Thoughts on The Dukes of Hazzard, the Confederate Flag, and the Swastika

It is good to understand the origins of symbols but I feel we also need to remain sensitive to those who have been harmed by a group’s use of these symbols against another group to relegate people to being less than human.  The Nazi's use of the swastika and the confederate states use of their flag are examples of symbols that are offensive to those who have been victims of these prejudices  and the racial hatred they represent.

The Confederate flag used in the “Dukes of Hazard” was, I believe, a symbol of the rebel yet that symbol is offensive just as the swastika is offensive.  Perhaps we need as a culture to learn sensitivity to each other and to learn to respect how those hurt by these symbols feel and what the symbols really mean in today’s world.

The Civil War is an American historical event and the Confederate Flag is a part of that history.  The Second World War is a World event and the Nazi Flag is a part of that history.  But each flag has taken on a symbol for those who still want to annihilate others who do not fit their idea of being human; and this is the problem with the use of these symbols today.

The Civil War and WW 2 are a part of history.  The Dukes of Hazzard and the Confederate flag atop the car the General Lee are a part of pop culture history.  The flags that represent these events have become rallying symbols for those who do not accept that races other than White, Aryan are human.  I understand the objection of the use of these symbols in pop culture, but I also enjoyed the Dukes, as did my sons.  I am sad that they will no longer be available as reruns, but I also respect the rights of those who have been subjugated by the people and cultures who have marched under these symbols against freedom of all.

Dylann Roof wore the symbol of the South African Apartheid flag.  His purpose was to start a race war against a race of people who welcomed him into their church the night he murdered them.  These symbols make a powerful statement be it the swastika, the Confederate Flag, or the South African flag of apartheid; even though they may not like the swastika be a five thousand year old symbol that remains sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Odinism it still is an offensive reminder to those who have suffered under these symbols. 

So when you protest no longer televising The Dukes of Hazard, or the movement to remove the confederate flag from public buildings in the South I hope you will stop and consider how those who have been held back, held down, murdered, and annihilated under these symbols must feel to see them so readily displayed.  Walk a mile in others shoes before you so quickly take up this protest.