Do people still think this?

Question

Well, i've been wondering this for a long time and i just had to ask...Why do people think southerners are ignorant? I live in Alabama and i think it's wrong, stupid, and immature to say that. Do people seriously believe that just because we live in the south we are more stupid than every other American?

I mean, one of my friends went to New York and said the people there asked her if we had dirt roads.......Really!? This isn't the 1700's!

The farthest north i've been is Washington DC and the only differences in there and Alabama was, no good sweet tea, people not as friendly, and you can get run over just by crossing the street! lol!

I know that "leprechaun" video on You tube didn't help my case much, and i HATE that video! But let me tell you this - That is the worst part of Mobile. I have to drive through Crichton every day to go to school and that's definitely not the place to get your Alabama experience from.

It's a pretty disgusting little community that needs a lot of work and the people who live in that area are....i guess..kinda...poor. I can't think of a better word...

But anyways, do you believe that stereotype? If so, why? I know myself that i'm not stupid and no one i know is stupid. I mean, I can take a joke every once in awhile, i watch family guy and madtv for cryin' out loud! But when people actually believe stuff like that, it really bothers me.

Thanks in advance for the answers!

Answer 1

The South's reputation for poor educational standards has a lot to do with it. Prove them wrong. Be sure that you punctuate properly, spell accurately and that your sentence structure is correct.

One person can go a long way towards altering a stereotype. There are poor people everywhere, stupid people everywhere and rude people everywhere. People are people, no matter where you put them.

Travel. Keep an open mind regarding others. Read. Listen. Be aware of what's happening in the world around you. Never stop learning.

Be the ambassador of Alabama.  

Answer 2

Try to remember that stereotypes are based someway in fact; also pop culture does nothing but reinforce stereotypes. I agree it is frustrating as I've lived nearly half my life in NC/TN. I hate to say it but when it comes to the school systems in the south, well they are typically underfunded, over populated and produce scores lower than the rest of the country. I spent four years in a public Washington State middle/high school before returning to TN to finish high school; and the difference is huge. And no I'm not agreeing with the stereotype, I've met many very intelligent people in the south; I've also met some very dumb people in the north. Stereotypes are one of those things that aren't going to disappear tomorrow because we want them too; my advice would be to show everyone you meet just how bright southerners can be.

Answer 3

I live in the south and I know there is absolutely no truth to it and, quite frankly, I could care less what other people think about the south, me or anything else!  The day I start worrying about what other people think of me or the south is the day I need to check out for good!

Answer 4

You mean to tell me there are no dirt roads in Alabama?

h**l I live in NJ and there are dirt roads in NJ?

As for Alabama's reputation for ignorance. There is some validity to it.

Alabama ranks 48 out of the 50 state in Elementary Education.

http://www.psk12.com/rating/USthreeRsphp...

and 49 out of 50 in Middle School Education

http://www.psk12.com/rating/USthreeRsphp...

Answer 5

I think that you are overthinking this. Not everyone thinks that. The people who are dumb enough to believe things strictly based off sterotypes are dumb people. Don't worry about it so much. Nobody really thinks that 100% of people in the sound are poor and dumb.