NEWS BRIEF: Preserving Confederate legacy still a divided issue, new survey says

According to a new PPRI (Public Religion Research Institute) Survey, Americans are almost split 50/50 on whether we should preserve Confederate history. The survey from E Pluribus Unum, a southern non-profit that believes in “confronting the issue of race head-on if we are to move forward,” asked participants a range of questions, after which they organized the data based on race, religion, and political party affiliation.

According the survey, 50% of Americans have a favorable viewpoint of the Confederate flag, while 47% see it as a symbol of racism. Only 23% of white Democrats are in favor of preserving Confederate history; 87% of white Republicans support its continued conservation.

When viewed through a racial lens, the survey shows vast differences between Black and white Americans’ viewpoints of the Confederate legacy. 77% of Black Americans are against preserving Confederate heritage while only 43% of white Americans feel the same way.

Those with strong Christian affiliations proved to be more in favor of preservation, while non-Christians were vastly against it.

PRRI President and Founder Robert P. Jones says this survey tells us, “we still have not resolved one of the fundamental conflicts that has haunted us throughout American history.”

While it’s clear Americans are split on this issue, a large majority can agree on one thing. Of those surveyed, 90 percent supported endeavors to “tell the truth about the history of slavery, violence and discrimination against racial minorities” and to “promote racial healing by creating more inclusive public spaces.” religionnews.com