Yesterday, we shared with you a story about the community calling for the removal of the Nathan Bedford Forrest, located off I-65N. Since then, we have learned of the removal of the Confederate Flag from other places.
Locally, Acme Feed & Seed, owned by Tom Morales, has removed the mural painted by Shelia B. A Facebook page formed called Boycott Acme called for the removal of a five foot painting that “prominently displayed the Confederate Flag.” Nashville Mayoral Candidate, Charles Bone, is an investor in the Acme Feed & Seed. Bone asked that the artwork be removed.
Acme Feed & Seed owner Tom Morales confirmed its removal in a statement to The Tennessean on Saturday.
“In light of the recent events, Acme Feed & Seed has removed the piece of artwork so as not to confuse anyone about Acme’s, our investors’ and our supporters’ commitment to all people of Nashville,” Morales said.
He called the artwork “satirical commentary on Southern culture” from a local artist Shelia B. Ware, who has “renowned ‘tongue in cheek’ collections” at the Ryman Auditorium, the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and the Tennessee State Museum.
“It is unfortunate the full context and story behind Sheila B.’s art is failed to be recognized in this instance,” he said. “We apologize for any distress this may have caused.”
Time Magazine reports, the Dukes of Hazzard Warner Bros.’ consumer division says it will stop licensing toy cars and models featuring the General Lee with the controversial flag on its roof.
“Warner Bros. Consumer Products has one licensee producing die-cast replicas and vehicle model kits featuring the General Lee with the confederate flag on its roof — as it was seen in the TV series,” a spokesperson said in a statement to EW. “We have elected to cease the licensing of these product categories.”
Amazon, eBay and Etsy have joined fellow retailers Walmart and Sears in announcing that they’ve removed all merchandise featuring the Confederate battle flag from their stores reports the Consumerist.
Today’s parade of retailers yanking rebel flag merchandise comes after the racially-motivated massacre at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston last week that left nine people dead.
“We believe it has become a contemporary symbol of divisiveness and racism,” eBay spokeswoman Johanna Hoff said in a statement. “This decision is consistent with our long-standing policy that prohibits items that promote or glorify hatred, violence and racial intolerance.”
Etsy’s statement is along the same lines:
“Today, we are removing confederate flag items from our marketplace,” the company told Mashable. “Etsy’s policies prohibit items or listings that promote, support or glorify hatred and these items fall squarely into that category.”
Presidential Candidates are weighing in on the removal of the Confederate Flag.
Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican presidential contender, said in an interview with POLITICO, “The flag is inextricably intertwined with human slavery and bondage, and it’s time for it to go to a museum.”
Fellow candidate Donald Trump expressed a similar sentiment. “I would take it down, yes,” the billionaire real estate mogul said. “I think they should put it in a museum and respect whatever it is you have to respect.”
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