I’ve written about The Oxford American before on Genuine Kentucky. Great magazine. Outstanding, really.
If The Oxford American were a human, it would be a very well-read, profoundly interesting, with, colorful, and well-rounded individual.
With a Southern accent.
The newest issue (Issue Number 72) features author Barry Hannah on the cover. Barry Hannah, who died in 2010, was a gifted author who also taught creative writing for nearly 30 years at the University of Mississippi.
Hannah was a longtime contributor to The Oxford American and even had a story featured in its first issue. Featuring the prolific writer on the cover is a great tribute, as is the collection of reflections from his students, fans, and friends in a section titled “Barry Hannah in the World.”
Like all issues, Issue 72 of The Oxford American is filled (and I mean FILLED) with extremely well-written and thought-provoking short stories and essays.
While it was a tough choice, my favorite essay from this issue is Colors That Bleed. Written in honor of the Civil War’s 150th birthday, the essay looks at something that I, personally, feel very (VERY) strongly about. The Confederate flag.
While I always listen intently to other people’s opinions, I’ve never been one to shy away from giving my own. I suppose it could be counted as one of my best traits and one of my worst. Either way, I don’t know if I’ve ever bitten my tongue.
But I do know I won’t start now.
I HATE with a cruel, un-Christian hatred to see the confederate flag flying in the breeze. I HATE to see images of it on t-shrits, hats, jeans… anywhere, actually. It is not a symbol of the south, the rest of simply won’t stand for it. It’s a symbol of bigotry, prejudice, and intolerance. Those of us who are true Southerners and want our part of the country to be represented as it truly should wish all symbols of the rebel flag would fall off the face of the earth.
I told you I have no qualms about speaking my mind.
I love my home state of Kentucky and I love the south. However, I also love my country and love it dearly. I’m thankful and honored to call myself an American and I’m grateful that the Civil War turned out 
as it did. Extremely thankful. Merely saying the words “I’m an American” fills my heart with pride! If there are any people who don’t feel the same way, I’d be the first to tell them, “Planes fly out every day.”
I’m proud that when our Southern ancestors WRONGLY fought to secede, our ancestors from the North fought to keep them on the same team.
Both sides made mistakes before, during, and after the war – make no mistake about it but what some seem unable to accept is, THE WAR’s OVER! The good news is, we all won.
As the wonderful essay points out, the Confederate flag is still an issues for some people in the south. Those in favor fly is as a SUPPOSED symbol of Southern pride.
Sorry but that just doesn’t ring true. Those of us who are truly proud of the South are prouder of where we are now than where we were then.
Just a final thought: No one – and I mean no one – looks at the Confederate flag and thinks, “Ooooh, Southern pride.” We all look at it being worn or flown today and think one thing.
Redneck.
Well, I guess that little ranting diatribe best illustrates an earlier comment: The essays and short stories in The Oxford American are thought-provoking! The authors cause you to dig deep and think and, let’s face it, in an age where so much time is spent in front of technology, good old fashioned brain storms are just what we all need!
The Oxford American is excellent. Believe me, after you’ve spent a little time with your first issue, you’ll be anxiously awaiting your next. They’re always edgy, always fascinating, always interesting, always filled with mind-blowing photographs and art, and… yes, sirree…. always thought-provoking.
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