When you see a confederate flag, do you think " racist", or " southern pride"??

You mean there is a difference? The confederate flag represented those states which decided not all people are created equal or deserve equality, that a persons life depending on their color was for sale. While that flag is cool looking its message is nothing that I could ever respect. By all means have pride in your home, state, country but also remember there is a difference between pride and arrogance. Pride does not deminish anyone at its expense.