General Lee From “Dukes of Hazzard” Losing its Confederate Flag - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 06-24-2015, 01:43 AM

Link

Say goodbye to the General Lee as you’ve always known it.

In the wake of the deadly South Carolina shooting and the decision by several major retailers to stop selling merchandise featuring the Confederate battle flag, the toy spawned by the hit TV series “Dukes of Hazzard” that became a Southern icon wearing those colors will no longer be produced.

While the car hasn’t been in front of a camera since 2007 — a direct-to-video sequel of the 2005 movie starring Johnny Knoxville — the General Lee remains a popular die-cast and model toy, widely available online. (One of the original cars used in the series sold for $110,000 at auction in 2012 to PGA golfer Bubba Watson.)

Following the move by Walmart, Amazon, eBay and others, and the steps by political leaders in South Carolina, Virginia and elsewhere to remove the flag from state capitols and license plates, Yahoo Autos reached out to Warner Bros. Consumer Products, the branch of the movie studio that licenses toys from the series, asking about the General Lee’s status. This was the official reply:

Warner Bros. Consumer Products has one licensee producing die-cast replicas and vehicle model kits featuring the General Lee with the confederate flag on its roof–as it was seen in the TV series. We have elected to cease the licensing of these product categories.

At the time the “Dukes of Hazzard” premiered in 1979 on CBS-TV, the placement of the Confederate flag and the naming of the 1969 Dodge Charger driven — and often flown — by Bo and Luke Duke after the South’s most famous general drew few if any protests, a state that persisted through the end of its original run in 1985. The show was based in part on the real-life exploits of bootlegger Jerry Rushing, who had named his old Chrysler “Traveler” (with one “l”) after Lee’s horse.

Only in recent years has General Lee’s Confederate flag, and its associations with the defense of slavery and white supremacy in America, drawn more backlash. In 2012, Warner Bros. shot down rumors that it was removing the flag from the car, and fan clubs where replicas gather remain adamant in their display of the original.

But with the closing of most commercial outlets to Confederate-emblazoned merchandise, it was somewhat inevitable that the General Lee would meet a hurdle it couldn’t clear. Warner Bros. added that it would not license a General Lee product sans the stars and bars, but the lost sales will likely be minimal; while the show continues in reruns, there’s not been much movement toward another movie or TV series out of the “Dukes of Hazzard” universe. Much like that flag on its roof, the original General Lee has jumped into history.

DJM77 · 06-24-2015, 05:53 AM

When I was around 5 years old I saw a hat with a Confederate flag on it at a store and I begged my parents to buy what I thought was a "Dukes of Hazzard hat" for me. I don't know why on earth they ended up buying it. When I was a little older my dad wanted to wear the hat and he insisted that my mom bleach off the flag first. He had to explain to me why.

To me the Confederate flag symbolizes hate and segregation and I'm glad to see it go.

"The cross and the Confederate flag cannot co-exist without one setting the other on fire." - Dr. Russell Moore

wiseguy182 · 06-24-2015, 06:47 AM

Zoneboy, why did you feel obligated to put a rolls eyes emoticon on this thread?

Zoneboy · 06-24-2015, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiseguy182

Zoneboy, why did you feel obligated to put a rolls eyes emoticon on this thread?

I don't agree with Warner Brothers' decision. Next thing you know any station that chooses to air the show will digitally remove the flag and if that's the case then they might as well not air it at all. All things considered, it wouldn't surprise me if the series were banned from TV altogether and anyone who watches the show will be deemed a racist. This is a fun show that many kids grew up watching and enjoyed and it never done anything to intentionally promote hate but because of that nutcase it will probably not be looked at in the same way again. I hope that answers your question and for now it's all I have to say in the matter. Any further comments I may have will be taken to the threads in the politics forum.

tlc38tlc38 · 06-24-2015, 11:22 AM

^ I seem to recall back when The Hub or WGN (I'm not sure which station it was) aired "Happy Days", they blurred out the flag in an episode.

