Harley-Davidson Bans Battle Flag On Dealership Shirts
Harley-Davidson has "tweaked" a long-time policy which bans its dealers from selling t-shirts bearing the Confederate battle flag symbol.
HD released this statement. “It’s been our longstanding approach that the Confederate flag may not be used by the company, its licensees or its dealers in connection with the Harley-Davidson trademark or logo, on any products, signs or other materials,” a statement from H-D said. “We have, over time, made a very few, short-term exceptions in which the Confederate flag appeared in a design with the Harley-Davidson brand. These exceptions were primarily in the historical context, understanding that for some of our customers and dealers, the Confederate flag represents a very rich and proud heritage. These designs were reviewed on a case- by-case basis (for example, there was a small group of designs approved to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and were primarily available at dealerships near battleground sites).
This recent action has some dealers upset. Russell Abernathy, owner of Abernathy’s Harley-Davidson in Union City, Tenn. made this post on Facebook which quickly went viral, “As of today, we have been informed Harley-Davidson will no longer let any Harley Davidson Dealership sell any T-shirts with the Confederate Battle Flag on the back. This is truly a sad day in the History of the United States. Pray for the future of this country, as it needs help now. God Bless America!!!!!!!!!!"
In 1977, Harley-Davidson released a Confederate Special Edition model with the flag painted on the gas tank.
The statement continued, “In light of recent events and the evolving cultural discussion surrounding what the Confederate flag represents, we, like many other companies, have taken a very close look at how our brand has been used in conjunction with the Confederate flag…and will no longer consider limited exceptions to this approach. We believe this is consistent with Harley-Davidson’s role in welcoming people from all walks of life into our family of riders and fostering the common bond our brand represents in uniting riders of diverse backgrounds and experiences.”
118 comments
I can’t believe Harley Davidson would bow down to political correctness. I am very disappointed, and I think it would have been a wise decision to just say nothing instead of taking a stand. I am very proud of my confederate heritage, and I know a lot of Harley riders that feel the same way. I wonder if victory feels the same
My grandfather & my father were both bikers , taking pride in our AMERICAN built H.D. brand . Living by the old saying ( if you have to ask ,, you wouldn’t understand ) We three AMERICAN generations were all Vet’s as well ,, taking great pride in our country !!! Not so much in our government! !
We there are also of native AMERICAN desent ,, that being said ,, it stands to reason we also took / take great pride in our Southern roots !! We are Cherokee! ! That also being said ,, H.D. ‘s own words come in stark relief to the fact that they now cower down ,, and allow a segment of our population to infringe on the rights of another segment of our population by their atempts to deny us our heritage! !
If we are ever to be free & share this earth together , we must have respect for one another !!!
Respect doesn’t mean I have to respeCT others heritage but they need not respeCT others !!
I will at my earliest ,, sell my H.D. and buy an INDIAN !! And hold my head high ,, knowing I stand for my AMERICAN Heritage !!!
Indian Motorcycle Looking Better And Better !!!!!
Hey Harley Davidson >> KISS MY ASS. You flipping sellouts. You just lost
Harley Davidson should take a hard look at how many diehard Harley owners they are offending by banning the Confederate flag. I for one am in the market for a new trike and was considering a new Harley Tri-Glide but will now consider an aftermarket trike with the S&S motor. I have bought 3 Ultras in the last 5 years the 14 Limited is probably my last. That and I no longer stop at every Harley dealership I pass on a ride and buy a T-shirt for my wife and myself. Rethink it Harley Davidson don’t be PC!