Southern Myths and Cultural Memory

Overview

The lecture explores how "Gone With the Wind" and associated myths have shaped the cultural memory and identity of the American South, particularly around race, the Civil War, and southern resilience.

The Myth of the Old South and "Gone With the Wind"

• "Gone With the Wind" reinforces myths of southern elegance, gentility, and the Lost Cause of the Confederacy.
• The film creates nostalgia and eases white Southerners' guilt over the Civil War and slavery.
• The image of the antebellum South persists in American imagination, influencing how people perceive the region.
• Tourism and popular culture continue to market and romanticize the Old South.

Southern Identity and Values

• Southern culture values manners, hospitality, family ties, and rootedness.
• Many Southerners, both black and white, take pride in their regional identity despite difficult historical associations.
• The South remains distinct in character, retaining both historical strengths and challenges.

The Civil War and Its Aftermath

• The Civil War's legacy continues to influence the South's society and memory.
• After the war, Southern whites tried to restore their previous way of life, including white supremacy.
• Reconstruction brought limited new freedoms for African Americans, often undermined by Black Codes.

The Lost Cause Mythology

• Southern whites developed the Lost Cause myth to reframe the Civil War as a noble but doomed fight, minimizing slavery as a cause.
• Myths about states' rights and benevolent slavery were propagated in literature, film, and monuments.
• Confederate monuments and the Confederate flag remain controversial symbols, tied to historical white supremacy.

Race, Reconciliation, and Civil Rights

• The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s-60s challenged the values and legacy of the Old South.
• The Voting Rights Act and Civil Rights Act marked legal progress, but social tensions persisted.
• Black and white Southerners both struggle and strive to reconcile their shared, painful history.

Southern Resilience and Modern Challenges

• Southern resilience is showcased in the rebuilding efforts post-Civil War and after disasters like Hurricane Katrina.
• New Orleans exemplifies southern cultural fusion, with cuisine and music reflecting African, European, Native American, and Caribbean influences.
• Community events and food, like red beans and rice, symbolize regional pride and unity.

Hope and Looking Forward

• The South is making progress toward a more inclusive, colorblind society.
• Generational change and education offer hope for continued reconciliation and growth.
• Acknowledging the past is critical for building a better future.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Lost Cause — A Southern myth that reframes the Confederacy's defeat as noble and unrelated to slavery.
• Black Codes — Laws restricting African American freedoms, similar to former slave codes.
• Reconstruction — The post-Civil War period focused on integrating the South back into the Union and defining rights.
• Confederate Flag — Symbol of the Confederate States, now controversial due to its association with slavery and racism.
• Civil Rights Movement — Movement in the 1950s-60s aimed at ending racial segregation and discrimination.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Reflect on how myths and cultural memory influence contemporary attitudes about race and region.
• Review key terms and consider their impact on current southern society.
• If assigned, read further on Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement.