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In the spring of 2000, African American athletes such as Venus and Serena Williams and Tiger Woods refused to participate in any event scheduled in South Carolina. “…I'm not going to support anything that's putting down my race,” voiced Serena Williams (“Williams…” 1). The target of her protest is the Confederate flag that has flown over the South Carolina State Capitol building since 1861. These boycotts of sporting events brought attention to the long-lasting argument of whether or not the Confederate flag is a racist symbol. Sanford Cloud, Jr., President and CEO for the National Conference for Community Justice, wrote an argument stating that the flag is a racist symbol. William Rolen, Director and Southern Defense Coordinator for the Council of Conservative Citizens, wrote an opposing argument stating that the confederate flag is a symbol of southern heritage. Each author attempts to make a compelling argument through the use of the rhetorical appeals of ethos, pathos, and logos. Cloud’s ethical appeals and strong logos make his argument more persuasive than Rolen’s argument which is filled with pathetic appeals. The rhetorical appeal of ethos refers to the character of the writer. The use of ethical appe