The point that I am trying to make is that freedom of speech is fine, as long as it doesn't infringe on another citizen's right to live, free from threat. If your best friend makes a comment about a bomb in an airport, you could shrug it off and not think anything of it. On the other hand, if your job is to patrol the airport and defend it of any wrong doing, you would likely have a much different reaction.
My dad is from the south, so I understand the symbolism behind the rebel flag. What we need to remember is that the meaning for one person could have a totally different meaning to the next.
I'm not a fan of the baggy African clothing that you mentioned, but do you feel threatened by it? If so, why? Many people who feel threatened by the rebel flag could have very good reasons why they feel the way they do. Just put yourself in the other person's shoes. I try to live by the golden rule- treat others the way you would like to be treated. Not to over react. Not to be hyper-sensitive. Just think about how others might feel.