Why do people call me country, and Why do I feel so insulted?

Question

I grew up in a small town of 2000 sure. I have a VERY faint accent. (b/c I have taken voice classes) I live in one of the largest cities in the USA. However, from time to time I hear "Wow you are so country". Or they are shocked when I say somethinng and I get "I thought you were country, I didnt know that about you".

You should also know I went to a top ranked University, I am a professional, and I am getting my MBA at another.

Just this week I had a friend over, we were hanging out, and she was going through my photo albums. She made this comment "OMG, You have so many friends of different ethnicities, did you date any of these Guys?" To which I replied "Yes" And she said "But I thought you were so country" I was shocked! I said," What? Do I look racist?"

Please, give me your definition of "country" b/c I dont think that of myself at all (I think I carry myself with a lot of sophistication). Have you ever called somone that? Should I be insulted when people say this?

Answer 1

I don't think you should be insulted if you are proud of who you are. Its the definition they are putting on the word country and they are being stupid and stereotyping you. Do you need friends like this? You can come from anywhere and be intelligent and have friends from different backgrounds. My definition of country is someone born in a more rural area and thats it. Some people equate that with ignorance, racism, and small mindedness. Get some new friends.

Answer 2

Are the people saying this to you your friends, people that you trust and trust you and would not ordinarily make fun of you or look down their noses at you ? If not, then don't worry aobut it, it is a term of endearment- everybody gets nicknamed or labeled according to where they come from or what htey are like. It is no big deal unless they are deliberately being derogitory or you make a big deal of it. Be proud of where you came from and how far you have come. To the people that are saying it, 'country' is osmething they are probably personally unfamiliar with , except what they have seen on tv or read in storybooks, so your roots are probably fascinating, a novelty to them- be lighthearted, have fun with them and with it. Break out that thick accent to lighten up a conversation, within reason joke along with them- it's no big deal and I see no reason to get insulted.
I am from the south, my relatives are all cajun - I don't know how I got out without an accent so people are usually surprised when I tell them where I am from- I live way up north now- people make comments or say things - sometimes very uniformed things but hey how would they know- They make fun of our "y'all" and I poke at the way they say crick instead of creek- there is a time for sophistication but that doesn't mean you can't have fun , poke fun at yourself and your roots , let your friends learn a few things aobut you- as long as no one is being spiteful- why get all tense about it, life is too short!

Answer 3

You obviously have bad ideas yourself about what it means to be country or you wouldn't be insulted. And being country does not make you a racist. And not all people who live in the country have accents either. Being country means you don't get caught up in such worries such as what kind of wine should I serve with fish. I'm not saying this is trivial but in the end nobodies going to remember you for your culinary cuisine or how many races of people you dated or where you went to school.Being country means knowing where your priority's lie. Sticking to your guns no matter what kind of pressure you have on you instead of giving in just to make life easier. Don't be insulted by someone saying your country. Perhaps you just make people feel at home and comfortable in your presence. There's nothing wrong with that.

Answer 4

I am proud to be called country, red neck, clod hopper, or what have you. The big cities is where all these atheists and smart a---- hang out. Give me the country any time. If I am in need or need a ride to the doctor, (I am 73 years old and have a lot of medical problems), all I have to do is let one of any of my neighbors know and they are right there. Try THAT in Chicago, Boston, NYC, LA , or any other city of any size and they would probably call the law on you.

Answer 5

i am from Louisiana, and although my accent is somewhat gone there are still a few words that come out in slang, they say you are country, because that's where you are from, the country, it isn't anything bad, it's really quite cute, nothing to take personal, my B/F loves when my accent pops out, it does when i get mad, and i use some country talk, people like it, they say it because it's kinda fascinating to them, they don't hear it all the time, it's okay...don't worry as far as the dating thing, back in the day, white people where hard core about dating out of race, until you move into the city and meet people and see we are all the same, counrty folks are somewhat against marring out of race, it's no problem...jsu be yourself, you are not raciest on any level...people are just not as informed about different ways people live now a days....no harm i am sure.

Answer 6

I understand where you're coming from; people assume that just because you were raised in a small town or area (especially in the south, that's where I'm from), you're automatically country. Keep in mind that even though you don't consider yourself country in other parts of the states your "accent" if you will sounds differently from people who live in that area, which is probably why they assume you're from the country.

Now as for your friend that was very biased of her if you ask me...society still assumes that if you're from the south or "country" you're racist. That is so wrong, times have definitely changed. Just tell your friend that she shouldn't assume something about somebody just because they're look or sound differently.

Answer 7

to me being country is growing up in a small town. Just like you did. Why are you insulted? You have made something of yourself, do you see being country as someone who doesn't live up to what he or she can be? It sounds like to me that YOU are the one having a problem being country. There is nothing wrong with that. I wasn't born country but I am now and wouldn't change it for anything!

Answer 8

No you should not be insulted. People can't think of a word to describe you and your accent hints at country girl. Take is as a compliment. A nickname like that will not hurt your GPA or hurt anything in your professional life. Forget about it.

Answer 9

It's just another stereotype. What kind of a world would it be if everyone were the same? Personally I find a Southern accent soothing. We lived in Texas many years and hearing a drawl thaes me back there. Anyone who judges because of an accent is not very smart, in my book.

Answer 10

1)You should hold your head high and be proud
2)You should feel sorry for these people
3)You should have never have taken voice lessons
4)big advantage to a southern accent in business
5)If I were to take a wife she would be from the "country"
(a wife mind you,some one for who I would stand toe to toe with
a grizzly bear with only a pocket knife,some one I would run intoa
burning building,naked,on the "chance" that she is inside,
someone I would cut a arm off for.)
6)Trying to find a stand up person in the city is very hard,very
easy in the country.
7)the people you are reffering to are shallow,shelfish,unethical.&
and self involved.
8)I think you are terrific and I never even met you.