Southern fan . . . better keep your head

EmBleve

I agree that the sterotypes of southerners hold some validity--but only in SOME members of the population, just as with all 'stereotypes'. I was raised in NC, but my parents were transplanted here from Cleveland, OH right before I was born (people here called them 'damn yankees', and I was always seen as 'weird' because my parents had northern accents and whatnot). It all depends on the individual, and stereotypes or judgments, although everybody does it to a certain extent, are just that--judgments. Living here, I know, personally, MANY such individuals about which the OP speaks.. and they disgust me (but hey, I've also seen them in other parts of the country). Racism is definitely alive and well, folks (unfortunately). But that is not how I think, nor what I believe or how I was raised, and it infuriates me to be lumped into some category based merely on my geographical location (or my southern accent--which happens ALL the time). It's absurd, and ignorant. Some of us down here are somewhat worldly and educated and have an open mind (and there are just as many like me as there are those who aren't).. imagine that. Take THAT, honey boo boo.

STAYSEA

riotgrl wrote:

As someone who was saying harsh things about the south in that original thread, I will say that much of my harshness has to do with frustration. I am frustrated being a southerner and always being depicted as some backwoods redneck that is intolerant and full of hate. I know much of that comes from the media but if you aren't well-acquainted with the south or southerners (and isn't that true of anywhere?) you have a tendency to believe those stereotypes. And in all honesty, I do find a lot of subtle racism amongst my friends and family (and if I'm to be honest, then I have my moments as well :oops: ). I think having the conversation about racism is a good thing - hard to do, hard to hear things that might be harsh truths, but ultimately I think it could clear away those misconceptions. Of course, conversations that sensitive are easier to have in person because then you can read those emotions, like frustration, that aren't always clear when you're typing words and using emoticons to express yourself

People from the North are far more judgmental than people from the South. I

I feel this way because, it's happened to me. Sometimes (every time) , I've traveled North, humans I cross paths with are prejudice when they find out where I'm "from".

Any thing I say is discredited or dismissed because I'm obviously slow minded. It's often thought I ride a horse to work.

I have too many stereotype images about the North. For example, most of them are very rude, it's always really cold, no one can drive, and most of them use a lot of hair products.

I'm sure none of them are true.


I only think of rude behavior because the Northerners I've meet that visit my South Backwoods country farm, display these manners. No one honks the horn of their car, where I'm from. If Honking is to be done, it's usually a WARNING, not a vulgar display of road rage.

Just watch videos from Pearl Jam Shows. I know I personally can't tell a difference between countries even.

It's sad the actions of a few individuals can impact an entire culture's image. I believe this is true for every culture.



North Carolina has been painted in a negative light. I thought it was full of Methamphetamine Chemists, and Hill dwelling folks with no shoes. It's actually very beautiful and the people are friendly.

I don't think the BBQ is anywhere close to Texas BBQ but I'm not starting that debate.

(I don't own a farm, a horse or been to a backwoods. )

I have lived in two cities. Miami and Houston. They are a major Hub for immigrants. I've met more people from other countries than people born here. Immigrants eventually become Southerners. In the end we are all neighbors. I feel as though I never have to travel because of the influx of culture pouring through the borders.

EmBleve

STAYSEA wrote:

People from the North are far more judgmental than people from the South. I

I feel this way because, it's happened to me. Sometimes (every time) , I've traveled North, humans I cross paths with are prejudice when they find out where I'm "from".

I don't know about 'far more' judgmental, but I agree with this. My own cousins and family rag me constantly about the way I talk and what people 'down here' are like, and they don't have a clue.

STAYSEA wrote:

I have too many stereotype images about the North. For example, most of them are very rude, it's always really cold, no one can drive, and most of them use a lot of hair products.

this is hilarious. I only have my extended family to compare this to (who are also obnoxious Italians), but it's kind of true. I like the cold part.

STAYSEA wrote:

:North Carolina has been painted in a negative light. I thought it was full of Methamphetamine Chemists, and Hill dwelling folks with no shoes. It's actually very beautiful and the people are friendly.

This is sad. The mountains have plenty of hill dwellers, which is cool. I didn't know NC was 'known' for meth freaks.. I thought that was more Kentucky and Tennessee. This proves the misconceptions. It IS very beautiful, and I am proud to call it home (I must say that's mostly because of the nature aspect and the state being home to many fine universities). Sorry, had to represent.

STAYSEA

EmBleve wrote:

STAYSEA wrote:

:North Carolina has been painted in a negative light. I thought it was full of Methamphetamine Chemists, and Hill dwelling folks with no shoes. It's actually very beautiful and the people are friendly.

This is sad. The mountains have plenty of hill dwellers, which is cool. I didn't know NC was 'known' for meth freaks.. I thought that was more Kentucky and Tennessee. This proves the misconceptions. It IS very beautiful, and I am proud to call it home (I must say that's mostly because of the nature aspect and the state being home to many fine universities). Sorry, had to represent.

See, you represented and to those of us that can read, we are wiser. :thumbup: :wave:

EmBleve

STAYSEA wrote:

See, you represented and to those of us that can read, we are wiser. :thumbup: :wave:

:thumbup:

JBii

So I guess then all of us are individuals and should be seen as that anything less is an injustice.We learn from our own life experiences even if there are others who dispute them. We love and understand those we meet whatever color through shared experiences that others refuse to accept because their own experiences limits understanding. Where have I read this before oh yeah down the way a bit.I'm jealous of that BBQ we don't get that often enough.Maybe this holiday weekend.

catefrances

mysticweed wrote:

To classify all southerners as racist idiots is just as bigoted as the bigots apparently some would perceive us all to be....

I agree. I was very pleasantly surprised when whilst in north carolina recently i made the acquaintance of a fellow from georgia who as it turns out was perhaps as liberal as I am. he was intelligent and thoughtful and not at all what I expected a southerner to be given the caricature that had been previously laid before me.