The American Civil War has, understandably, never been an easy topic for the people of the country. More specifically, the Confederate flag is a very tough subject. It’s a token of pride for some while for others, it is a heartbreaking reminder of all the oppression and bigotry that has taken place for centuries. Here is a story that explains the long-lasting impact it has on many.
In an Atlanta suburb, Allison Brown saw a contract she had recently hired pull up to her home in an SUV that had a giant Confederate flag. And let’s just say, she did not let it slide.
Brown said to the contractor in a polite manner: “Hi, you know what I do apologize. I know you’ve come from a very long way but we’re going to use someone else.”
Her husband Zeke added that she was upset with the flag. Allison jumped in and stood up for herself, saying that she was “beyond upset” with the flag.
“Why would someone think that it’s acceptable, as any kind of business person, to show up at a job site with that rag, no matter who the client is? …I’m whiter than fresh milk and and would not do business with someone who did that,” one person later wrote on Twitter in support of Brown’s response.
Why would someone think that it's acceptable, as any kind of business person, to show up at a job site with that rag, no matter who the client is?
I'm whiter than fresh milk and and would not do business with someone who did that.— Shana LeBeau (@shana_lebeau) July 3, 2019
The contractor offered to take the flag down but at that point, it did not matter. Brown knew what he truly believed in – physical flag or no flag – so she did not want to give him her money.
“No, you don’t need to take it down. You can continue to believe what you need to believe, sir. But no, I cannot pay you for your services. Thank you, have a good day.” After she politely let him down, he got into his car and drove away.
“Bravo to this strong woman for turning this racist away after refusing his offer to take it down, drawing the link between the flag and his beliefs,” another supporter wrote on Twitter.
Bravo to this strong woman for turning this racist away after refusing his offer to take it down, drawing the link between the flag and his beliefs. https://t.co/qXHeuYUf5J
— earthRISE 🌎 (@PureShakti) July 2, 2019
As more and more responses rolled in, all in support of Brown, the story soon went viral. People all over praised her ability to stand her ground and fight for what is morally correct. And she did it all with respect — sure, she turned him down, but she did it in a very polite and admirable way.
While the history of the Confederate blag can be a bit of a blur, a poll conducted in 2015 found that “Fifty-seven percent of the country saw the flag as a symbol of Southern pride, including 66% of all whites and 75% of Southern whites. But 72% of blacks saw a symbol of racism,” via Upworthy.
While the true meaning and history of the flag can be debatable, the contractor should have been a bit more sensitive before pulling up to the Brown’s household with it on full display. Clearly, all of that pride seemed to get in the way.
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