I probably should have become immune to it 40 years ago, but I still cringe when I hear these tired cliches about the South from someone who seems otherwise educated and at least moderately well informed. On the other hand, I am never surprised when I hear these dated prejudices come from the uneducated or the mentally defective. gator comes to mind, but that's to be understood. If he wasn't able to babble on over the internet, the only writings we would read from him would be in crayon, edited by his nurses and therapists.
Having lived almost half my life abroad and another several years in the northern and western U.S., I can truthfully say that I have never lived in another place that was as open minded and non-judgemental as where I live now in Atlanta. Admittedly, Atlanta is probably unique in it's demographic makeup, a combination of Euro-Americans, whose families have been here since the late 1700's and early 1800's and that fought in the War for Southern Independence (mine included) combined with the influx of upwardly mobile Yankees that have moved here in the last 40 years because of the climate and economy, combined with the largest Hispanic and Asian communities in the U.S. outside of Florida, California, and Texas, combined with one of the largest, and the wealthiest and most influential African-American community in the U.S.. I'm not saying that it's Utopia, but it's a hell of a lot better than most places I've lived. I, for one, enjoy being the only native speaker of English on my street (My wife would protest that, but she's Irish, and that's just not the same). It's uplifting, having neighbors that who are appreciative of what we have here, especially considering what they left behind.
As a dyed-in-wool atheist, I can't really speak to the impression of the South as the Bible Belt, but I have never been set upon by rabid evangelists or torch bearing mobs because of my beliefs. At any rate, it is no worse than the rest of the U.S. and certainly is worlds apart from that large percentage of the world where your family's religious beliefs, determine your entire life, from where you live to how you live, and in many cases determine how you die.
As far as Republicans being the political party of the South, I think you will find that the Democratic party is overwhelmingly the party of choice here and has been since that arch conservative and radical Republican, Abraham Lincoln, was President. I myself am Libertarian, but I have voted for Republicans and Democrats. I admit that I haven't found a Democrat worthy of my vote, since Sam Nunn retired four years ago in order to distance himself from the stench of the Clinton White House.
Having said all that, Michelle, let's talk about the West Coast, specifically California. Everywhere else in the U.S., it's referred to as the "Granola State". (What's not flakes, is fruits and nuts) Since that's what conventional wisdom says, I assume it's true.
Is it? |
