- John G. Lee, Editor of The Carolina Conservative E-Newsletter
A few weeks ago FOX News reported that a professor at an Alabama university and an Alabama Democratic legislator had filed a petition to remove the word "Dixie" from the "Heart of Dixie" slogan on Alabama’s license plate. I listened carefully to the professor’s reasoning for wanting the word "Dixie" removed. She commented that it was offensive to her and that she wanted the word removed. I guess no further explanation is necessary. It really must have been a slow news day as I expected better from Fox . The professor interviewed goes on to say that the word "Dixie" held her back, whatever that means. Intelligent talk coming from a college professor, don’t you think?
This is political correctness gone completely mad. With the N-word, the F-word, the B-word and now the D-word, I fear that I will need to haul a laptop wherever I go to keep up with all the politically correct words that the thought police have allowed us to use. Here is the scenario; I walk into the SaveWay store asking for a couple of Alka Seltzers and a D….cup. The clerk charges me $29.98 for the purchase and throws a woman’s bra on the counter.
With the elimination of the word "Dixie" from daily conversation, certain problems pop up. Like what to do with the Winn-Dixie store in town? You could call it "Winn D" but then you run the risk of getting it mixed up with Wendys just down the road. What will happen to Dixie Carter (the actress)? Will she have to end her career due to loss of name? Dixie Darling bread? Forget it. Ever thought how a small town can have a founder’s day without a Dixieland band? The Dixie Dream Motel on Hwy 301 North…Bye-bye; although The Dream Motel has a restful ring to it I would imagine.
I like listening to the Dixie Chicks but in the name of political correctness, I’ll have to listen to my dog Gus yawn. The Dixie Stampede…Dolly, take your racist dinner and show and go back to Tennessee. How about Dixie Youth baseball? Personally, Youth baseball just doesn’t do it for me.
I am definitely NOT politically correct and anyone will tell you so. This is what the word "Dixie" means to me. Dixie means Spanish moss hanging from live oaks. Dixie means saying yes’mam and no’mam and please and excuse me. Dixie means holding a door open for a lady as you exit or enter a building. Dixie means NASCAR. Dixie means country music played at a respectable level so as not to disturb your neighbors or fellow motorists. Dixie means standing and removing your hat during the National Anthem. Dixie is a state of mind and not a state of hate. Dixie is my home. Happy Trails.
The writer is editor of The Carolina Conservative and resides in Hamer, SC.
