Dukes movie Confederate flag caused conundrum

daily-report.com ^ | 12-30-04 | Tom Guarisco)

[Ellesu]

The cast member on the Dukes of Hazard movie that had the filmmakers scratching their heads has not been publicity-drenched Jessica Simpson or her rabble-rousing smart-ass co-star, Johnny Knoxville.

It's the General Lee, the bright orange 1969 Dodge Charger central to all Duke boys escapades. More specifically, it's the Confederate Flag emblazoned on the General's roof, a symbol that has become quite the object of controversy since the original TV series' seven-season run starting in 1979.

The filmmakers didn't want to alienate modern audiences, the Wall Street Journal reported recently in a story headlined "Flag wavering." Nor did the moviemakers want to anger long-time fans by tinkering with the Warner Bros show. "So they struck a compromise with the studio."

Quoting a source involved with making the film, the Journal says the film includes scenes where the flag is "derided as an inappropriate symbol of the dark past."

For example, Bo and Luke ask a group of African-American college students for directions. "Is this a joke? Some kind of reality show?" one of them asks. Bo, the dimmer of the Dukes, explains the flag is cool and that their friend Cooter, a Civil War buff, painted it when he fixed the car. But Luke understands, and explains to Bo that some people find the flag offensive and a "symbol of slavery." That Luke, he always was perty' smart.

[Old Professer]

Try the Manhattan Project.

[Dan from Michigan]

As a Dukes fan, I'm going to skip this movie.

There's no substitute for the original.

[bourbon]

I think I'm going to hurl ping.

[Colonel Kangaroo]

...it was always necessary for Grant's star to fall in order for Lee's to rise in the years between 1890 and 1930 when the "Lost Cause Myth" hit full stride.

I agree that the Grant story is part of the myth, but I don't see how it can enhance Lee's reputation to have been defeated by a drunk.

[NJ Neocon]

Then why are you an American? Do you fly the flag of the United States?

[GianniV]

Hello - Northern US Ships use to bring slaves to the US and then sell them to the South. So, I guess the US Flag is racist too (and all the flags of US states that were in the Union until 1863).

[GraniteStateConservative]

"Jessica never tries to be sexy. She just is sexy. If you put her in a T-shirt or you put her in a bustier, she's sexy in both. She's got double D's! You can't cover those suckers up!" -- Joe Simpson

[NJ Neocon]

Your 100% correct. There are many counter-intuitive aspects to the Lost Cause Mythos. Lee being defeated by a Drunk is one.

Of course, many Lost-causers then fall back on Jubal Early's spinning - Grant could be a Drunk, because his armies where so huge, Lee had no chance.

They get the best of both worlds.

[hattend]

She's nice but she's no Katherine Bach.

Suck it in, Jessica!

[azhenfud]

No offence was intended your way.

However Grant, although he had a low tolerance for alcohol, did drink to excess, and even more so whenever he and his wife were separated for whatever reason. Maybe Julia was his stay.

[NJ Neocon]

The price of America's orginal sin (The enslavemnent of human beings as chattle property for profit) was paid for by the lives of 600,000 Americans.

[reg45]

"There's a black guy around here that has a Confederate Flag plate on the front of his car. I've not asked him why. But I will one day just out of curiosity....."

Maybe he's just a proud southern boy.

Maybe it came with the car!

8-p

[Dan from Michigan]

Yankee's idea of a Georgian... Not just Georgians. Mississippians and Alabamans, too.

You mean it wasn't meant as a compliment when Ann Arbor liberals called Michigan "Michissippi" during the John Engler years?

[NJ Neocon]

None taken friend.

I disagree, respectfully, that he drank often. He just drank poorly.

Your 100% correct. Julia was his life. He drank most and worst when he was away from her for long periods without communication.

It's a pleasure to discuss this topic rationally and without emotion.

[todd1]

I am personally offended by the Kwanzaa flag

[nj26]

"She's nice but she's no Katherine Bach."

Agreed. Jessica Simpson is pretty, but she can't match Catherine Bach. Daisy is supposed to be drop-dead gorgeous, but she's also a tomboy. Jessica Simpson always seems so prissy. I bet she doesn't know the front end of a rifle from the back end.

[NJ Neocon]

EVERYTHING about Kwanza offends me!

[NJ Neocon]

Agreed. Jessica Simpson is pretty, but she can't match Catherine Bach. Daisy is supposed to be drop-dead gorgeous, but she's also a tomboy. Jessica Simpson always seems so prissy. I bet she doesn't know the front end of a rifle from the back end.

Amen!

[bourbon]

...Ann Arbor liberals called Michigan "Michissippi" during the John Engler years?

That's really funny. I hadn't heard that before!

[builder]

I understand your indignation ;BUT ;please see post #22 and tell me that Jessica Simpson won't do JUST FINE in this role.