Horwitz's encounter with Bud Sharpe, a pro-Rebel flag protestor in South Carolina helps him uncover the first clue. When Horwitz asks the man about his view on the Civil War, he says, "That's not why we're here. This fight's about today, about the ethnic cleansing of Southern whitesWe may have lost the War, but at least we should have this [the Rebel flag] to look back on. It seemed a wistful logic; the Cause was lost but the Lost Cause shouldn't be" (p.79). The protestor's sentiments point to the question: whether the reminiscence of this historical event serves as a symbol of Southern Pride, a defense of heritage, or as a statement of defiance against Northern Federal dominance.
First and foremost, devotion to heritage serves as one of the major reasons why a reverence for the Confederate South continues to exist. When he asks one of the Daughters of Confederacy why she is so unyielding about the Civil War, she responses, "The answer is family.Northerners say, 'Forget the War, it's over.' But they don't have the family Bibles we do, filled with all these kinfolk who went off to war and died. We've lost so much" (p.26) .
Additionally, through organizations such as the Children of the Confederacy, fervor for the past is passed down through generations. .
"Q: What causes led to the War Between the States, from 1861 to 1865?.
A: The disregard of those in power for the rights of the Southern states. .
Q: What was the feeling of the slaves towards their masters?.
A: They were faithful and devoted and were always ready and willing to serve them.
Q: Why? [Gettysburg is considered by historians as the decisive battle of the war?].
A: Because it was conclusive evidence to an unbiased mind that the Federal supplies and forces greatly outweighed and outnumbered the Confederate forces." .
The quiz bowl between the Children of the Confederacy affirms that the manic ardor to keep the memory of Civil War alive is prevalent not only among adults but also among children: "It was an impressive display of rote learning and reminded me [the author] of my own childhood passion for Civil War trivia, though this was a level of fine print I'd never reached" (p.