I have always marveled at the intellectual bankruptcy and lack of historical knowledge among some Confederate heritage advocates. In addition, they seem entirely unable to engage the people they despise in public. Take this exchange on Connie Chastain’s blog:
Here’s the talk in question. Or here:
I guess we now know why “Austin” is so afraid to reveal his identity. Talk about a “bluffing, posturing shaman.” There’s not a specific criticism from Bradford. Perhaps that’s beyond her intellectual capacity. After all, if I was telling “Yankee lies,” what were they and why was she so skeered to confront me in front of all these people with the cameras rolling?
You tell me.
By the way … no sweat.
Given that these sorts of Confederate heritage buffs are so abysmally ignorant of history (and so timid in the face of the people they claim to criticize), one wonders exactly what function “heritage” serves for them other than an expression of their preservatives and prejudices (seasoned with anger, envy, and fear).
Crossroads 
That is precisely the “function “heritage” serves for them”. The South, like it did for the ‘night riders’, the KKK, the segregationists and racists of Jim Crow and the many snake oil salesmen has given them something to hide their “prejudices (seasoned with anger, envy, and fear)” behind. They do not honor the fallen so much as use the fallen for their own gains and power trips. Needing to be relevant and believing propaganda has led so many astray that the South, instead of rising as we should, instead of honoring our ancestors as we could, instead of proudly bearing witness to their sacrifice, remains mired in racial animosity, anti-government, anti-education, anti-science, anti-liberal, secesh flagger mentality. THOSE are the chains we need to throw off and decry!
I think, Dr. S., you are feeding the beast.
It is sport.
You would have to identify the beast.
The uninformed, vocal when convenient opposition…. Conflict for some folks is sport. … I’m torn between wanting rants to cease and wanting to see your turns at bat.
Sometimes I find it best to let people speak for themselves. You’ll see a case of this tomorrow.
I think Janice has a crush on you.
Dr. Simpson,
I very much enjoyed your presentation about Gettysburg, which I had not seen before. Well done, extremely informative and just the right amount of humor. While I can tell that you know far more about Gettysburg than I do, I can also recognize someone who fully understands their subject matter.
It’s interesting that “Janice Bradford” claims to have stayed to watch your presentation but apparently didn’t have the nerve to question what she believed were inaccuracies on your part. It’s pretty easy to sit back and toss around insults on the Internet. Of course, she doesn’t even bother to detail what faults she found in your presentation but instead just lays out a blanket smear.
These are the type of folks that give individuals who are involved in Southern history and preservation efforts a bad name. I’ve met some of them and have had discussions with them. I learned that these types aren’t going to change their minds, no matter how much logical, factual information you put in front of them. (My “favorite” was a woman who told me Ben Tillman really wasn’t a bad guy.)
However, I can also say I’ve not come across these people spouting off this type of foolishness in a public arena, or someplace where they could be called out. Perhaps on some level they comprehend their weak position – not whether issues such as secession and slavery are worthy of debate, but simply that they don’t know enough to debate them in an articulate manner.
Just my two cents …
The presentation was detailed, reasoned and well argued. I have no doubt that others with an equivalent level of knowledge on the topic covered, expertise and thoughtfulness could offer contrary views and opinions on particular points. I am also confident that from that exchange of views everyone’s knowledge could be broadened. Janice and Austin are offering shallow, ad hominem attacks and nasty invective. All heat. No light. My guess is that in lieu of in depth knowledge or a practical ability to have a substantive discussion or argue the merits, they choose to lash out, resort to name calling and get personal. Seems to be the way of the comment sections on many blogs unfortunately.
Professor Simpson,
I honestly believe it takes a gathering, a mob, if you will, of like-minded ‘Southern Heritage’ types to instill the ‘bravery’ needed to attack any historical and factual presentation of the American Civil War. Hence the reason for no confrontation in a large public gathering that would call for actually knowing what history is truly about.
It’s easier when everyone around you chants the same chants and hates the same people.
Keep doing what you are doing, as the differences between ‘heritage’ not history always stands out in the process.
Sincerely,
Neil
Great presentation. I really enjoy your dry sense of humor, which, unfortunately, seemed to simply go over the heads of some in the audience. Especially liked your “They hadn’t put the monuments out there to tell people what to do.” Thanks for sharing. As with Cotton Boll Conspiracy above, I had not seen this either. Just curious. Would it be possible to create a folder on your blog where you post videos of this any other presentations you have done? Just leave them there as a reference library for future use?