Ariail’s view: Confederate battle flag

For cartoonists, symbols are the lingua franca, or common language, of visual commentary.

We have other tools of the trade, but manipulating, shifting and juxtaposing a powerful symbol is often the most expedient and effective way to make a point.

In the South, there’s not a more universal or enduring icon than the Confederate battle flag. It’s a beautiful and elegant emblem that evokes a range of emotions, from nostalgia and pride to bigotry and hate.

That’s the problem with symbols. Their meanings can change over time, or as with the battle flag, they simultaneously can embody different meanings for different people.

And that’s why a symbol that imparts such a mixed message shouldn’t fly on the grounds of a State House that represents all South Carolinians.

Since the beginning of my career, the battle flag has been in the news and on my drawing table. I don’t know how many flag cartoons I’ve drawn, but it’s more than I can remember.

Here are a few of my favorites from the past 34 years.

Robert Ariail