The Gadsden flag is primarily used as a symbol of Libertarianism – it encompasses ideas of personal liberty, and individualism. But you are right – the Gadsden flag made its first appearance in the American Revolutionary War.

Anyone waving that thing around now is either a reenactor, or a poser cosplaying as a tough guy.

A “reenactor”? While, yes, the flag was first used in the continental army, nowadyas, it has moved quite far from simply being used as a historical prop.

At this point, much like the Confederate Navy Jack, it has been co-opted to stand for racism and hatred.

In my opinion, most people that say that the Gadsden flag represents “racism and hatred” most likely take all their information on the symbol from the fearmongering media.