I'm usually reluctant to weigh in on controversial topics because you run the risk of alienating friends and next thing you know you're avoiding each other at parties and you've been blocked on Facebook -- the ultimate insult.
Then this whole debate about the Confederate flag erupted following the senseless and horrific slaying of nine innocent black churchgoers in South Carolina by a young man who made no bones about his racist motives for the attack and was seen in photos proudly displaying his Rebel flag. Not that the controversy didn't exist before this and even here in Hot Springs there have long been rumblings about the flag flying over the Confederate Memorial Park, with some arguing it endorses or honors slavery while others say the Civil War involved more complex issues than just slavery and is a part of our history we shouldn't forget. Following the shooting, the rumblings grew louder and suddenly everyone was voicing their opinion on Facebook, over beers down at the local watering hole and of course in that constant arena of discourse -- the newsroom at the paper.
During our discussion, I happened to mention the old "Dukes of Hazzard" television show where the two main characters, Bo and Luke Duke, drove -- and sometimes flew -- around the fictional Hazzard County, Ga., in their souped-up 1969 Dodge Charger affectionately dubbed "The General Lee" with a Confederate flag emblazoned on the roof. I remarked that I didn't remember anyone being offended about it back when the show originally aired. I used to watch the show regularly with my family and I don't recall the topic of racism ever coming up. I think some people may have been offended by the general stereotypes of southerners, but there has always been that cultural divide symbolized by the "Beverly Hillbillies," "the Andy Griffith Show," "Green Acres," etc. But usually the Southern characters, as humorous as they might be, came across as being wise, good-natured, honest (except for Boss Hogg, of course) and generally decent.
Who didn't want to move to Mayberry or hang out with the Duke boys? As a teenager watching the show I was enthralled with the car chases, the goofy antics of Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane and his less-than-energetic hound, Flash, and of course, with the fashion choices of the boys' cousin, Daisy Duke, whose poster wearing her iconic shorts graced many a teen boy's room.
So while I did lean toward those who felt the flag should probably be gracefully retired from public displays, I was a little taken aback when I read that Warner Bros., the company behind the "Dukes of Hazzard," were going to cease the licensing of die-cast replicas and model kits of the General Lee in response to the controversy. Not that I have ever bought one of the model kits or had any intention of buying one in the future, but their decision felt like a retroactive reprimand of sorts. I mean, should we have been offended? My memory isn't perfect, but I'm pretty sure a lot of my black school friends growing up enjoyed the show too. There were shows like "All in the Family," "The Jeffersons," and "Sanford and Son" that often dealt with racism and bigotry, but I don't recall the Duke boys ever getting that serious about anything.
In the article, there was even discussion of still producing the cars, but without the Rebel flag on top, but Warner Bros. opted for a complete shutdown. I actually respect that decision, because what would be the point? You wouldn't put Batman in a Buick sedan and call it the Batmobile and likewise the General Lee without the flag would just be an orange car.
So, in a weird way, I can sort of understand the feelings of those who argue so vehemently for the Confederate flag to still be displayed, especially older people whose memories go back much further than mine. Change is never easy and nostalgia is a strong emotion. And I realize even as I type those words that some will be offended at having their solemn respect and support of a historical symbol like the flag compared to nostalgia for a television show, but aren't they actually similar in a way. They are both a form of holding onto the past.
Mind you, I definitely believe in the adage that "if you forget history you are doomed to repeat it" and I fully support the teaching of the true facts of the Civil War, with all its complexities and arguments presented about both sides of the conflict. But maybe it's time to make some compromises for the sake of unity. To put aside the flags and toy cars that symbolize a moment in our history when we weren't united. Not to forget or to downplay the importance of that time, but just as a gesture to show we've moved on. And maybe grown up a little.
There will still be collectors who have the genuine General Lee cars on display in their home, likely under lock and key since the value will only increase now that the model has been discontinued, and there will still be people who keep their Confederate flags which is certainly their right as American citizens.
But maybe it's OK to give in a little to keep the peace. I like to think Uncle Jesse Duke would feel the same way. He was always the voice of reason on the show. He gave up bootlegging, after all.
Editorial on 06/28/2015