Re: Tar Heels.
It's complicated. Of course it is. The origins, predate the confederacy, yes. It was a pejorative later adopted as a point of pride. There was very likely some Lost Causeism going on when @UNC took the nickname.

However one hopes in 140 years that Tar Heels has transcended its origins and early uses. Just as Carrboro itself is completely wonderfully antithetical to its namesake, Tar Heels means Tar Heel athletics - beautifully diverse teams - much more than any 18th-19th century use.

Having said all that, I recognize my privilege and will step back and listen. It's important to hear from people that don't look just like me.