Confederate statues stand strong, backed by powerful groups

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The presence of Confederate statues still runs deep, even in Wilmington. Investigative journalist Shaun Assael shares that the monuments are backed by one group in particular that may be quiet, but they are mighty.

“Confederate monuments have turned into tribal dog whistles,” said Assael.

Assael says the monuments throughout the South have driven a wedge between the nation that is wider than ever.

“Seeing the shouting matches that were going on in front of these monuments. And the groups are divided into two camps. They’re called “Hate vs. Heritage.” At least, that’s what the bumper sticker slogan is,” said Assael.

That led Assael to dig deeper to uncover what the supporters really stood for. This resulted in his recent article in Glamour Magazine titled, “The Secret Fight to Save Confederate Monuments.” He found out what these supporters really think about the statues.

“Building the narrative of the Civil War not being about slavery – about being about states’ rights, secession. About all the things that matter today. And that’s why I think it’s a fight over political power, and not over the meaning of slavery,” said Assael.

Assael spoke with the United Daughters of Confederacy and discovered that the group is very much alive, and has a lot of soft power.

He says the group’s belief is that these monuments signify their history and ancestors who lost their lives.

But the opposition sees the statues from a different perspective.

“They find it offensive. They find these statues as constant reminders of a time when they were disenfranchised. When horrible things happened,” said Assael.

Assael says political power has fueled the fight. Ultimately, he sees one solution.

“Contextualization about adding language. Not necessarily toppling history, but adding to history with more speech,” said Assael.

Assael thinks there can be a happy medium, but that the divide between the groups is just so powerful.

We reached out to the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Sons of Confederate Veterans for comment, but they did not respond.

Click here to read Assael’s article in Glamour Magazine.