"Southern Bastards" Rip Apart the Confederate Flag in Variant Cover

[Dorktron]

That's such a weak argument. You don't see Germans parading around with the Nazi swastika and telling people it's part of their heritage and it's not about racism but German pride. Considering the swastika itself used to be a benign symbol until it was appropriated by the National Socialist Party. Now it's synonymous with racism and antisemitism specifically.

My point is that destroying a symbol does not destroy a cause, hence the fact that it is a publicity stunt.

[ed2962]

My point is that destroying a symbol does not destroy a cause, hence the fact that it is a publicity stunt.

Sorta, maybe, almost...but that's kinda the point. It's a symbolic act and he wanted to publicly show his support for his side of the issue. Since he's a comic creator, this is how he chose to express himself.

[andersonh1]

It's certainly not going to bring anyone back to life, not going to change racists' minds about anything and it's not creating jobs or stimulating the economy (so people are either busy working or spending their money instead of fighting each other). I think it's an empty gesture to get some free publicity too though I am certain most and both creators here in this case do mean to do good.

It's a symbolic gesture, and I have no doubt that some who want to remove the Confederate flag have good motives. However, it comes down, and what problems are solved? Very few. As you say, it's a gesture, but little else. And yet so much energy and emotion is put into it that could be far better spent on substantive issues. It's sad.

And I have to say, the portrayal of the south in Southern Bastards bears no resemblance to the south I know. I'm 44 and have lived various places in upstate SC all my life, but I see nothing of the south I know reflected in the comic. I'd like to know where the authors draw their inspiration. The book feels like Hollywood's caricature of the south.

[Harmonica]

My point is that destroying a symbol does not destroy a cause, hence the fact that it is a publicity stunt.

but destroying that symbol definitely supports the right cause.

damn americans maybe stop bathing in the glory of the wars you won (thanks for that btw, seriously) and think about all the wrong stuff you did in your history and reflekt on that.
the conferderate flag is a sign of hate there is no denying that.

[Dorktron]

but destroying that symbol definitely supports the right cause.

damn americans maybe stop bathing in the glory of the wars you won (thanks for that btw, seriously) and think about all the wrong stuff you did in your history and reflekt on that.
the conferderate flag is a sign of hate there is no denying that.

It is a sign of hate for SOME. Getting rid of it will not solve the problem of racism or necessarily even aid in that cause.

Oh and not all Americans support our endless wars

[andersonh1]

It is a sign of hate for SOME.

Exactly. It has multiple meanings. I look at it and for me it evokes pride in the independent spirit of the south. But I completely understand why others look at it and remember slavery, or the fight against desegregation in the 60s or the KKK and see it as a sign of racial hatred. There's no question it's been used for that purpose by far too many.

But you're right. People are quick to generalize and quick to judge. "The South" isn't one monolithic block of like minded hillbilly yokels, and we're not stuck in the 60s either. The south today is as diverse a region as you'll find anywhere in the United States. People who haven't lived here and who go by old stereotypes don't know that.

[randomengine]

Good riddance to that flag and everything it stands for - racism and secession. Everyone behind that flag was either a racist or a traitor or both.

[BruceWayneJr.]

I'm proud that America has decided to push back and reject the iconography of a racist culture. It doesn't solve the problem, but it's a good damn start.

If you don't like the fact that people are tired of it, that's fine. It's still your right to fly it with pride and defend it and all that good stuff. It's just gonna be a lot more difficult, and a lot less popular. Welcome to the other side.

[DIVINITY]

Well Done, Mr Latour...

[Dark-Flux]

Latours reasoning for those interested:

http://jasonlatour.tumblr.com/post/1...gine-ive-heard

[andersonh1]

Latours reasoning for those interested:

http://jasonlatour.tumblr.com/post/1...gine-ive-heard

I was just about to post the link myself. I don't agree with everything he says or all the history he puts forth, but he gets the issues a lot better than most commentators that I've read. Probably because if he lives here, he gets tired of the stereotypes and oversimplification from those outside the South, and has to fight against it.

[DantePD]

And I have to say, the portrayal of the south in Southern Bastards bears no resemblance to the south I know. I'm 44 and have lived various places in upstate SC all my life, but I see nothing of the south I know reflected in the comic. I'd like to know where the authors draw their inspiration. The book feels like Hollywood's caricature of the south.

I grew up in central Alabama and the only difference between the book and the places I grew up in are the names. It's a pretty accurate depiction of a lot of the towns that aren't along the major highways, or near the larger cities, like Atlanta or Birmingham.

[DantePD]

I was just about to post the link myself. I don't agree with everything he says or all the history he puts forth, but he gets the issues a lot better than most commentators that I've read. Probably because if he lives here, he gets tired of the stereotypes and oversimplification from those outside the South, and has to fight against it.

Latour grew up in SC and Arron is from Jasper, Alabama.

[Sandinista]

Confederate flag hate is an useless, trendy exercise in selective outrage. The Bars and Stripes flew over a racist, white-supremacist nation for 4 years. The Stars and Stripes that you all love today flew over a racist, white-supremacist nation for 89 years. If you're gonna hate a flag for its connection to prejudice and genocide then you might as well ban all flags in our planet considering the vast majority of nation states have prejudice and genocide woven in their historic DNA. The Japanese flag flew over the killing of millions of Chinese civilians. The Union Jack symbolized racism for Indians for almost 100 years. Are we protesting those flags too and insisting they be banned from public display in the United States? That's what I thought...

[shooshoomanjoe]

I wish creators would remain professional and stop injecting their biased political views in their work. But whatever makes money. I'd probably sell out too if I could.