Harley-Davidson has "tweaked" a long-time policy which bans its dealers from selling t-shirts bearing the Confederate battle flag symbol.
HD released this statement. “It’s been our longstanding approach that the Confederate flag may not be used by the company, its licensees or its dealers in connection with the Harley-Davidson trademark or logo, on any products, signs or other materials,” a statement from H-D said. “We have, over time, made a very few, short-term exceptions in which the Confederate flag appeared in a design with the Harley-Davidson brand. These exceptions were primarily in the historical context, understanding that for some of our customers and dealers, the Confederate flag represents a very rich and proud heritage. These designs were reviewed on a case- by-case basis (for example, there was a small group of designs approved to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and were primarily available at dealerships near battleground sites).
This recent action has some dealers upset. Russell Abernathy, owner of Abernathy’s Harley-Davidson in Union City, Tenn. made this post on Facebook which quickly went viral, “As of today, we have been informed Harley-Davidson will no longer let any Harley Davidson Dealership sell any T-shirts with the Confederate Battle Flag on the back. This is truly a sad day in the History of the United States. Pray for the future of this country, as it needs help now. God Bless America!!!!!!!!!!"
In 1977, Harley-Davidson released a Confederate Special Edition model with the flag painted on the gas tank.
The statement continued, “In light of recent events and the evolving cultural discussion surrounding what the Confederate flag represents, we, like many other companies, have taken a very close look at how our brand has been used in conjunction with the Confederate flag…and will no longer consider limited exceptions to this approach. We believe this is consistent with Harley-Davidson’s role in welcoming people from all walks of life into our family of riders and fostering the common bond our brand represents in uniting riders of diverse backgrounds and experiences.”
118 comments
Well I guess taking a stand an fighting for your beliefs is a forgone thing! An to think Holister an the AMA gave issues for HD owners but they stayed even through the AMF disaster huh. Gave up on Dixie for what the suit an quarterly earnings. . Walter , Arthur , Willam’s I am truly sad, an a Road king owner.
In regards to Harley Davidson Motor Company Separating themselves from The Confederate Flag. I ask “Really” When will we as Americans Stand Up for ourselves? This was Not a War Against Blacks or Whites, It was the North against The South. If we keep Erasing or Past, what is the Point to even teach History any more? I am Offended by the Lack of Courage that Today’s America has become. We have grown to be Spineless and Coward’s. We have No Support for Supporting Right, we are dictated on who to be. I am Offended That Harley Davidson has decided to be squished in to this corner, when most of the riders of their products, Stand Tall to defend their Brand, Their Heritage and Their Country. But yet Harley Davidson as folded to this. Harley Davidson RIP.
I think it is a sad day when a company that has for so long been associated with Americana, caves in to the rantings of those who actually misunderstand the Confederate Flag, and for what it actually symbolizes, and uses it to further their warped agenda. These people are NOT the majority, and I would expect more from Harley Davidson. A sad day indeed.
I am not American therefore offer an outside view, it saddens me that there is a hasty rush to erase a history that your people should cherish as it has made you who you are today. No country and no flag flys free of any errors that will be seen by future people’s. By banning this flag you will only create a divide in your people which will result only in hate. We outside of your country view that flag as a representation of rebellion not hatred. Good luck
The Stars and Bars is only a Battle Flag. Nothing more. It may be offensive to some, but only because they have nothing else to be offended by. The “do gooder- touchie feely” folks have lost site of reality. People say the “flag” is a symbol of slavery. If history is correct, it was the Black man in Africa who stole (kidnapped) black men and sold them into slavery. So, Blacks are the root of slavery, not Whites. Maybe white people should be offended by the use of words like “cracker” or “Honkey” (as in Honkey-tonk) The flag did not kill anyone. A very sick human did.