When artist John Sims sees the Confederate flag, he sees "visual terrorism," and a symbol of a racist past.When Robert Hurst sees the flag, he is filled with pride as the descendant of a soldier who fought for the South during the Civil War.
Their differences have flared into a war of words, catching a local museum in the middle.
Hurst walked into the Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science this past week and saw an exhibit by Sims, including a Confederate flag hung from a noose on a 13-foot gallows in a display titled "The Proper Way to Hang a Confederate Flag."
Hurst asked the museum to remove the display, along with 13 other pieces by Sims.
The museum, however, announced Friday it is standing by Sims' work, on display since Feb. 26, because it wants to inspire dialogue in the community about a symbol that engenders a diversity of strong responses.
This from Yahoo News: Story and photo from the Associated Press. This from the Kansas City Star.
1 comment:
The debate over the Confederate flag is fascinating. I always get a kick out of the homes you see around Appalachia that have that flag displayed. I don't hink I've ever seen a nice home or even a semi-nice home with it. It's usually a run down single wide trailer and rather than being on a flag pole it's posted in their bedroom window.
What's so ironic about "white trash" fascination with the stars and bars is that the Confederacy was a movement led by a very elite group of gentlemen who wouldn't have had the time of the day to speak to ruffians such as these.
At least that's my opinion.
Neat blog, btw. Both my grandmothers were teachers and my mom and her sister still teach in McCreary County. I've taught a couple of college classes and have newfound respect for teachers. Hope you enjoy your retirmement.
Cyberhillbilly
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