Mr. Television · 06-24-2015, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

I don't agree with Warner Brothers' decision. Next thing you know any station that chooses to air the show will digitally remove the flag and if that's the case then they might as well not air it at all. All things considered, it wouldn't surprise me if the series were banned from TV altogether and anyone who watches the show will be deemed a racist. This is a fun show that many kids grew up watching and enjoyed and it never done anything to intentionally promote hate but because of that nutcase it will probably be not be looked at in the same way again. I hope that answers your question and for now it's all I have to say in the matter. Any further comments I may have will be taken to the threads in the politics forum.

I do agree with you that there is nothing racist about that show. In fact the world would be better off with more shows like The Dukes of Hazard.

Marvo301 · 06-24-2015, 02:18 PM

Sadly it looks like the same thing might happen to "Dukes" that happened to "Amos and Andy" back in the day. It will unfairly be labelled as racist and be banned from the airwaves. I just wish people had half as much passion to rid our society of racism and hatred as they do for getting rid of the confederate flag!

Zoneboy · 06-24-2015, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

Sadly it looks like the same thing might happen to "Dukes" that happened to "Amos and Andy" back in the day. It will unfairly be labelled as racist and be banned from the airwaves. I just wish people had half as much passion to rid our society of racism and hatred as they do for getting rid of the confederate flag!

Amos 'N Andy was never banned from TV, the only thing CBS did was give-in to the pressure & removed it from syndication. IIRC, it aired on a station in Atlanta during the early 80's and also turned-up on a small independent channel a year or 2 ago.

Zoneboy · 06-24-2015, 03:21 PM

I wouldn't be surprised if these Alabama CD's/records are reissued with the flag removed.

Begather · 07-31-2015, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

I don't agree with Warner Brothers' decision. Next thing you know any station that chooses to air the show will digitally remove the flag and if that's the case then they might as well not air it at all. All things considered, it wouldn't surprise me if the series were banned from TV altogether and anyone who watches the show will be deemed a racist. This is a fun show that many kids grew up watching and enjoyed and it never done anything to intentionally promote hate but because of that nutcase it will probably not be looked at in the same way again. I hope that answers your question and for now it's all I have to say in the matter. Any further comments I may have will be taken to the threads in the politics forum.

I also agree with your point here. You have a valid reason for this.

cleverfun3000 · 07-31-2015, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

Sadly it looks like the same thing might happen to "Dukes" that happened to "Amos and Andy" back in the day. It will unfairly be labelled as racist and be banned from the airwaves. I just wish people had half as much passion to rid our society of racism and hatred as they do for getting rid of the confederate flag!

Regulus · 08-01-2015, 03:29 PM

The "PC" Gestapo/Red Guard mob should LOVE the animated series The Dukes. Why? The Beginning of each episode shows the "General Lee" Car going THROUGH a confederate flag, effectively DESTROYING it!

Vahan · 08-01-2015, 03:31 PM

And THIS is why left and right cannot get along with each other. Stereotypical thinking.

According to the right-wing extremists, ALL leftists hate this show, find it racist, and applaud Warner Bros. for banning it.

Zoneboy · 08-01-2015, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vahan

According to the right-wing extremists, ALL leftists hate this show, find it racist, and applaud Warner Bros. for banning it.

When was the show actually banned? I've only read that TV Wasteland removed it from their schedule.

Vahan · 08-01-2015, 05:58 PM

Warner stopped producing merchandise. That's enough for me to say they banned it.

