3 Major Southern Stereotypes That Are Flat Out Wrong!

Souther stereotypes are blown highly out of proportion through social media and television shows. The depictions of Southerns fail to show the qualities of true Southerners.

1. The South is racist.

I’m starting with dismantling the big one. Race is a highly sensitive topic, and it needs to be handled with care. So, I’m going to switch the tone of this section to library mode(read this section very soft spoken). When asked about racism in the South, most Northerners draft the idea of KKK members riding horses along the streets, and hate groups constantly being formed. I hate to say this, but this does not happen. In actuality, the South is no more racist than any other part of the United States. Racism exists everywhere! Pretending it only occurs in the South is a crooked way to let Northerners off the hook.

2. Southerners are white.

Switching gears to this topic because racism and white people tend to be associated closely with one another. Often times, Southern people are only portrayed as being white; they simply drove everyone else out the South. Once again, this belief is ludicrous! The South is more racially and ethnically diverse than anywhere across the United States. The percentage of white citizens in the South is steadily decreasing due to the large African American and Hispanic population. Over half(55%) of the African American population in the United States is concentrated in the deep South, and the ever-growing Hispanic population adds to the widespread diversity. The South holds 6 of the top 7 states having an increase in Hispanic population. The large cultural diversity has shaped a great deal of Southern society. America’s Music, Blues, was originated in the Mississippi Delta just up river from New Orleans, the birthplace of Jazz.

3. All Southerners are Ignorant.

“The South” and “dimwitted” are often stereotyped hand in hand. A misconception is Southerners and not educated simply because of the twang Northerners hear in their voices. A study was conducted proving the biased nature of Northerners when hearing a Southern drawl. The South and North alike are filled with educated people; however, the tendency for Southerners to draw out their words gives Northerners the impression of incompetence.