NASCAR likely needs to figure out rules regarding the flag as early as June 21 for TalladegaGETTY IMAGES
NASCAR said that it is working with the industry to "develop protocols around enforcement" of its Confederate flag ban, as the sport "embraces a more inclusive tone, claiming it's cracking down on what's seen by many as a symbol of slavery and white supremacy," according to Andrejev & Bonnell of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. NASCAR currently "lacks a clear enforcement plan," and the association "likely needs to figure out rules regarding the flag as early as June 21, when it begins allowing a limited number of fans at its race at Talladega." Beyond enforcement, it "needs to determine associated punishment and removal policies for those who do expressly display a Confederate flag on its properties" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 6/15).
SYMBOLIC MEANINGS: In N.Y., Juliet Macur noted some NASCAR fans are "furious" at driver Bubba Wallace "because they view the Confederate flag as being part of their Southern heritage -- not as a symbol of racism -- and thus an integral part of the sport, which has deep Southern roots." Wallace last Friday said, "To you, it might seem like heritage, but others see hate. We need to come together and meet in the middle and say, 'You know what, if this bothers you, I don't mind taking it down.'" Florida Southern College professor Matthew Bernthal said, "I simply don't think they had a choice right now but to ban the flag, given the mood of the country. But I think the brand's values have shifted because they have chosen to take such a strong stance." NASCAR HOFer Darrell Waltrip "warned people not to view complaints about the ban on social media as an indication that fans will leave the sport." Waltrip: "Everybody made idle threats but very few people that I know follow through." Macur noted Wallace used to mingle with fans in the infield "carefree and outspoken." But he said that he "can't be his 'happy-go-lucky' self anymore." Wallace: "Now I've got to be careful what I do. That's kind of the sad world we live in" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/13).
MIXED OPINIONS: Wallace said of the spectrum of reactions, "You're getting both sides of it. You're getting a lot of positive outreach, a lot of positive impact and gaining new fans as we go. And then you're getting the fans that will never watch a NASCAR race again" (USA TODAY, 6/13). In S.F., Scott Ostler wondered, "Who would have bet that NASCAR would take the lead among major sports organizations in tangible reform?" NASCAR knows it "will get huge blowback from fans on the flag thing." Ostler: "If I was a smart investor, with no conscience, I would invest heavily on the factory that makes rebel flags" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 6/14).
