Symbols of the South

Magnolias are native to the Deep South in the US (remember “Steel Magnolias”?), originally stretching to coastal NC and now ubiquitous to the entire South — an area once known as the Confederacy. The South offers a wide range of natural wonders, from gorgeous beaches to the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond, and of course the stunning magnolia trees. Magnolia flowers range from white to deep pink, and bloom for many months.

Among many Southerners (and by “Southerners” we really mean white people) the most beloved symbol is the Confederate flag — even though it isn’t the actual Confederate flag; it’s the battle flag of the Confederacy. Southerners (again, white people, because they’re the only Southerners who count), people like Dylann Roof, will tell you that they’re simply trying to honor their ancestors (apparently people of color do not care about their Southern ancestors). It’s interesting that they choose the battle flag, though, over the official flag.

Also interesting? That they don’t honor other ancestors with the American flag, or the flags of the countries from where their many ancestors hailed. No, of all the symbols they could have chosen, they adopted the flag that screams hate the loudest — the one that continues to strike fear and pain in the hearts of blacks across the nation. A worthwhile side effect, I guess, of honoring that handful of Confederate ancestors. And they don’t just have a small shrine in their basement to these few ancestors, they drape their houses and pickup trucks for all to see. That’s pride for you.

Me? I much prefer the magnolia.