David,

"Only those who are not hurt by this tattoo would say such a thing."

I'm sure you are right. I don't proclaim myself to be "pro-South," or a "defender of Southern heritage," or dedicated to Confederate political or social ideas, so I cannot take any personal offense to any word or phrase used to describe people in these categories.

At the same time, not being emotionally attached or otherwise associated with those positions, may help one's ability to not take offense to terms that are not used offensively.

"You have a broad-brushed since of what pro-Southerners and "defenders of Southern heritage" are, and a simplistic and ignorant idea of what the term "neo" is and what it does socially and politically to people."

Perhaps, but the groups I mention above are interests groups. While they may not be formally organized, any person who proclaims themselves to be "pro-South" or a "defender of Southern heritage" is certainly categorizing themselves. I am not talking about someone who happens to lean one way or another in discussions, but people who formally identify themselves in such language---and they are around. These categories are founded upon an ideology or position: an interest. And seeing that they are founded upon an "interest," a term that designates their advocacy or partisanship (specifically as it relates to the Confederacy) may not be entirely incorrect.

I am aware that the term "neo-Confederate" has adopted negative elements far beyond its basic meaning, which is one reason why I don't use the term to describe someone (the other is because I believe it is often too vague).

"The term "neo" in this context means a reviving an old idea with new characteristics or an old idea that is the basis of a new one, not just "new"; and just how many people today call themselves Confederate in political party and culture?"

I don't know how many people could fit that standard. Perhaps the League of the South may be a good example? Still, I have heard many "pro-Southern" people throw in old ideas about the Confederacy into modern political discussion. And, we might also find that the defense of Southern heritage is an association with the Confederacy (because "Southern heritage" has often become synonymous with the Confederacy). That could, arguably, be an example of "neo-Confederatism." (If that is a word. LOL)