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Confederate Flag Research Paper

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WATKINS GLEN (WENY) - After a gunman opened fired at a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina, nearly two months ago, it sparked a conversation across the country over the symbolism of the Confederate Flag. That's because the man behind the crime was seen posing in pictures with the flag, which is also viewed by many as promoting racism, rather than Southern history. The debate prompted many industries to stop the sale of merchandise showing the Confederate Flag, including NASCAR. Whenever attending a NASCAR event, whether it's in Daytona or right here in Watkins Glen, you can certainly expect to see Confederate Flags flying on campers and in the grandstands. While many argue the flag represents racism in America, NASCAR fans say quite the opposite. "Heritage, you know it's heritage. It's about history. You know, it's not racism. It has nothing to do with racism. Heritage not hate. I don't hate nobody," says NASCAR fans attending the Watkins Glen International racetrack, Bill Whalen and Chris Stanley. Every …show more content…

NASCAR stepping in saying they will continue to disallow the use of the Confederate flag symbol in any official NASCAR capacity. "As we continue to mourn the tragic loss of life last week in Charleston, we join our nation’s embrace of those impacted. NASCAR supports the position that South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley took on the Confederate Flag on Monday. As our industry works collectively to ensure that all fans are welcome at our races, NASCAR will continue our long-standing policy to disallow the use of the Confederate Flag symbol in any official NASCAR capacity. While NASCAR recognizes that freedom of expression is an inherent right of all citizens, we will continue to strive for an inclusive environment at our events," says NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications, David

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