Not to be mean. Does anyone find the Southern accent a dumbed down accent? When someone speaks with a Southern accent, they really "sound" stupid to me. I don't know why, I automatically think "dumb" when I hear a Southern person talk. Does anybody else feel this way? I feel terrible for it, but I can't help it.
2006-09-27 14:19:36 · 17 answers · asked by J M 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Okay, question answered. I know Southern people are intelligent...I just think the accent sounds a little crazy. Sorry to offend.
2006-09-27 14:46:15 · update #1
I'm from the south, and actually, quite honestly, I'm not offended. Because sometimes, in the movies and on TV, they over do it and portray people with southern accents as stupid, but they also exaggerate the accents, so I know where you are coming from. My daughter and son sometimes has the most drawn out southern accent I've ever heard, it amazes me, and they are really smart kids.
I think it's because of the way southerners are portrayed on TV and in the movies, like that TV show "MY name is Earl" now they are really dumb Southerners. Trust me. just because TV and movies portray people with southern accents as dumb, doesn't mean we all are.
2006-09-27 14:29:44 · answer #1 · answered by creeklops 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm Southern and quite glad you brought this up - it is something many people feel but that most folks deny. While it used to bother me that people might think I was dumb as dirt because of my accent, I've learned to use it to my benefit. Several years ago when I was in sales, I worked on a project with a group from New York. The project team apparently thought I was too dumb to know sh*t from shinola (as they say in the south) so talked about all my competitors in front of me. As it turns out, we were able to provide the highest quality product at the lowest bid (imagine that, with all the inside scoop). They can think I'm dumb, but I walked away with a very nice commission check.
With any accent, there are versions that may sound more appealing than others. To me, a soft southern accent can be quite charming, but others grate on my nerves in much the same way that some of the northeastern accents do.
I think the most important thing isn't the way we (or any other groups) talk, but rather what we say and what we do with things we hear.
2006-09-27 22:14:28 · answer #2 · answered by Stef 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm from Texas and have been told I have an accent. But when I hear people from other places talking on tv they sound the same as me. It's just expected that Southern people have accents so when you're watching them on tv, they really overdo that part. Even when it's the news, they tend to talk a little more drawn out. I'm not offended though, some Southern people would say the same about people from up North. Not me though. Everybody has their own unique way to speak as well as the way they look.
2006-09-27 21:56:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm Southern, and if I hear a really, really thick Southern accent I think "Man, that's so country!" Different parts of the South have different takes on the way of speaking, some worse than others, but all sound like sweet music to my ears.
2006-09-27 21:29:00 · answer #4 · answered by drewsilla01 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are not the only one that feels that way. I am a southerner myself and many people talk down to me. As if I am to stupid to follow a normal question. Never mind that I graduated top of my class and went to school on a full paid scholarship. When I relocated across country I tried covering up my accent at first but now I just talk the way I talk. If people don't like it that's just to bad. Just try not to let on to all of us southerners how you really feel about us, if you don't mind. Oh and my answer to your question is in the first sentence of my rambling response.
2006-09-27 21:38:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Here is my story about my southern accent,I am from Alabama.
In the military we took turns bing CQ(charge of quarters) at the hospital.We had to make the PA announcements.After my fist announcment the Hospital Commander sent word to me I was not to make any more announcements since I made "Gomer Pyle" sound like a Rhodes Scolar.I have an Associates degree in art and managment.
2006-09-27 23:33:22 · answer #6 · answered by blakree 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just happen to have a southern Okie accent myself. I don't think I sound dumb. I know a lot of my friends think Northeasterner's (New York and New Jersey) accents sound rude and obnoxious.
2006-09-27 21:31:57 · answer #7 · answered by together420yrs 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you. the problem is that some Southern accents just don't sound intelligent - that's probably what you mean. I live in Texas & the worst one is the redneck accent. many people with this accent are ignorant, racist, have no class or sophisication, drive American cars only and do not like change. they make me ashamed to be from my region of Texas.
2006-09-27 21:38:43 · answer #8 · answered by chit-chaat7 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I guess I understand what you mean but which particular southern accent? Cajun, Texan, Hillbilly, Redneck? They are all from the south but have tweaked southern accents to their own alteration. But yeah, I agree with you, I go to NC state and the people are really "country" and it kind of bugs me.
2006-09-27 21:23:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I love the southern accent!! It's down home and friendly!
2006-09-27 21:24:20 · answer #10 · answered by ~Mrs. D~ 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