Racism is not geographically restricted to anywhere. I am always quick to point out that the South has exercised many of it's racial demons. Howard Beach, anyone?
I live in the big Georgia town now, too. I don't ever hear that word either. I also don't hang around any flag displayers anymore either. Do I think there is a connection? Well, yes.
That flag is the Confederate Naval Jack. The battle flag was similar but perfectly square. The Naval Jack has been hijacked by some toothless types but that doesn't diminish its importance to those of us whose ancestors fought under it.
If it wasn't the jack or the battle flag it would be another of the Confederate emblems. All this gives the SCLC, NAACP and Rainbow Coalition types something to do.