what is the towns history of caring for and excusing emily's behavior?

I believe that the old southern values and traditions are reflected in the revealing of her death. Their " poor Emily" was no less than a cool-blooded killer, like the once dreadful slavery had also been for many people. If they had just opened their eyes they would have seen all the defects and faults in their heritage, and not only Homer Barron but also other men's lives could have been saved. But I guess the love for their cherished Old South made them blind.