It took them long enough but NASCAR has finally banned the Confederate flag at their races, thus causing what ought to be quite a meltdown among their fan base.
At nearly every NASCAR race, a common sight is a Confederate flag flying somewhere. It’s a reminder that systemic racism continues to exist and that the South still isn’t over losing the Civil War.
It’s a symbol of white supremacy and slavery that continues to be worshiped to this day. It’s a flag of traitors that should have been retired upon the end of the war in 1865. But NASCAR has allowed the flag to fly for decades despite the hatred, bigotry and division it represents.
But now, in light of mass protests across the country against racial injustice and police brutality, NASCAR is finally trying to make things right.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the racing giant announced that the Confederate flag is no longer welcome at their events.
“The presence of the confederate flag at NASCAR events runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and our industry,” the statement said. “Bringing people together around a love for racing and the community that it creates is what makes our fans and sport special. The display of the confederate flag will be prohibited from all NASCAR events and properties.”
Several of the top drivers in the sport have come out in support of the decision, including Jimmy Johnson and Bubba Wallace. The question is how will many fans take the news? After all, NASCAR is based in Florida, a southern state, and a large sector of their fans live in the South and voted for Donald Trump in 2016. They must be enraged by this decision. However, it was a necessary decision and it’s about time NASCAR did the right thing. True NASCAR fans will support the decision and get back to enjoying the car races instead of promoting division and hatred between members of the human race.
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