Annie and Evelyn Blog Post

Hello, my name is Evelyn Sanchez, and for this research project I will be analyzing the debate over the symbolism and display of confederate flags and how, by analyzing both sides of the argument, I can refute, but also confirm, stereotypes and popular assumptions about the south. I chose to investigate this topic because it is one that has been heavily prevalent here in Charleston, and because, as a southerner, I have been exposed to both viewpoints on this issue and feel like both sides have a competitive argument to make. My end goal with this project is to be able to determine whether one side makes a more convincing argument than the other. So far, I know that the confederate flag was representative of the confederate union of states that seceded during the civil war era and the reason that many people find it offensive is because they feel like it is meant to be a symbol of white supremacy and extremist views on slavery and its defense. On the other hand, people who argue for its display center on the fact that the flag wasn’t the actual symbol of the union but instead it was the flag used in battle, and therefore has a completely different meaning behind it than most people think.

My name is Annie Sautner and for this project I chose the topic of John C. Calhoun’s Positive Good speech to congress and how the speech shows us why harmful beliefs persist within Southern Culture. I chose this topic because while we looked at this speech during class, I found Calhoun’s arguments behind why slavery is beneficial very interesting. I think this speech is a great example of how harmful beliefs persist within the South because Calhoun justifies that human beings’ freedom and humanity being stripped from them as beneficial to the south and the white high-class. Calhoun also argues that slaves in other countries have it worse than the African American slaves in the South. I think this is one of the many examples in Calhoun’s speech that really emphasize harmful beliefs persisting in Southern Culture because Calhoun makes it seem like because others have it worse, slavery in the South is not such a bad thing. I also want to include how Historians have denied the myth that the south had nearly abolished slavery by the end of the American Revolution because it shows that Slavery in the South was present for much longer than many think. In terms of these belief persisting in the south today, I think that the confederate flag is a perfect example of that because many southerners still hang the flag proudly, even though the flag represents racists idea and advocation for slavery in many people’s eyes. 

Right away, it is evident that both of our topics have a common foundation in that the issues that we are researching stem from ideas that have been prevalent in the south for centuries, but that nowadays have been put up for debate and whose relevancy is being questioned. One half of the confederate flag stand is centered on how people perceive it as a racist symbol, the basis of this is heavily rooted in the extremist ideas that people in positions of power in our county have held for centuries. One of these examples being the Positive Good speech by John C Calhoun. Although this speech was not directly tied to the confederate flag issue, the general feeling of his viewpoints emphasizes why so many people find offense in its symbolism today. The great impact that these issues have on the citizens of Charleston are also greatly tied together. Just in the last couple of years, a statue of Calhoun and a confederate flag have been removed from public display because of how immense an aversion people felt towards them. 

 

Written by Annie and Evelyn.

Charles Town Landing

The site that I chose to go visit is Charles Towne Landing. This site is made to commemorate the place where the Europeans first landed in South Carolina in 1670. Being there felt like a peaceful retreat away from the bustle of city life. When one reaches the far side of the property, the downtown area, West Ashley, I-26, and the Ravenel bridge are clearly visible over the water. Despite being in a widely populated area and only about ten minutes from downtown Charleston, the site makes one feel like they stepped back in time. The entrance is lined with flowering trees and open ponds that are home to much wildlife. Within the site is found a great many different structures, animals, and historical artifacts aimed at teaching visitors about life back when people first arrived in Charleston, the system of slavery and the effects it had on the area, the relevance of the Native American peoples, and war and fighting techniques. At Charles town landing I was able to experience the old time-y feel of being on a plantation and walking up under the oaks towards the main house. Also I got to see where the slave graveyard was located and really acknowledge that much of the structural work of the location is thanks to the hard work of formerly enslaved African Americans who helped build, maintain, and uphold the place.

