NYT: The Robert E. Lee Problem

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/26/opinion/david-brooks-the-robert-e-lee-problem.html?mabReward=CTM&module=WelcomeBackModal&contentCollection=Politics®ion=FixedCenter&action=click&src=recg&pgtype=article&_r=0


David Brooks JUNE 26, 2015

The debate about the Charleston Bible study shooting has morphed into a debate about the Confederate battle flag and other symbols of the Confederacy. This is not a trivial sideshow. Racism is not just a personal prejudice and an evolutionary byproduct. It resurfaces year after year because it’s been woven by historical events into the fabric of American culture.

That culture is transmitted through the generations by the things we honor or don’t honor, by the symbols and names we celebrate and don’t celebrate. If we want to reduce racism we have to elevate the symbols that signify the struggle against racism and devalue the symbols that signify its acceptance.

Lowering the Confederate flag from public properties is thus an easy call. There are plenty of ways to celebrate Southern heritage and Southern life without choosing one so enmeshed in the fight to preserve slavery.

Snip to the end: This is not about rewriting history. It’s about shaping the culture going forward.

FULL story at link.

[marble falls]

1. Lets start with the flag.

[IDemo]

2. I'm rarely in agreement with Brooks

But he's on the money with this one.

[daleanime]

4. +1

[Doctor_J]

7. he's a wind sock

The anti stars and bars wind is blowing hard, so he's all puffed up.

[TheOther95Percent]

3. The Past Isn't - William Faulkner

I posted this on another discussion thread earlier this week

There has been some discussion on these boards about the quest to eradicate certain Confederate symbols as being Orwellian. I think it's a sign of incremental progress to take a more nuanced look at who we choose to honor and who has pride of place in the halls of government.

You think David Brooks might be reading DU? :

[Dr Rise]

5. Ultimately we will have to rid ourselves

Of all reminders of our sad history... That includes monuments, names on streets and buildings and anything else we find that has association with our hateful past. They are in the process of changing the name of a dormitory/ building at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as we speak.

[tymorial]

6. A reasonable and balanced look at the situation.

I have been craving for days.