Proctor: All right, here's your last question. What was the cause of
the Civil War?
Apu: Actually, there were numerous causes. Aside from the obvious
schism between the abolitionists and the anti-abolitionists,
there were economic factors, both domestic and inter--
Proctor: Wait, wait... just say slavery.
Apu: Slavery it is, sir.
I agree... so use a symbol for that heritage that wasn't used as a symbol for "F-you north... we want to keep our slaves." It may have been a symbol for the south before the civil war, but the vast majority of people in the US would instantly associate it with a slave culture.
I think a symbol of "Fuck You North" is a perfectly valid sentiment to express. There are a gazillion differences between the two cultures, and the prior history of slavery isn't the entire point.
That said, most people who get up in arms about their right to display the battle flag are doing it entirely to ruffle people's feathers. I agree with their right to do it, and as y'all have probably noticed I'm somewhat fond of much of my Southern heritage, but so are a lot of real assholes.