The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities has a made available what it calls a discussion guide for those who are looking to host a conversation about the Confederate flag that is slated to be raised on private land off of I-95 this weekend. I am not sure who is going to take advantage of this, but I appreciate their sincere interest in encouraging meaningful dialog within the Richmond community and beyond. The guide includes a short article by historian John Coski outlining the history of the Confederate flag followed by a list of guidelines on running a discussion and suggested questions.
This project takes its place alongside the ongoing series of discussions organized by the University of Richmond’s “The Future of Richmond’s Past.” This should serve as a reminder that there is a place in Richmond where one can meaningfully come to terms with the region’s rich history and heritage without alienating one another.
You can find and download the document here.
More flagging? Two responses: groan. yawn.
“Let’s Talk About the Confederate Flag”
Let’s not. Let the flaggers put up their massive flag, joining the masses of other SCV and UDC flags up and down the roads of the South. Let them continue to trivialize that flag all they want. At the rate they are going, their kids will see it as some mundane ritual, much like the pledge every morning.