Most people are exposed to American history early in elementary school. I lived all my elementary school years in states that claimed allegiance to the Confederacy: Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. So my introduction to the Civil War was rather sympathetic to the Confederacy. I even read biographies of Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis as a youngster. The places I lived were still steeped in Southern Heritage (that’s what people were, and probably still are, expected to say when referring to racist assholes).

for example:

Q: Why is that guy such a bigoted jerk?

A: Oh, I assure you he’s a really nice guy. He’s just very traditional.

Q: I see. That would explain why his boys are named Nathan, Bedford, and Forrest.

A: Exactly. I’m so glad you understand. So many of you … um … outsiders … uh … have difficulty. But you seem okay.

But I digress…

The South is brimming with churches. Among the most devout Christians are members of the black churches. Even way back then, I asked why. Why is it that these people, many descended from freed slaves, chose to perpetuate the religion surreptitiously forced on their ancestors along with the permanent bondage. When I came to learn more of the African slave trade, I discovered the role played by the Muslims of North Africa and the Middle East. The same problem exists. Why would one choose to reward the gods of his oppressors with his own fealty?