With intense interest, I have been following the report on “The Talbot Boys” Statue. The timing of this community conflict does, indeed, coincide with the trauma in our country focusing on racial issues. Such violence and the conditioned behavior of those who have been taught to hate those of differing skin color, religion or any other ethnic differences is most shocking to all moral individuals. The term that I used,” being taught to hate” does originate from a famous Roger and Hammerstein production, “South Pacific.” The lyrics, “you have to be carefully taught to hate and fear__” describes the racist theme that was beautifully depicted in this production. I have researched this behavioral dysfunction which I did describe in my novel, Family Secrets: A Journey of Good and Evil.
Yes, The Talbot Boys were Confederate soldiers who fought to defend racist slave owners but these young men were carefully taught to hate and to defend their beliefs. In spite of my personal distaste of the positioning of this statue in front of our court house, it is right and just to recognize the beliefs and courageousness of others even if they were misguided in the loss of their young lives. However, as councilwoman, Laura Price’s recommendation to review the possibility of constructing another statue in honor of our Union soldiers demonstrates her wisdom and morality.
Dr. Fran White
Easton
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