Why is it that certain areas of the united states have stereotypes to them?

Answer 1

Media reinforces that image.

I remember when a tornado hit Nashville, TN. The state capitol, where captains of industry are. Have Vanderbilt University and Fisk University, both of which train doctors. A place filled with many very intelligent people with vast insightful ideas of how the world should be. And after the tornado the news crews ran straight to the trailer parks and grabbed up some of the most yokel people I have heard on TV to interview.

People who put stereotypes on areas have never actually been to those areas. I assume not everyone from California is a dope smoking hippy or movie star, but looking at the news here you couldn't tell it and I haven't been there to verify.

Answer 2

Because people are comfortable when things are catergorized.

In order to do that, we need to show why one group is different from another and focus on that more than any similiarities in groups. The fact each part of the nation has different cultural influences (Native American and Hispanic in the SW, West European in New England, etc.) makes this easier to do.

Answer 3

That's a worldwide condition. Germans make fun of the Tyroleans, the Caribbean make jokes about the Dominicans, Texans tease the Aggi's, etc..etc...etc...We didn't invent it. It's just a human thing.

Answer 4

Birds of a feather fly together.

Answer 5

Because its our way of catergorizing people and places, instead of getting to know each and evey one. . .which would be impossible

Answer 6

It is not a stereotype when it is a proved cultural trait. :)

Answer 7

cuz they're usually true? idk, i live in wisconsin, and yes, there are a lot of farms and beer drinkers around where i live