Recently, an article appeared in the editorial section of the local paper headlined "Learning from the past." It talked about the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The Lee-Jackson Dinner was taking place that evening over at Barton College. It was deemed a gathering to honor "not only the two most honorable Confederate Generals, Lee and Jackson but all those whose fought for the south." Here's an excerpt of the editorial.
"There are many people in our community who may resent honoring their memory. The truth is that while some people will argue the war was about states' rights or tariffs, it was slavery at the heart of hostilities..." For African Americans, finding events to be nostalgic about during these next four years may be difficult. Yet, like it or not, there will be anniversary commemorations from now until 2015."
Interesting choice of words. "Yet like it or not, there will be." Interpretation doesn't leave much to mistake in that comment. Whether you agree or disagree, there will be celebrations from now until 2015. The tone seems a bit patronizing especially to those who may find no interest in such events.
With echoes of there's nothing you can do about it so what .... Just suck it up. And while you're doing that (sucking it up that is) the writer advises instead of ignoring the confederate events honoring these confederate folks use the time as an opportunity for dialogue”
Geez, we wonder how you'd do that. But we'll give it a shot. Let's see, something like this maybe;
Act I; Scene I
African American person: (With a sweet southern belle accent)
Oh my, the confederate men were so brave to leave their families and go off to war to defend their land and property. To fight with honor, courage and bravery unto death to maintain their estates, plantations and standard of life to keep the niggra people on the property as property to work in their fields and in their houses.
ROTF LOL - That shi'diggity is FUNNY! OK...all jokes aside now ... back to the post.
Another suggestion offered in the editorial made claims to using the time to "openly discuss how an institution like slavery could have existed and how to make sure it never happens again" ... (and get this) throughout the world.
It existed because the hearts of men are evil. It existed because there is a race of people who deem themselves superior over all others. It existed because it was a lucrative business. It ended because of the civil war.
Concentrate on where it is you are before you attempt to go throughout the world. Get it right on the home front first and when you've done that - then you can think about going abroad. And only if there's a problem abroad. Taking the strategies and learned experiences learned from your past as is and sharing them with others for the betterment of the world society, well as far as American goes ... they haven't got there yet.
You want dialogue. Now that’s good dialogue whether you like it or not. Whether you agree or disagree.
Patronizing definition: displaying or indicative of an offensively condescending manner: a patronizing greeting, accompanied by a gentle pat on the pack. ...Cartoon Credit: Walt Handlesman
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