Is America turning into "the boy who cried wolf" when it comes to the supposedly racist past of our historical symbols?

The fleur de lis -- an old french royalty symbol well known for its place on the New Orleans Saints football helmets and not-so-well-known as a symbol of slavery -- is the latest image to be called racist and offensive.

Slave historian Dr. Ibrahima Seck told WWLTV of the symbols history of slavery connection to "code noice," the "black code" for slaves in eighteenth century Louisiana, when a slave could be branded with the symbol if they tried to run away.

"As an African I find it painful, and I think people whose ancestors were enslaved here may feel it even harder than I do as an African," Seck told the local TV station.

The symbol means "lily flower" in French and can be found all around Louisiana and New Orleans, ingrained in design and cultural heritage.

The outcry over the seemingly harmless little flower comes on the heels of the great Confederate flag debate spawned by South Carolina's decision to remove the flag from their Statehouse and major retailers' subsequent action to remove the flag from their merchandise.

With such sweeping actions in a short amount of time due to public outcry, it isn't a far stretch to consider stashing away your New Orleans Saints gear in case this little symbol becomes the next to go on the racist chopping block.

It remains to be seen if this will be shrugged off, or snowball into the way of the Confederate flag and be deemed a "fleur de racism."

(h/t Daily Caller)