University of Virginia Library

Dear Sir:

The recent article about the
Confederate flag at the last football
game is an excellent example of a
common bigotry. I accept a
probable bias on my part because I
have lived most of my life in the
South. However, I don't feel this
bias plays any part in my opinion
on this subject.

The "stars and bars" is a symbol
of a large minority's quest for what
they felt was right. I personally feel
that they were wrong on certain
major issues as that of slavery.

But the "stars and bars"
represent an old dying culture of
large plantations, beautiful homes,
and, of course, "King Cotton".

Are we going to condemn this
culture because of one facet being
wrong? If so, why not do the same
to Greek and Roman symbols of
civilization? Why not tear down all
Grecian architecture?

What about Thomas Jefferson?
Jefferson believed that the black
people were inferior. He was wrong.
But we still preserve his traditions.
Where would we be without
Thomas Jefferson? "Oppressive and
decadent culture" indeed.

Also, as a lover of all types of
music, what is wrong with "Dixie"?
It has a very good beat and melody.
It's words contain nothing with
racist tones.

I lived six years in Montgomery
Alabama and all "Dixie" ever was
to me was an inspiring song. We
always played it at football games.

Dodson R. Marrs