FWIW, my own "flag" experience.

Living in the rural south, in the reddest state on the Atlantic Ocean, I too often encounter hate.

My closest neighbor (which isn't all that close) has had 3 flags on 3 flagpoles of varying height.

On the highest flagpole, a Frump flag

On the medium height pole, a confederate battle flag

On the lowest pole, the American flag.

But as of yesterday, the Plump flag (and pole) are now gone. So while it may not be the progress we want most, it still feels like progress.

Best wishes.