Following a multitude of recent racially-driven events, culminating in the tragic Charleston shooting, to say America is unsettled is an understatement. While the nation is in the midst of a battle against the utterly unacceptable racism that still influences the beliefs and actions of American citizens throughout the country, many wonder what they can do to defeat this ever-present threat to freedom and equality. Etsy, known by most of us for its incredible crafts and vintage finds, is taking a political stand, even offering its users a chance to help.
According to Wired.com, if you see any product related to the Confederate flag on their site, Etsy asks that you immediately report it for prompt removal. This call to arms occurs in light of Etsy’s recent merchandise ban—sellers are now prohibited from posting any products that include an image of the Confederate flag.Â
The Wired.com report provides this quote from an Etsy spokesperson: “Etsy’s policies prohibit items or listings that promote, support or glorify hatred and these items fall squarely into that category.” And Etsy isn’t exaggerating—while some argue that the Confederate flag is simply a symbol of Southern pride, it takes one look at how it’s historically been used to realize the extremely dangerous ideals the flag symbolizes. Self-proclaimed racist groups including the infamous Ku Klux Klan have flown the flag with pride—a group undoubtedly responsible for extensive hate crimes. It is obvious that the Confederate flag has intolerably hateful connotations. America’s black community is subject to continuous discrimination and profiling to this day—the last thing they should have to stare at is a flag symbolizing an army that fought to keep them from basic human rights.
Etsy is also far from alone—Walmart, Amazon, Sears and eBay have all banned the sale of Confederate flag merchandise.  Even flag-making company Valley Forge Flag has stopped all Confederate flag production.
The movement is influenced by outrage over the fact that South Carolina, home of the heartbreaking Charleston massacre, still flies the Confederate flag on their state capital building. Other southern states also incorporate Confederate themes into their own flags, and many southern drivers can opt to have the flag placed on their license plates. Lawmakers and citizens alike are banning together to abolish the emblem once and for all, with Mississippi’s flag—which resembles the Confederate design—facing a possible change.
We’re eager to see if other retailers follow suit and work towards ending the discomfort that the Confederate flag causes. Like many others, we have a hard time understanding why someone would choose to fly a flag that represents hate and prejudice to millions of Americans—and especially one that has no current relevance other than to instigate unnecessary distress.