Contested Landscape: Confederate Symbols in America

In July of this year, the murder of nine African-American
parishioners at the Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, South
Carolina reignited a longstanding debate about the Confederate
flag. Soon after the shooting, South Carolina lawmakers voted to
remove the flag from the State House building, and many other
states followed suit. But while some Americans applaud the decision
as a victory against racism and hatred, others argue that the
flag’s removal dishonors the memory of those who died defending the
South. On this episode of BackStory, we’re looking at how memories
of the Confederacy have shaped the nation’s landscape, from the
rebel flag to the silver screen. The Guys will hear what symbols of
the Confederacy mean to African Americans, explore Hollywood’s love
affair with Confederate heroes, and find out why one Civil War
re-enactor changed his mind about his heritage. How have
generations of Americans revered and renounced the Confederacy
since its defeat 150 years ago? Correction: In an earlier version
of this episode we stated that Richmond's Monument Avenue is the
only street on the National Register of Historic Places. There are
several streets on the list. We regret the error.

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