Wednesday, June 23, 2010

We Know Our History - Part I

I'm guessing that by now, most of you have read somewhere about the nomination of Nikki Haley as the Republican candidate for South Carolina's governor.  It's made news all over the country.

The LA Times began one of their articles with this:
In a break from the state's racist legacy, South Carolina Republicans overwhelmingly chose Nikki Haley, an Indian American woman, to run for governor and convincingly nominated Tim Scott, who could become the former Confederate stronghold's first black GOP congressman in more than a century.

It continues:
In a fitting twist, Haley planned her victory party at the entrance to the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum.... (Tim) Scott, 44, also a state lawmaker, beat Paul Thurmond, son of the late U.S. senator and former segregationist Strom Thurmond, in the runoff.... The GOP-leaning district stretches down the Carolina coast and includes Ft. Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

I am thrilled for both of these nominees and the fact that they are both brilliant up-and-comers on the national front.  I voted for Haley and would have voted for Scott if I lived in his district.  However, I am so tired of how the rest of the country continues to highlight unflattering events of my beloved state's history.  We are an easy target, no doubt.  However, this "steel magnolia" is not alone in her frustration.

I get our history.  I understand my own family's contributions, neither blatantly benign nor malignant. My father's family were large plantations owners throughout the Low Country of South Carolina.  He grew up with "the help", having maids and cooks in his home in Columbia and another cook when the family summered at their home at Pawleys Island.  I just finished reading Kathryn Stockett's book The Help and I admit that I felt uncomfortable at times reading it.  Although I know my grandmother and grandfather were very generous and caring to Elsie, I wonder what sometimes went on in her mind and heart.

But there is another side.  Another story.  One that if you don't live down here, you might not understand or have any knowledge of it at all.  I hope you will read it in the next day or two...

16 comments:

  1. looking forward to the next part of the story -- hope you are enjoying your break darling...I have a little something for you over at mine xx

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  2. I will most certainly be back to read Part 2!

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  3. All eyes and ears to hear the stories...

    I loved reading The Help.

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  4. I've been reading your blog for a little while now. I am interested in reading more as I am feeling the same way. I am a Yankee transplant and have grown to love this state I now call home. We are neighbors (well, kinda). ;)

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  5. I have lots to say about this and I agree with you, we are easy targets so we will talk in Nantucket! Looking forward to reading part 2!

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  6. I'm with PG&S.

    I think the LA Times article was a desperate attempt to stir up some drama. What would otherwise be an average, quite boring election coverage article, they've tried to stir up some emotion. Well, LA Times, we aren't biting. It's all been done before. Try actually just telling the story.

    (Yep, we could talk on this subject for quite a while.)

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  7. I think if some of those non-southern journalist could spend a few months in the south they would have a very different perspective. Great entry and look forward to your next post.

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  8. So incredibly typical of journalists (Yankee or not) to continue to spread the "Southern Hate" thread. Just makes me want to scream.

    Waiting with baited breath for part 2!

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  9. I understand where you are coming from - like dogs with a bone, the media refuses to let go and holds onto long-time stereotypes, especially where the South is concerned. New York and L.A. like to think we are less aware, less progressive and looking to them to be lead in the right direction. Get real. I hope Nikki Haley does well in her bid for governor - I'll be watching!

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  10. I have the same feelings as you, Beverly. Can't wait to read the next entry to the story.

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  11. Nikki Haley is a breath of fresh air! We need it!

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  12. Oh what truths you speak, Bevy! I get soooo sick of MY south's "reputation" and the rest of the country thinking we need them to tell us how it is.
    Looking forward to Part 2 ! XOXO

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  13. Good post and great points! :)

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  14. I can't wait to read more. Even though I'm a yankee, I totally LOVE the South and hope to transplant there someday....at least our son will be in SC for 4 years!

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Thanks for your sweet comments... They make my day just that more Golden!