Beverly Hillbillies and stereotyping

First thought is that Hollywierd is going to portray 1) the south, 2) morality, 3) Christianity, and 4) conservatism in the worst possible light ; ergo, if "Hollywierd" is for it, then we ought to be agin it, & vice-versa!

 

To add to what just-want-peace has listed, the popular media always preys on stereotypes and hasn't changed that much over the past several decades.

African-American youth are often protrayed as thuggish, gang-bangers. Hispanics as day laborers. Women have all kinds of terrible stereotypes cast against them. How often have prominent women leaders had to go under the lens a cultural commentator who assesses their appearance, demeanor, and hairstyle before ever getting to what they said.

This is what sells for them and that is what they'll always support. Ultimately they can talk about "advancing" beyond these things all the time but still utilize these harsh stereotypes when it serves their purposes. This is one of the reasons I've stopped watching network television and most all other television completely.

As this relates to the OP, I don't know most of those shows, but from what I've seen they are caricatures of reality. BTW, the recent mini-series "Hatfields and McCoys" didn't help either.

 

I'm from the middle of the Appalachian Region - WV (though now held captive in the people's republic of Mary-land) and there is absolutely a huge prejudice against people from these places. I've talked to people before in the military or even in churches that are very surprised that I am from West Virginia since I don't sound like an uneducated hillbilly.

Unfortunately there is the flip-side to this in that many stereotypes do have a measure, however small, of truth to them. And many of the stereotypes regarding individuals from this region are unfortunately true to a degree. But are they true just because they are true or are they true in a self-fulfilling prophecy fashion where people become what they expect to become? A little of both I think.

 

From the OP link:

Since I live in a rural area of NC, over the years I've had the opportunity of friendship with a number of people from the hills. Further, early in my life, I lived much like the hillfolk that is so degraded today by others. Lived in a sharecropper farmhouse without benefit of wall switches and flushing toilets.

That said, I'm fortunate that I learned from childhood to share many of their values.

"Appalachians are very independent" - From the secular standpoint I believe in the Constitution and Bill of Rights, as originally written. I'm not entitled to anything that I didn't earn by the sweat of my brow. From the biblical standpoint, I believe that if a man doesn't work, he doesn't eat. Believe, too, that if I only have a biscuit and my neighbor is hungry through no fault of his own, then he should have half of my biscuit.

"they are very contented with the places that they live" - True contentment doesn't come from what so many seem to value today. For me, true contentment is to be able to stand on the front porch and watch the sun rise. To thank God for another day. To thank God for the many blessing that fill my life everyday. To thank God that I don't need a fine home, new cars, designer labels on my Wal-Mart jeans to be happy. To thank God that I can go to church on Sunday morning without fear of punishment. To thank God He's given me the opportunity to learn how to cook a possum, use a washboard, and make leather britches beans.

"they are very close to nature" - Seeing God's handiwork in all that's around us. Dogwoods are coming into bloom where I live. Wild violets are blooming. Trees around us are showing a faint green haze as buds have broken open. Soon they'll be offering welcome shade as God revs up a new growing season.

"they have a deep sense of a belief in God" -

"and they have a deep sense of being friendly and kind to one another and helping one another, and taking care of everyone else in their needs."

"also have a strong sense of what is right and what ought to be"

"and a deep mistrust of anyone who is new, anyone who is a stranger." - Shouldn't we all have a similar mistrust? Aren't we warned of wolves in sheep's clothing? Aren't we warned to beware of strangers bearing gifts? I didn't say not to be a good samaritan. Just to be cautious about the one offering apples until you know his motives.

"They resist change." - "Change" took prayer out of schools. Change approved abortion. Change brought about an "entitled" society. Change has brought porn to our TV screens. Change may soon make reading of God's word from a pulpit a "hate" crime. -- In 5 days we are going to fundamentally CHANGE America.

All that said, I don't disagree with statements that there are problems in the Appalachians, just as they are everywhere else. Perhaps some specific problems are worse there than in others. That can be said for other problems in other areas, as well.

Stereotyping others, IMO, is a tool that satan uses for his purposes. Especially when stereotyping focus is designed for the purpose of wrongful humiliation to force an "agenda" upon others.

Just a handfull of solid copper pennies this morning.

 

Was at a trade show in Louisville in 1991(?). Didn't notice any overtly redneck stuff except a prominent sign at the 7-11 store: "NEW LAW: YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 14 YEARS OLD TO BUY TOBACCO PRODUCTS"

 

That's good stuff, right there. Thanks for sharing.

 

Amen & amen!!!

Excellent post Oldtimer...as usual. I have comer to expect and respect what you have to say on this and many other issues here. Thank You Very much for the sense of "gravity" you contribute to the discussions on this board.
Now...on another note....."Let me tell a little story 'bout a man named Jed, a poor mountaineer but he kept his family fed.......":tongue3::laugh:

Bro.Greg:saint:

 

Wow. What a thread. I'm descended from a man who arrived in Union County from West Virginia on horseback with his much younger, common-law wife. My great-great-great grandparents were never married.

Stereotypes, like all lies and exaggerations contain a tiny grain of truth. The town next to me is loaded with folks from Kentucky or with roots in Kentucky. How do I say this nicely? It is a rough place. But I keep having to remind myself of the fact the Jesus loves them to and they need a savior and I need to repent.

It's those Cajun folks you gotta' watch out for! People so rowdy, the French Canadians didn't even want 'em! :tonofbricks:

 

Yeah man! And now we get to pay a "rain tax".

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/04/10/Maryland-governor-taxes-rain

Most if not all of the stereotypes of Libs is observably true in this horrific state (Maryland) of insanity run-amok. We're simply waiting for the right time to move and our sights are specifically set on the more rural Appalachia regions or the like.

We'll happily embrace and inculcate ourselves into the culture, if they'll have us.

 

Oh man don't get me started...:BangHead:

And don't forget the new gas tax...

And now the fee (tax) to buy a new handgun after Oct 1...

Just did the paperwork on a new pistol last night... won't see it for at LEAST 6 WEEKS!

Can't wait to see MD in my rear view mirror...