06-24-2015, 01:43 AM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,338	General Lee From “Dukes of Hazzard” Losing its Confederate Flag Link Say goodbye to the General Lee as you’ve always known it. In the wake of the deadly South Carolina shooting and the decision by several major retailers to stop selling merchandise featuring the Confederate battle flag, the toy spawned by the hit TV series “Dukes of Hazzard” that became a Southern icon wearing those colors will no longer be produced. While the car hasn’t been in front of a camera since 2007 — a direct-to-video sequel of the 2005 movie starring Johnny Knoxville — the General Lee remains a popular die-cast and model toy, widely available online. (One of the original cars used in the series sold for $110,000 at auction in 2012 to PGA golfer Bubba Watson.) Following the move by Walmart, Amazon, eBay and others, and the steps by political leaders in South Carolina, Virginia and elsewhere to remove the flag from state capitols and license plates, Yahoo Autos reached out to Warner Bros. Consumer Products, the branch of the movie studio that licenses toys from the series, asking about the General Lee’s status. This was the official reply: Warner Bros. Consumer Products has one licensee producing die-cast replicas and vehicle model kits featuring the General Lee with the confederate flag on its roof–as it was seen in the TV series. We have elected to cease the licensing of these product categories. At the time the “Dukes of Hazzard” premiered in 1979 on CBS-TV, the placement of the Confederate flag and the naming of the 1969 Dodge Charger driven — and often flown — by Bo and Luke Duke after the South’s most famous general drew few if any protests, a state that persisted through the end of its original run in 1985. The show was based in part on the real-life exploits of bootlegger Jerry Rushing, who had named his old Chrysler “Traveler” (with one “l”) after Lee’s horse. Only in recent years has General Lee’s Confederate flag, and its associations with the defense of slavery and white supremacy in America, drawn more backlash. In 2012, Warner Bros. shot down rumors that it was removing the flag from the car, and fan clubs where replicas gather remain adamant in their display of the original. But with the closing of most commercial outlets to Confederate-emblazoned merchandise, it was somewhat inevitable that the General Lee would meet a hurdle it couldn’t clear. Warner Bros. added that it would not license a General Lee product sans the stars and bars, but the lost sales will likely be minimal; while the show continues in reruns, there’s not been much movement toward another movie or TV series out of the “Dukes of Hazzard” universe. Much like that flag on its roof, the original General Lee has jumped into history.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

06-24-2015, 05:53 AM	#2
DJM77 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: May 15, 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 5,553	When I was around 5 years old I saw a hat with a Confederate flag on it at a store and I begged my parents to buy what I thought was a "Dukes of Hazzard hat" for me. I don't know why on earth they ended up buying it. When I was a little older my dad wanted to wear the hat and he insisted that my mom bleach off the flag first. He had to explain to me why. To me the Confederate flag symbolizes hate and segregation and I'm glad to see it go. "The cross and the Confederate flag cannot co-exist without one setting the other on fire." - Dr. Russell Moore
	__________________ Marge: There are only 49 stars on that flag. Abe: I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missouri!

06-24-2015, 11:22 AM	#5
tlc38tlc38 Every day’s a Dolly day! Forum Star Join Date: May 02, 2008 Location: I’m just travelin’ thru Posts: 19,256	^ I seem to recall back when The Hub or WGN (I'm not sure which station it was) aired "Happy Days", they blurred out the flag in an episode.
	__________________ Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. Deuteronomy 15:10 In loving memory of my best friend, my Mama.

06-24-2015, 02:18 PM	#7
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,450	Sadly it looks like the same thing might happen to "Dukes" that happened to "Amos and Andy" back in the day. It will unfairly be labelled as racist and be banned from the airwaves. I just wish people had half as much passion to rid our society of racism and hatred as they do for getting rid of the confederate flag!
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

08-01-2015, 03:29 PM	#12
Regulus Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 07, 2011 Location: Port Orange, Florida Avatar - Poiuyt Posts: 3,371	The "PC" Gestapo/Red Guard mob should LOVE the animated series *The Dukes. Why? The Beginning of each episode shows the "General Lee" Car going THROUGH a confederate flag, effectively DESTROYING* it!
	__________________ Grail Shows: *Doc Elliot, Owen Marshall-Counselor of Law, Here's Boomer, Three for the Road, Holmes and YoYo* Bucket List Shows: *Hot Wheels, Skyhawks, Run Joe Run, Westwood*

06-24-2015, 06:47 AM	#3
wiseguy182 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 11, 2006 Location: Wendy's salad bar Posts: 7,030	Zoneboy, why did you feel obligated to put a rolls eyes emoticon on this thread?

06-24-2015, 03:21 PM	#9
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,338	I wouldn't be surprised if these Alabama CD's/records are reissued with the flag removed.

08-01-2015, 03:31 PM	#13
Vahan Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 14, 2008 Posts: 2,712	And THIS is why left and right cannot get along with each other. Stereotypical thinking. According to the right-wing extremists, ALL leftists hate this show, find it racist, and applaud Warner Bros. for banning it.

08-01-2015, 05:58 PM	#15
Vahan Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 14, 2008 Posts: 2,712	Warner stopped producing merchandise. That's enough for me to say they banned it.