See, the assumption of many people who embrace the notion of widespread and voluntary black participation in the Confederate war effort is to say that somehow it's not about slavery. That's important because (and this is what some people don't get) they take criticism of historical ancestors as directed personally at them. They identify with their ancestors, and they worship said ancestors, so it must follow that their ancestors must be above reproach on this issue … because otherwise look at the people they worship and what it must say about them. Given the propensity of these people to take personal umbrage at linking the Confederacy with slavery (“my ancestors did not own slaves … northerners are as racist as southerners … you just don't like the South … some of my best friends are black, and so are some of the scholars we cite and the CSA reenactors with whom I associate”), the best way to discredit argument is by declaring “consider the source.” Education's one way to get at that argument.

Of course, the fact that I graduated from the University of Virginia tends to upset these people no end.