Hello all–
Question for the group, in reviewing I came across a sign for Bedford, Virginia. Eligible under any normal circumstances. The pic was slightly tilted, but not enough to cause concern. The description was good, the supplemental information was also good. They both highlighted the sign itself and the pedestrian access. No issues.
On the sign welcoming people to the city there were 12 emblems. One of them was a Confederate Flag. (Pic below)
We all know Niantic’s stance on the flag. Does that make this entire nomination ineligible for inclusion on the map? I honestly can see both sides.
This might be something specific to the Southern USA, but I’m sure every region has it’s version of the Confederate flag and the controversy it may bring with it.
I tried to google search that photo just in case that symbol could have any other meaning, but no, I came up with this (that i didn’t pay to read) Confederate group to celebrate in Weatherford
(I hate to think what is Google is going to suggest for me now.)
And yes, I would reject this for this one hate symbol, just like I would reject it if profanity had been spraypainted across it.
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As much trouble as that flag could imply, that still appears to be a reasonable welcome sign with local groups and businesses highlighted. I would vote to approve that one
Edit: I checked most of the other orgs listed on that sign and they are all reasonable, aside from the Sons of Confederate Veterans group.
I live in the region and travel in VA. While it’s not uncommon in some areas to see individuals displaying various iterations of the confederate flag, I’ve never personally seen it on a city-sanctioned sign. This symbol belongs to the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
While the group is not listed among hate groups by organizations that monitor those sorts of things, it is generally considered by many a hate sign. I would say if you wouldn’t accept a German historic sign (word is banned), I wouldn’t accept that, but people will differ.
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interesting, as the info I was finding about Bedford and the Civil War point to some of their soldiers actually serving on the Union side.
https://thebedfordcitizen.org/2014/11/bedford-in-the-civil-war/
However, I think throughout the US South, there were many organizations that may not have the impacts supporting the Confederacy as they once did (I’m going to assume all veterans from the Civil War have passed away by now). But, doing some digging into SCV, they have opposed the removal of Confederate monuments and flags, and have worked in the last decade to actually create larger ones in their place.
They even protested when NASCAR no longer allowed the display of the flag at their tracks and events by flying a banner over a race that said DEFUND NASCAR; they clained the banning of the flag went against their 1st amendment rights, which it doesn’t, as NASCAR is a private company, and they can censor what they’d like.
SCV has also been accused of racism by several chapters of the NAACP and other Black/African-American groups, especially over their promotion of having a Confederate flag fly in every county that was a part of the Confedercy.
Lastly, some members are members of more well-known extremist groups, especially higher ranking members. So, even though they may not be listed as a hate group per say, there are issues, especially with the use of the Confederate flag in their logo, actions taken in the past, and other groups their members belong to.
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Yes, no issues with the other groups on the signs. We have Elks, Lions, and Rotary clubs where I live, and they are quite charitable; one of the Rotary clubs in my city does a big fundraiser for our non-profit zoo every spring by raffling off a Harley Davidson motorcycle, selling the tickets to raise the money. I see a sign for a theater group as well as an arts group, too. The SCV sign is really the one that I have an issue with.
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Given the position, it’s going to be really difficult to crop it out. What about a picture just of the crest or logo right at the very top?
