#1235983 in Books University Press of Florida 2001-02-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.91 x 1.05 x 5.87l; 1.19 #File Name: 0813021006368 pages
Review
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful. This book is key to understanding the background of Confederate Symbols; a must read for thinking individuals.By Jackie LynnIf the reader is not familiar with the history; traditions; and culture of the South since the War for Southern Independence;then will be some rich food for thought. This book examines the historical paradoxes of life in the South.Eleven different authors approach the challenge in well researched long chapters. Section 1 discusses the history of Political thought from Jefferson to the present; the minorities; popular culture; and the Old South. Part II covers the aftermath of the war; the building of Confederate monuments; and how the people dealt with loss. Part III deals with Legal Challenges to Confederate Symbols; and Part IV: Political Challenges to Confederate symbols. Several perspectives are covered from Re-enactors; the Black Opposition; the media; the Historians; Dixiecrats; college pranksters; Each chapter will alienate someone; but hopefully every reader will come away with the POINT of this book: understand the value of compromise. The American character is based on a willingness to forgive; if not forget. Many voices are heard on the Confederate flag issue. Virginius Dabney; the Pulitzer Prize-wnning editor of the Richmond Times-Dispatch; writing in 1961 at the time of the Civil War Centennial railed occasionally at the misuse of the flag by rabid segregationists; wrote "The Confederate flag is being used in Alabama in a manner which represents a gross perverson of things it stood for a century ago....(T)rue Souherners object strenuousy to having the flag under which their forefathers fought and died dragged into today's interracial controversies; where it is almost invariably made to seem synonymous with 'bigotry' or 'racism'.
