I'll just say this: As a man from Tennessee, I can clearly see both sides of the argument. I definitely understand that it is offensive and shouldn't be on government property. I also understand that millions of poor southerners who never owned a slave think that flag is a symbol of their southerness. There's no pride to being where you're from, in Minnesota where it just gets cold and you eat crappy food. The south east is different in every little state, and has diverse music, culture, food, and so on. The flag represents to these people their right to be free.

If you want to get down to the bottom of it, the civil war wounds never healed. Not just in race relations. The south was treated horribly in some instances, like atlanta being burned to the ground, and union soldiers raping and burning farmsteads.

Southerners don't want to really be an American first, knowing the history that is there. They want to be 1)southerners, 2)americans.

Like I said, none of the ideas I'm posting are MY opinions, they're just observations and hearsay from my area. Like I said, the south is very diverse. Despite Tennessee's history, I think we're one of the more progressive southern states when it comes to race issues and social awareness. Now sure, you can go to some backwoods places in TN where they are overtly racist, but you can find the same thing anywhere on the planet.

TL:DR -

The flag does, in part, represent slavery, which is an undeniable part of the Confederate states. It can also mean completely different things to different people, like a symbol of freedom and rebellion, which I think is something we all feel liberated by. Sadly the flag does have a terrible history, and I do not support it. I do understand why some do, and they shouldn't be labeled racist for caring about it. Ultimately it's a stupid piece of polyester made in China, but the value attributed to it by people is different and not always sinister.

Also, /u/Count_Craptacular sorry for insulting Minnesota, I just wanted to show the contrast about why someone would be proud of the south. I'm sure many people will tell me it's a podunk shithole, and that's your opinion which I understand. I also maintain that my opinion of Minny could be completely wrong.

Cheers!