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 am very disappointed in Harley Davidson for making this decision. I’ve been collecting shirts from different dealerships for the 150th Civil War Anniversary and would like to continue to purchase shirts that consists of the Confederate Battle Flag. I cant believe Harley Davidson would jump on the media band wagon instead of educating people of the true meaning of the Confederate Battle Flag and the Civil War. I now will take a pledge to never buy any Harley Davidson Merchandise….
I disagree with this policy because as a black biker, I proudly wear an “Iron Elite” patch on my vest commemorating when HD honors black riders on an annual basis. It’s only fair that if us blacks get singled out and get recognition by HD, other groups do.
I hate to say it but rednecks have played just as a strong a role in shaping the image of the modern biker as our WWII vets and black outlaw bikers of the 50’s. Even the mc POBOB has a rebel flag on their center patch.
To discontinue the display of rebel flags on HD gear opens the very valid argument of getting HD to discontinue it’s yearly Iron Elite campaign. I’d be highly against them doing that.
Way to bow down to the political left,i thought the HD brand was tougher than that, I’m truly disappointed in this decision to exclude a large number of Harley Davidson riders. Shame on you for giving in to the pressure
This is sad. As a veteran with a deep study on history and tactics and facts. I know this flag is not racist. The small percentage speaking the loudest are getting their way. It appears HD has no backbone now. I am sure their are more confederate supporters than not.
This (political correctness ) has gotten out of hand. Of all the companies that I assumed would take a stand against loosing a historic symbol of rebellion, I figured harley would have a back bone. Notice I used a small H in harley, that’s all they deserve after over 100 years of American made bikes, since they don’t want to stand behind America and continue to use the confederate flag at places like Gettysburg on dealership shirts. Shame on you cowards.