Trending hashtags like #Takedowntheflag and #Charleston9 have dominated social media networks the last few weeks.
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Play video “Weeping Lawmaker Rages Against Flag”.
“When the Charleston shooting happened, there was this tremendous outcry of support for the victims and families”, said Brandon Boatwright, Clemson Social Media Center Director. “Unfortunately, the Confederate battle flag has been adopted by hate groups – and individuals like Dylann Roof (charged with murder in the church shootings) – to supposedly represent them and their hateful view of the races”, Daniels said on his website.
“Heritage Not Hate”, was chanted though the day as many gathered to clear the name of their treasured flag. According to their research, those who wanted the flag down outweighed those who wanted to keep the rebel flag flying by 10 times.
The flag was then taken to the Relic Room where it was taken in by curator Alan Robinson. Just two years ago, Brad Paisley was criticized for recording a song called “Accidental Racist”, with rapper LL Cool J, that ultimately sought to explore racial tensions, but came across as naive and ill-advised. The Clemson research team says that not one state was left out of the conversation.
“The Confederate battle flag was a sign of defiance, a sign of pride, a declaration of a geographical area that you were proud to be from”, Daniels wrote.
In leading the call for removal of the Confederate banner, Haley has drawn surprising praise from GOP supporters previously opposed to removing the flag as well as foes who have accused the governor of pandering to archconservatives on almost every issue.
Clemson experts say celebrity input has been very influential and now, like John Legend, they’re shifting their attention to confederate monuments in other states.
“It was a great example of people of faith using their faith to heal, rather than to divide”, he said, in applauding the people of South Carolina’s actions.
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It welcomed the move to remove it, but said there was still work to be done to address discrimination.
