A girl at Russel High School near Ashland got kicked out of her prom because she was wearing a Confederate flag-themed dress. Despite the general disdain I have towards "rebel" flag-waving types, I can't imagine many non-Southerners really understanding the girl's motivation. For example, take most of the reactions to the story on Metafilter.

My view? Well, I'm a pretty ardent supporter of free speech in general. So, obviously I would have supported her wearing the dress. But one really should consider the deeper cultural significance of the flag.

For the vast majority of people who currently display the Confederate flag, it's a symbol of Southern heritage, not a symbol of racism, white supremacy, or support of slavery. Certainly, over the years, it has carried those meanings for various groups, but today, in most cases, it's simply a cultural symbol and individuals ought to have the right to display it. No matter how hideous the dress you put it on might look. :)