Latitudes and Attitudes

WTVM - Columbus Georgia ^ | cmorgan@wtvm.com

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Even though the Civil War ended in 1865, America still has some battle scars. It's been said, "time heals all wounds," but when it comes to your sense of pride and lifestyle being hurt...it can take longer.

The Civil War has been called the turning point in the young life of America. Four bloody years of fighting that pitted north against south. Many are still fighting it.

The North had it's immigrant workers and industry. The South -- plantations, slaves and an agricultural economy. The two clashed in the Civil War. The conflict took more american lives than any other.

Hollywood makes movies about it. National magazines feature it. Shortly before the Civil War began, Confederate General Robert E. Lee predicted it would last at least four years. He said northerners didn't appreciate the determination of southerners. Southerners didn't appreciate the resources and numbers of the north. Both sides can appreciate the impact of a war when touring a place like Andersonville. Tens of thousands of soldiers are laid to rest in this former prisoner-of-war camp in South Georgia. You'll even find a New Yorker next to a Tennessean.

"It's an amazing thing that we ever passed some of that and healed some wounds," said Jean Hamman of Wisconsin. "There are scars. It's amazing we've come as far as we have."

While we've come a long way since the 137 years since the Civil War, many say there are still some beliefs that will never die."

Just ask Jerry Alexis of Pittsburg.

"We have some rednecks that have a confederate flag on their truck. We glance at them and wonder about their character and so forth."

"The whole attitude that the accent means we're slower. They make fun of it," said Joellen Arrington of Thomasville, Georgia. "I think there are truly a lot of differences between the way we live and the way they live. I don't think a lot of those things will ever change."

Alan Marsh is a U.S. Park Ranger at Andersonville. He believes opinions of the Civil War are formed largely depending on where you're from.

"If you were living up north at the time, you saw pictures of living skeletons returning home from Andersonville. If you were southern, Andersonville was something you wanted to forget and as time went on, you wanted to defend," said Marsh.

Many feel as each generation evolves, the negative stereotypes fade a little more.

"I have noticed a lot of differences between the 70's and then 80's, 90's and 2000. It's getting better," said Vincent Smith of Columbus.

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Attitude Adjustment Bump!

[stand watie]

every time i see one of these anti-southron articles i want to go call RUFFIN FLAGS and order another 3d National!

free the south,sw

[billbears]

Just ask Jerry Alexis of Pittsburg."We have some rednecks that have a confederate flag on their truck. We glance at them and wonder about their character and so forth."

Well, by God, Jerry. That's probably some good folks. Why don't you go introduce yourself? Wait a minute, you're from the north. On second thought, forget it. You wouldn't understand the truth if they told you anyway. And when you didn't you'd just yell at them until they walked off.

[4CJ]

"The whole attitude that the accent means we're slower. They make fun of it," said Joellen Arrington of Thomasville, Georgia. "I think there are truly a lot of differences between the way we live and the way they live. I don't think a lot of those things will ever change."

Thank God!

[Moose4]

Hmm. My wife and I were in Columbus, GA last weekend exhibiting at a craft show there (she makes and sells jewelry). The show was in their convention center, which is a renovated WBTS cannon foundry, very neat place. I'd never been to Columbus/Phenix City but the people were great. Still can't beat the folks around Macon though...we do two shows in the Warner Robins area every year (down in Houston County near Perry) and they are just the nicest people I've ever met, bar none.

Those "rednecks with flags on their trucks" are working people just like you, Mr. Guy From Pittsburg. Show them and their heritage the same respect that you expect for yours.

}:-)4

[stand watie]

YEP i did.

there was no more scalping on our side than on the damnyankees side. BOTH of us can be ashamed of that one day.

free dixie,sw

[stand watie]

YEP i did.

there was no more scalping on our side than on the damnyankees side. BOTH sides can be ashamed of that one day.

free dixie,sw

[Colt .45]

Everytime a damnYankee sees the Battle flag he thinks "damn Rebs". Only thing is that the dumbasses forget that this nation was founded with the spirit of rebellion strong and alive. For liberty and independence we seceded from the British. Had the South won its bid in 1861-1865 history would be portrayed differently. The South was predominantly Scotch-Irish descent, the North being mainly of English or German ancestry at the time. But if you look at history, those two races were more concerned with empire than freedom. Gee, now one would really wonder why the damnYankees were hated so much? (Sarcasm on full).