coloured hair - which I think is fun btw - not a criticism) and I think he Is maybe is into motorbikes (could that be related to the flag - it there a Harley Davidson link?)

DH is a bit upset and threatening to say something. Not sure it would end well, and we have to continue living next to them. We’ve not had any issues with them in 8 years we’ve lived side by side.

Just worried what the kids will think. How do explain to them, without upsetting them?

[KenDodd]

DH is a bit upset and threatening to say something
I'd be really grateful (and mortified) if someone told me what it meant. I struggle to believe anyone would fly it over their house in the full knowledge of it's history. It'd be like flying a nazi flag.

[NotAgainNo]

He should definitely say something but in a non-confrontational way though. Give them the benefit of doubt first.

[kenandbarbie]

I wonder if you could just report them? To the council? Or police? I don't know, is it a hate crime? If you could do it that way it'd be easier as you'd be anonymous.

[justanotherneighinparadise]

I think you could be quite clever in the handling of this if you tread carefully. Is there a way you could warn them that by flying the Confederate flag they are potentially attracting an attack on their home as they could be perceived as racist? If you approach it in a concerned way as opposed to a confrontational way you might get them to remove it not for you, but to keep themselves and their property safe.

[BGD2012]

I saw bikers with the Confederate flag last week. Maybe there is a connection?