The owners of the plantation nowadays make a conscious effort to recognize the peoples that once lived there, and not just the relevance of the oversees settlers. Before moving to the Downtown Charleston area, formerly known as Oyster Point, the English settlers resided on Charles Town Landing. When they arrived though, they were not alone, a Native American tribe already lived there, and they offered a peace agreement to the settlers. There is a large pole that is about 20 feet tall, now located on Charles Town Landing called, “The Landing Brave”, that not only only represents the Natives, but also their culture. Carved into the pole itself is the image of a former Native American Chief. This pole is placed at the entrance to the mini zoo/ animal exhibition, and because the animals are a popular stop, the pole is assured its deserved recognition as people take a moment to take it in and appreciate its beauty.

The vast beauty of the site, and the fact that there is importance placed not just on one aspect of early southern life, but many different parts of it, make this site worthy enough to visit. It really is a great representation of the south considering it was the first stop for old world travelers to this state, and there is so much to learn about trading routes, African Americans, and the economy here from that time as well.

One of the parts of the site that I enjoyed the most was where there was a boat located that is intended to replicate the vessels used for trade and transportation in the Charleston area at that time. When I arrived to that part, there was even a guide waiting there for us ready and able to offer any information that we wanted to inquire about along with a sign that details trading in the area and its importance.

I believe that because the site makes a great attempt to acknowledge and represent all the peoples and aspects that were present there, that it is complete and truthful. Unlike other historic sites in the area, this place did not attempt to hide ugly truths behind beautiful scenery, instead they looked to appreciate and give recognition to all the various aspects and people that contributed to what the place is today. The site, in my opinion, challenged common stereotypes about the south and how we have always chosen to more greatly honor the white population and push the minority communities to the side.  This adds to my understanding of the 21st century south because it proves that we are making moves to be more accepting and beginning the much needed attempt to make amends for all the wrongdoings of the past.

A Southern Lunch Experience

Aside

When trying to decide where to go eat for my southern food experience, I really focused on the online menu that the restaurant had to offer, the reviews that past customers left, and whether the restaurant was a local small business vs. a chain restaurant. After reviewing all these criteria, I settled on the restaurant, Virginia’s On King, located on King Street. Having to make a reservation there for seating also reassured me of its credibility in terms of taste and service because it meant that enough people wanted to eat there daily that there had to be a wait list. Also adding to its unique southern authenticity was the set up of the restaurant itself. As soon as I walk in it feels as if I stepped back in time – exposed brick walls, southern scenic portraits on the walls, and I was greeted by the hostess in a very friendly way that exemplified southern hospitality.

Choosing what to order proved to be one of the hardest tasks throughout the course of this assignment because there were so many good options. I finally settled on what was called the Farmer’s Plate. Instead of a traditional meal, the client had the choice of picking four sides off the menu to incorporate into their meal. The sides that I went with were collard greens, lima beans and rice, macaroni and cheese, and grits.

These foods, especially the baked macaroni and cheese and the grits are staple pieces of the southern diet that I have seen almost on a daily basis having grown up here in the south. The collard greens and the lima beans were not as familiar to me, but as my lunch buddies were quick to point out, those foods too are key components of many southern meals. Grits especially can be found in nearly every breakfast place in the area and no meal, especially here on thanksgiving, can go wrong with a well baked plate of Mac n’cheese.

Aside from the incredible meal, the restaurant could have been the living description of southern service and hospitality. The morning before I was to go have a meal there, I made sure to book a reservation for one in order to ensure that there was a seat saved for me. When lunch time came around though, I was unexpectedly joined by two classmates and we decided to all go eat together. When I arrived at the restaurant, all but one table was taken up, and the hostess gladly agreed to allow me, along with my companions, to have a seat. We were immediately directed to a booth by the entrance and served glasses of water from a jug, not a spout in the wall like most other restaurants. Our waitress was very friendly and inquired about our needs a few times while our meal was being prepared. Each of us there had ordered vastly different things, from crab sandwiches to pimento cheese BLT, but despite the great contrasts in all our meal choices, the food was prepared in a timely manner and brought out hot and ready all at the same time so that we could enjoy our meal to the fullest together as any southerner would expect in their own home. The seating at Virginia’s on King was spaced enough to give every party their own space but set up in a way that made it feel as if all of us were there to share a meal together.

