Well, it’s a very specific reference to American history, well known on this side of the pond.
After Jefferson Davis was captured, the Union put it about that he’d been taken in women’s clothing, trying to sneak away like a coward, belying the propaganda image of the proud Southern gentleman whose sense of honor would permit no such act.
I don’t claim to have the best answers, but I certainly oppose letting vulgarians melt down significant works like the Baltimore Jackson and Lee statue. The woman who created it was screwed over by the US government quite enough while she was still alive, we don’t need to destroy any of her remaining work.
At some point everyone has to choose between positive and negative action. I’ve made that choice; I’m a defender, not an attacker. There’s only so many hours in the day, and I’d rather make a positive difference in the life of a child than smash up other people’s stuff. Sorry if that sounds unfashionably earnest; I’m not a good writer.
