Confederate flags are flying in Oxford today

Highly divisive symbol spotted at St Giles fair


A clueless stallholder is flying a ‘racist’ flag over a shooting stall at a popular fair near St John’s and Balliol.

The stall, part of the annual St Giles’ Fair, also has flags depicting a racial stereotype of Native Americans.

When questioned about the flags, the stall operator said: “They’re the same flags we’ve always used.”

“We’ve never had any complaints before,” he added.

Third year DPhil student, Grace Holtkamp, said seeing the flags “literally made my stomach turn”.

“As an American I feel sick seeing the American flag flying between two confederate flags, on a game with toy guns called the shooting gallery, especially after the recent shooting in Charleston, in which the shooter had racist motives and frequently wore and carried the Confederate flag.

“I think the Oxford City Council should take the flags down,” she said.

Not all are as sickened by the flags. A Keble second-year said: “I feel like it doesn’t have the same connotations as it does in the US.

“It’s not okay, but it’s not the same as it being flown in the US.”

St Giles’ Fair dates back to 1625, taking up two days at the start of September. It commemorates the consecration of St Giles’ church.

Oxford City Council have been contacted for comment.