Despite the obvious differences in cuisine and setting, my experience at Virginia’s on King brought to mind the article about Theodore Peed’s turtle party. The way that the hostess received me and my unexpected companions so gratefully and aloud us to sit so quickly was the main relation that I felt to the article. It reminded me of how the people in the neighborhood or at the gathering did not have to be invited to join in on the fun, all they had to do was show up and be served great food that they could share with friends and family. My experience throughout this assignment quickly became one of comfort that made me feel at home and it made me come to realize how hospitable the places here are. There are so many other restaurants in the area that I am now very inclined to try out in order to get more of that homey southern feel that I was able to experience this week. Most of the time, when I go to a new resturant, I am very inclined to order a basic meal that I can trust instead of taking the risk of ordering something new, but now knowing that everything that I saw served at this restaurant was made with feeling and the ingredients of history makes me want to branch out and try all that the other places here in Charleston have to offer. Knowing that this was an experience that can be easily shared with others makes the work that much more satisfying.

 

Blog post by Evelyn Sanchez.

 

 

Church Street, Charleston 1944

When visiting the Gibbes Museum here in Charleston, one is presented with a great selection of art from many different time periods and depicting a great number of people and places. So, it would be relatively easy to miss sight of Karl Zerbe’s painting, “Church Street, Charleston 1944”. At first glance, the painting may appear relatively simple compared to its counterparts, but it is cause for much intrigue and historical context.

 (“Church Street, Charleston 1944”)     

This work is not just a very accurate depiction of the view down Church street in the mid 20th century, but it reveals how Charleston looked in the eyes of non-locals. Many of the paintings held within the Gibbes Museum speak volumes of what the people of Charleston wanted the city and its people to be seen as, and not always what was actually shown, which may lead historians to believe that the truth about Charleston and its beauty is slightly over-exaggerated, but seeing as this scene was crafted out by an Artist that came from Germany and resided in Boston, we can clearly see that the structural beauty of the city was clearly visible to all people. This painting is also very significant today because the fact that this scene in modern times is almost completely unaltered from how it was back in 1944 shows the value that this view and many others across Charleston still hold as historical standpoints in its citizens nowadays.

 (The View Down Church Street, Charleston 2021)

In a historical context, the painting also helps reveal in subtle ways how the city has grown and is seen mentally and in terms of population size. Zerbe’s strategic choice of only depicting one person in the scene most likely had a lot to do with his need to properly depict the buildings themselves, but seeing as the cars in the modern day scene indicate that there are now more people in the area other than the lone figure in the 1944 painting, that is a clear indication that the city of Charleston is now home to many new residents.

When studying some of Zerbe’s other works, one quickly notices that his subject matter is almost always people, but it appears that it was not until his visit to Charleston that he felt the need to include more realistic scenery to his paintings in addition to his typical colorful and impressionist style. This really shows the impact that his visit to this city made if he was willing to stay for a while and completely shift the focus of his artwork. Many people for these same reasons are likely to want to visit the city and also view the painting itself, because they see something that is unlike what they are accustomed to in this beautiful city.

One last historical component that I took note of when studying this painting is that despite being able to tell from the few spots of baby blue that are seen in the sky of Zerbe’s painting that it is indeed a nice sunny day, he chooses to make most of the background and sky a dark color, and he also blurs the tree that is seen as if to blend it into the background. This, despite the obvious beauty, demonstrates the almost dark and sinister aspect that is found within the scene of Charleston, and it may as well have been the artist’s attempt to discreetly convey the emotional and hidden historical past and feelings that are also widely associated with the area. Furthermore, it hints to the greater importance that is placed on the preservation of plants in wildlife as well as pollution awareness since in the modern depiction the viewer can spot many more trees and clear and clean sky.

 

 

Zerbe, Karl. Church Street, Charleston 1944. 1944, The Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston, SC.

 

The Gibbes Museum of Art, “New Acquisition.” gibbesmuseum.org/news/new-aquisition, Nov. 13, 2009.

 

Zerbe, Karl. Artnet Worldwide Corporations, www.artnet.com/Karl-Zerbe/3, 2021.

 

Sanchez, Evelyn. Church Street, Charleston 2021. 2021. iPhone photo.

 

Wall Text, 20th Century American Regionalism and the Charleston Renaissance. Church Street, Charleston 1944. The Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston, SC.