I believe that the Civil War, or the War Between the States, or however it might be styled is over, and there's no need to bring it up. Likewise, it's a pretty good idea in terms of general goodwill and national amity to downplay those the Confederate trappings. After all, why offend anyone? Indeed, it's only a small number of people, typically a discontented underclass, that goes in for that it the South nowadays; and most often the Late Unpleasantness is something that Northerners bring up for purposes of being pains in the backside. However, I must report seeing Confederate symbols and redneck trappings being displayed in an unexpected setting: The Hamptons! Yes, I went there once on down time while working as a textbook rep. I wanted to see how my Betters lived.
Having done so, I wondered: Is this an example of the wearing of clothing as an ironic expression?
Are these, or their parents, migrants to that area from the South, as opposed to natives?
Are these people doing it to annoy their sophisticated neighbors?
Or, just maybe, there is something else transpiring. Possibly nostalgie de la boue . . . .
I did some sleuthing. The Confederate fans spoke in what appeared to be New York or Connecticut upper class accents, talked about their bonds and trust funds, and drank martinis and expensive chardonnets, instead of Bud and Jack Daniel's. Their rides were Beemers, Mercedes, Lexuses, or Lambroghinis. There was just a lot of fauxness going on, as Crazy Chester would say.
Clearly, in their attempt to grope the latest trend, they went to the outskirts of the social universe. The avant garde is like pornography or an arms race; it becomes increasingly difficult to be always in the forefront.
For these people, the Confederate symbols are an expression against the status quo. But are these people Hank Williams, Jr. or Lynyrd Skynrd fans? How would they respond to Freebird?
For these people, the Confederate symbols are an expression against the status quo. But are these people Hank Williams, Jr. or Lynyrd Skynrd fans? How would they respond to Freebird?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 comments:
The South Hamptons will rise again!
You missed out on "The War of Northern Aggression" as one of the popular names for "The Late Unpleasantness." And I must say, Confederate symbolism or not, that's a very nice bikini.
Those Faux Rebels are doing something like a Renaissance Faire, aren't they? Come to think of it, isn't the Burning Man Festival another one of those?
Confederate flag bikinis are popular with the Hooters crowd. I did enter one of their contests once, but I didn't wear the Stars and Bars.
That chick in the Confederate bikini is incredibly hot! Why don't you pose in one also?????
Some still fight the Civil War.
I can just imagine those New Yorkers getting it off to Sweet Home Alabama or Freebird.
She is hot!
Thst's what I like about the South!
The Confederate flag bikini got a lot of positive responses!
Rachel, the latter-day fighting of the Civil War seems to originate often from people who just want to slam the South.
Bilbo, there's a number of alternative expressions. Why not call it the Late Unpleasantness?
Hell Hound, I think I'll pass on that.
Post a Comment