Until, that is, a group of local ministers noticed a little something about one of the intricately-carved horses: placed just so along the saddle was... a Confederate battle flag. The artist, a 70-something local man, said he designed the horse in memory of the Civil War; it had never entered his mind that anything about his piece would be considered controversial.
A big public battle erupted, one that has still not subsided. The crux of the issue is whether the Confederate battle flag is a symbol of racial hatred. Some say it is. Others say it is simply an historical flag. This carousel, intended to be a symbol of unity, has created yet another divisive issue for our town.
Almost as soon as the debate surfaced, the horse was removed and replaced with another piece (there are a few extra animals, allowing zoo staff to rotate them for variety). The zoo board met with city leaders and the artists in search of a solution. The zoo director announced the Confederate horse will go back on the carousel, and a plaque describing its historical significance will be placed along side it, to assure riders that neither the zoo nor the artist intend to glorify slavery.
What do I think?
Good question.
As a wanna-be artist, I wonder how I would feel if I was accused of racism through my craft. I'm certain I'd be hurt, and angry, and defensive. I'd think, "Who are they to label me racist?"
As a person very interested in diversity issues, however, I wonder, "How could anyone in this day and age not know how much that flag hurts African Americans?" There are, after all, similar situations occuring in cities all over the nation.
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