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I saw a Confederate flag on a truck driving through Billerica a few weeks ago. I just rolled my eyes and moved on. I suggest you do the same (and don't shop at that store).
By the way, if you want to see racism in action, check out the controversy over the St. Patrick's Day breakfast in South Boston. And that is in one of the deepest 'blue' cities in America.
Most Yankees that fly the Confederate flag are not bright enough nor experienced enough to realize the racial undertones. They more see it as anti-government, pro-gun, hunters, mud racing, NASCAR, etc. types.
I saw a Confederate flag on a truck driving through Billerica a few weeks ago. I just rolled my eyes and moved on. I suggest you do the same (and don't shop at that store).
When I first read this thread I thought it was pure hokum, but truthfully there are pockets of racism alive and well in Massachusetts. The lower income whites who moved to Billerica in the 1960s, '70s and '80s is certainly one of those pockets. Of course some minorities are moving there so it has been improving albeit slowly. Living not far from Amesbury now, I find the people over here to be much nicer and less insular than some of those Lowell suburbs.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wxjay
By the way, if you want to see racism in action, check out the controversy over the St. Patrick's Day breakfast in South Boston. And that is in one of the deepest 'blue' cities in America.
I recall intense bigotry over the participation of gays and lesbians in the parade from a few years back.
So, my wife and I just bought a house in Amesbury and we love it here for the most part. It's quiet, beautiful, the neighbors are great, downtown is nice....but there's one thing that bugs me.
There's a store that I drive by every day now and the owner flies a confederate flag. I realize it is just a flag and everything (with horrible racist historical meaning) but I can't help but be a little concerned. Is there some huge problem with racism in the area that I am unaware of?
The Confederate flag means different things to different people, keep in mind. For a lot of reactionaries (such as the OP, apparently), it means racism and only racism. But for a number of people who fly it, the Stars and Bars are an expression of rebellion against government repression. It doesn't have to be a racist symbol, and intent is important here, unless you're one of those people that just paints everyone south of the Mason-Dixon line with a big, sloppy red paintbrush.
Look, I don't think the South should have won the Civil War, but, at the same, where do you draw the line about restricting free speech? At what point do you in some strange way justify the person flying the flag by showing your angst over it? Also... I have to point this out... do you rage over Southern supporters at Civil War reenactments? And before you tell me that's something different, a lot of those guys are pretty diehard fans of the Confederacy. Do you despise them, too?
Last edited by PrincessoftheCape; 10-28-2013 at 11:22 PM..
As an Asian American, I've never considered anyone flying a Confederate flag (in MA or anywhere in the US) now to be a racist. I'd think them just proud to be from the South as in GA or AL. No biggie.
The Confederate flag means different things to different people, keep in mind. For a lot of reactionaries (such as the OP, apparently), it means racism and only racism. But for a number of people who fly it, the Stars and Bars are an expression of rebellion against government repression. It doesn't have to be a racist symbol, and intent is important here, unless you're one of those people that just paints everyone south of the Mason-Dixon line with a big, sloppy red paintbrush.
Look, I don't think the South should have won the Civil War, but, at the same, where do you draw the line about restricting free speech? At what point do you in some strange way justify the person flying the flag by showing your angst over it? Also... I have to point this out... do you rage over Southern supporters at Civil War reenactments? And before you tell me that's something different, a lot of those guys are pretty diehard fans of the Confederacy. Do you despise them, too?
That is a very enlightening point of view. I, for one appreciate you sharing it. I am not one of the reactionaries who screams racism at the sight of confederate flag but I would like to say that I feel a tiny bit smarter today for reading your post. Thanks!
Agree with the above. The confederate flag is not universally an image of racism. The current young generation might feel that way but many middle-aged and older Americans have always considered it an image more of rebellion and "rebels" and it had nothing to do with racism. Is James Dean's movie title, "Rebel without a Cause" racist? Were the Dukes of Hazard racist because they had the flag on their car? This week the Navy Seals had the "Don't Tread on Me" image removed from their gold trident because some Admiral decided that it might connote images of rebellion. These things get carried too far. Don't prove Orwell right. Think for yourself and use common sense.
It's easy to roll your eyes when you are sure you aren't going to hear comments (the least of one's worries) about being different.
I have yet to hear of a charming person that uses such symbols and says 'nice' things about the people of color in their community.
Yes, I am glad people use their symbols freely so that I know who to avoid in society.
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