If modern Confederate remembrance does not come close to accurately capturing the true definition of Southern heritage in the Civil War era, what does? I’ll be posting on this in the coming week.
In the meantime, hat-tip to Kevin at Civil War Memory for making us aware of a YouTube clip, and a “well-done” to Caitlin for putting that clip together with a post on her blog. It certainly merits further discussion. Among other things, I’m left wondering if our reflections are still limited. When looking back at the Civil War era South some are clearly seeing Southern heritage as being one in the same as Confederate heritage. Yet, are others limited to seeing slaves as the only dimension being forgotten in Civil War era South remembrance/historic representation?
Sherree Tannen
February 16, 2009
I am looking forward to your post, Robert. I am truly dismayed by the viciousness of the attacks on Kevin. The facts need to be made accessible to as many people as possible, so that these types of attacks go nowhere. Thanks for your continued work toward that goal.
cenantua
February 16, 2009
Thanks for the comment Sherree. It’s past time we redefined Southern heritage, even in relation to the mere four years that made up the war… and there is nothing “honorable” about personal attacks made in order to counter a particular view or position.
David S.
February 16, 2009
Considering the variety of criticisms leveled at the SCV, perhaps it would be good to recognize when SCV members promote a balanced approach. I thought the following was a great blog post worth mentioning:
http://csaheritage.blogspot.com/2009/02/american-heritage.html
cenantua
February 16, 2009
David, I know several good camps that don’t revisit or re-invent animosity. I also know several folks in the SCV who have the ability to look back at history realistically and see the war and those who participated in it realistically. I know of SCV and SUVCW camps that have fantastic relationships. However,the ability to see and present the past realistically and that expression of reconciliation is not, by any means, prevalent in the SCV.