These kids are clearly racist. You and I don't disagree on that point. What I'm saying is that they're probably not completely aware of their own racism. That was the argument I was referring to earlier.
I'm not sure why you felt the need to bring Robert E. Lee's birthday into it, when you and I are probably about 95% in agreement here.
I know what you're saying, and its simply not true, nor is it the rule when discussing Trump and his literal white supremacist base.
If you're wearing a MAGA hat, and trolling native Americans, you know what you are doing. You know what your goal is. You know what the Hat means, you know what it represents. These aren't preschoolers. You also have the post from the parents. None of this is a tough call. They're racist, and know what they are doing. What you're talking about only applies to the repercussions. They might not be aware of what the repercussions are. But that is life. Rosanne and others are learning that lesson as well, so its not a age specific issue.
The confederate flag is not an apt comparison, as there was a time when people sort of shrugged at it. Some minorities loved dukes of Hazard, and even in fashion the flag was sported. Southern Rappers did as well. You still see cars with the bumper stickers in Los Angeles. No one is getting dragged out of their car and beaten for it. I mean the confederacy is one of those weird American things. Like how people must downplay the definition of racism, always have to leave the back door open for redemption.. always.
A kid isn't going to wear a jacket with a swastika in your town and get the same whatever reaction. Hell, people would likely engage him to find out where they can get one, but that is because its a clear sign of racism. I dont understand some of my own black people defending the Confederate flag to this day, as it represents southern heritage/lifestyle. (like when your dumbass was hung @ a picnic?) Anyway...
You genuinely believe the kid just doesn't know what hes doing, what his actions mean, what the hat means, what MAGA means, what his parents mean, etc. That stretches the fabric of reality. Thats all i've got on this topic. We're not going to agree that based on you teaching COLLEGE students and an anecdote about the confederate flag -- that some how means the most likely scenario is these teenagers are oblivious to their actions.
The robert e lee thing was just a joke. The nation hasn't matured much in its discussion of racism.