Dixie Stampede in Branson, MO, Myrtle Beach, SC and Pigeon Forge, TN has a new name…. Dolly Parton’s Stampede. There was much talk about a name change, but the reality hit home after observing the new signage in Pigeon Forge; all remembrances of the supposed offensive word “Dixie” have been removed. This decision was made and quickly implemented after an August, 2017 Slate.com article was published. Dolly Parton has millions of fans, and many defend her by stating all the things she has done for literacy, her community and Sevier County during the 2016 fires. While Dolly Parton’s benevolence is admired and appreciated, Americans already know what she has done, and that argument has not helped. There is another question that should be asked regarding this issue…. How do the few rule the many?

Dolly Parton and the other owners are suave with their explanations. After thirty years of success, suddenly there needs to be a name change to expand the business to other cities. The argument does not quite make sense considering Missouri is north of the infamous Mason-Dixon Line and never seceded from the union during the Civil War. According to the author of the Slate.com article, she met people from Ohio and New York while visiting Dixie; she also conceded the fact that Dixie received mostly five-star reviews. Customers understand that “Dixie” Stampede would have done well at many locations.

Apparently, some things about the show were offensive. For example, the author complained that the show glorifies the Old South with no mention of the atrocities of slavery. Additionally, she criticized the lights on the southern belles’ dresses, the food and the placards on restroom doors. What the author misses in her attitude-filled rant is that the show is not meant to be a history lesson or Civil War reenactment. “Dixie” Stampede is not a museum, but it is a place of entertainment that demonstrates the north and south rivalry in a humorous way.

“Dixie” Stampede’s name change may not be a big deal to some, but what is next: The song “Christmas in Dixie,” Gone with the Wind, cotton clothing, grits? What about “Dixie” cups, “Dixie Chicks,” or all of the girls named “Dixie”? Do they need to change their names?

The big deal here is the few ruling the many. You have a few liberals getting offended, deciding there needs to be a change and then voila gone is heritage, patriotism, religion, etc. Flags are under attack, the national anthem is under attack, words are under attack; a choice needs to be made. Stand up to liberal bullies or start memorizing your Bible because they are coming after that soon.