Originally Posted by Alphagamuga (Post 1425898)

The news story above confirms your theory that Atlanta isn't as segregated as I thought.

As far as the second point, I agree it probably really hard for well educated affluent young black people to find places that they want to live and feel completely welcome.

I think the "cautious hesitation" may be fear of white flight, not so much fear, distrust, or hatred of black people. As you probably know, the city and the surrounding area have experienced shifting demographics; think about Clayton County 10-15 years ago and Clayton County today. South/Mid Gwinnett, 10 years ago versus today. They're demographically different. I think people have concern that any racial change is approaching the "white flight" tipping point. Sure, it's a little racist, but it's more worrying about other people's racist actions that you have no control over.

Originally Posted by shinerbock (Post 1425900)

I think its rough for black people because they have the stigma that they're the ones starting the domino effect, but in reality they're trying to get away from the same things the affluent white folks are.

Originally Posted by IvySpice (Post 1426451)

Agreed. It is perplexing, then, that people express so much pride in their ancestors. You can't control who they are and what they did, so what do YOU have to be proud of? If your pride stems from your association with their noble accomplishments, why shouldn't you feel shame about their shameful acts? You have exactly the same degree of connection to their evil acts as to any others.

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle (Post 1425702)

My ulimate point is that I hate to see southerners carrying the burden of a guilt which has been unfairly laid on their shoulders. I think that rather than dwelling on the past, it is better to look at the progress that has been made, and continues to be made, and do all we can to further the idea that all men are equal before the law. That's it - I just want you to feel you can state you love the south without feeling obligated to make a qualifying statement.

Originally Posted by centaur532 (Post 1426530)

Rather than dwelling on the past-southerners are still hanging confederate flags. That's dwelling if I ever saw it. Sorry.

Originally Posted by shinerbock (Post 1425651)

The research triangle is not southern.

Originally Posted by shinerbock (Post 1426534)

I don't agree. I think there are usually two reasons for hanging the flag. Either you're a white trash idiot who thinks we should secede again, or you're a southerner who is legitimately proud of their heritage. Unfortunately the former has ruined it for the latter.

There are a lot of things the south embodies that aren't present in the rest of the country. Naturally, people devoted to the south and proud of the values held here and the quality of life enjoyed here want to display that.

Originally Posted by Alphagamuga (Post 1425892)

Well, I feel better about how I was thinking about Ohio, but doesn't it seem weird that everything from Ohio to Nebraska would be Midwestern?

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle (Post 1426562)

Most people who want to argue that the Confederate Naval Jack is racist will point to the fact that the KKK marches with it - seemingly ignoring the fact that they also march with the USA flag. Logically, if the one is racist because the KKK uses it, then the other should be, too. They also march with a Christian flag - and I'm pretty sure that is not the use Jesus would like to see made of the symbol of the cross. Many southerners (myself included) absolutely cringe when any of the three aforementioned symbols are used in any hateful, ignorant manner.