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
I find your removal of the confederate flag offensive to the memory of those great Americans that gave all in a war to save this nation from what it has become today…your over all lack of historical knowledge concerning the cause and effect of the civil war is why we are where we are with this issue today…I also have a long memory and I remember the “motor company” doing all it could to distance itself from the skull and bones outlaw crowd of yesteryear to having skull n bones on virtually every piece of merchandise the “motor company” sells to the public today… http://a3.boncdn.com/i1/17efcde9/239343e1/556529566.jpg
It is sad that the main reason people buy motorcycles is being thrown down. People ride bikes because they like outside the norm being rebelious. Making their own way,we hate people who dont ride deciding what we must do! That was the problem then the north pushing their ideals on others it became do what i tell you or ill beat your ass ,and just like that it was on like donkey kong. Most of us Southerners don’t hate the blacks as they hate us but that flag appeals to that rebellious teenager that wants to stand and be recognized. You can ban the Southern Cross but the spirit will live on.
Surprising as Harley has always stood as being different. Defiant even, in the face of conformity. Rebels against the man. The Confederacy was defiant in the face of government oppression. Really, Harley doesn’t deserve to have the flag on any of their items as they have become the sheep they used to abhor. So long Harley, don’t need ya.
Hmmm I guess I need to rethink buying a new street glide……
Well since you have chosen to jump on the ban wagon and you don’t know yout history of the Confederate Flag…I thought Harley Davidson was “Better then That” to take sides…so I will not purchase anything Harley Davidson . You REALLY ought to think about what your doing