Confederate flags fly high at the Coke Zero 400
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — At most NASCAR races, it's usually the checkered flag that spectators like to keep their eyes on.
But following recent events, there's another flag that has become the topic of sometimes heated conversation.
"It's not a racial thing. It's a heritage thing," said Chris Harrison of Jacksonville.
Harrison spoke to First Coast News on Saturday from the in-field at Daytona International Speedway. The iconic track is hosting thousands of people for Sunday's Coke Zero 400.
And like many of those in attendance, Harrison adorned his family's RV with a number of flags, including the Confederate and American flags.
"Me and my father-in-law were raised in the South. That's what we're going to display," he said.
Many other fans feel the same way.
"It's just our heritage and our Southern way of life. And it makes us happy when we're able to show something that represents us," said Jason Clark of Palm Beach.
Clark has been flying a Confederate flag at Daytona for 25 years. This year, one of his has the words "Heritage Not Hate" written on it.
"It means there's no hatred. There's no racism with that flag. There's no discrimination of people," Clark explained.
But some people now question that after the shootings deaths last month of nine African-Americans inside a South Carolina church.
The accused killer, Dlyann Roof, was pictured with the Confederate flag and other images of white supremacy before he was arrested and charged with the crimes.
Many civil rights groups and political leaders have since demanded the flag be banned from public display, calling it an outdated symbol of oppression and hate.
But that is not how all people see it.
"They're trying to take something that shouldn't be an issue and make it an issue," Harrison said.
Clark added, "It's just a bunch of hype over something to point the problem at, and the flag is not the problem."
For the first time, Daytona responded to the controversy by telling fans they would give them a new American flag to fly in exchange for handing over their Confederate flag.
It was intended to be a step toward making sure no one felt excluded or uncomfortable.
But track officials and many fans said they do not know of many people, if anyone, who has taken advantage of the offer.
Clark said, "It's a nice offer, but people with the Confederate flag are not just going to give it away."
As for Harrison, he does not have plans to take it down anytime soon.
"We're just displaying our freedom of rights," he said.
source:
Confederate flags fly high at the Coke Zero 400
................................
Just in case you're wondering if a Good'ol Southern Boy gives a **** if you like the Battle Flag or not.