Say what you will about what it stands for, but the latest
debate over the Confederate Flag and the passion behind it clearly show the
power of symbols.
Passion has been aroused on both sides of the Confederate
Flag issue. Advocates and opponents are voicing their opinions and taking
actions. While perhaps the debate’s center of gravity is the old Confederacy
which has evolved even more in many ways – socially – economically –
politically than even the past 200 years since the Civil War.
We can all agree that the Stars and Bars has galvanized
people into action.
Isn’t that the essence of PSYOP?
A recent article in the on-line publication, The Havok
Journal considers whether or not the flag’s historical connotation should be
erased just as Pharaoh ordered Moses’ name stricken from the obelisks and
pyramids of Biblical Egypt. (See: http://www.havokjournal.com/uncategorized/should-we-erase-history-over-the-confederate-flag/?utm_source=Havok+Journal&utm_campaign=23a276440a-Havok_Journal_Weekly&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_566058f87c-23a276440a-213402489
which is also the photo source.)
No matter what the outcome of the debate. Several things are
pretty certain in my mind.
1.
No one will look at the Confederate Flag quite the
same way again.
2.
Disaffected groups and individuals will use the
Confederate Flag as a rally point or justification for their anti-social beliefs
and actions or tools for other nefarious purposes.
·
The unintended consequences of restricting use
of the symbol have not been a factor of the decision making process.
·
The flag may be used to arouse flag opponents.
·
Criminals may employ the image as a part of a
cyber scam – click here if you hate the flag or vice versa.
·
Hacktivist groups such as Anonymous may take
cyber action against groups they feel are not sensitive enough and continue to
display the flag on-line.
3.
The PSYOP/MISO Community should step back and
appreciate the raw power of historical symbols and take a fresh look at current
operations and the possibility of applying this lesson.
This post represents a different perspective than I normally
take. Please let me know what you think – one way or the other.
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