South Carolina has removed the Confederate Flag from its statehouse, but despite calls from the NAACP it’ll be slightly more difficult to expunge Confederate symbols from Georgia’s Stone Mountain monument. The monument features the visages of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, all carved into the side of a 825-foot rock outcropping in a park northeast of Atlanta.
“No problem,” says artist Mack Williams. Williams has started a Moveon.org petition suggesting a reasonable compromise: just add Outkast to Stone Mountain. He’s not suggesting that the state remove or damage the existing carving, just that they throw a little Stankonia on it. Here’s his proposal:
I believe it’s important to recognize the history and heritage of all Georgians. However, the carving of Davis, Lee, and Jackson on the side of Stone Mountain only represents a small, regrettable time in the history of the Peach State. It’s high time we added a bit more of our history and culture to this monument.
By no means do we wish to erase or destroy the current carving, which, regardless of its context, is an impressive and historic work of art. We simply wish to add new carvings, of Atlanta hip-hop duo Outkast, to the mountainside. There’s plenty of room.
I believe that Daddy Fat Sacks and Three Stacks should be carved riding in a Cadillac (as is their wont). This will help the new carving blend nicely with the Confederates who are on horseback.
Outkast are two of the greatest Georgians in the history of our state. It’s about time the Empire State of the South paid proper tribute to them, while also improving a great monument and tourist attraction.
The petition already has more than 8,000 signatures, and is looking to hit 10,000. Andre 3000 has yet to make a statement, but Big Boi has retweeted several links to the petition.