Part of the South that was

Comment to https://legalinsurrection.com/2021/04/wapo-fact-check-reveals-sen-tim-scotts-ancestors-once-owned-land-so-what/

The poor white trash version of a black person was what we now refer to as the “N-word.” They were one step below “white trash.” At the top of the non-white hierarchy were “colored gentlemen” who were usually a professional class being doctors, professors, school teacher, and lawyers, mostly. Not numerous, but they were allowed in white homes during certain occasions to socially mingle when white trash would never be allowed into a home for any reason whatsoever.

There were “white: and “black” families with very close personal bonds, and the older men in particular would be very close confidants, and you did not mess with these trusted advisor for all Hell would descend upon you. They would attain the title “Uncle” or “Aunt” which meant they were like family and had the authority of elders in that family, and again, you obeyed them and did what they told you to do, depending upon the family’s social status and rank relative to your own. I understand this authority was derived from the “white” side of the family.

My family was not white trash, but certainly of a lower caste. There were “black” people who were allowed to correct our behavior and keep us in line. I was slapped around by quite a number of older “black” men and women, and deserved every bit of it.

The texture of life was complicated. There was a lot wrong with the old South, to include a high degree of corruption, but positive attributes as well. It’s a shame that what was good about it was cast aside with the bad, but the bad needed to go.

One last thing. My ancestors on my father’s side were drafted into the Confederate Army. They did not have much choice about. One was killed, one was maimed for life, and the other deserted and somehow survived the war in hiding and on the run as if he were caught would have been executed. When people spit on and want to tear down our monuments to these people it boils my blood. I despise their intolerance and ignorance. Sometimes in life, all you get are bad choices. Choosing does not make you evil. It may mean you made a bad choice in the eyes of others who are not in your position, but it does not make you evil. I hope they are never faced with such choices.

Sorry that you got BSR genuflecting. Old people do that. – Brave Sir Robbin