I'm a moderate liberal with a strong Northeast/NY accent going to the South for awhile, specifically Alabama.

Question

Any suggestions for how I can survive? And how do Alabamans/southerners generally view us?

Answer 1

Wow. With a suspicious attitude like that, you won't last long. You're not moving off to live with the Hottentots. You're goiing to a part of the country that has been maligned unfairly.

My wife and I moved to Birmingham from Chicago several years ago. My wife had to be practically forced onto the plane to fly down for the job interview. Guess what? We absolutely love it here and are never going back.

Why? In Birmingham at least, there are great restaurants, a terrific music/arts/culture scene. Just two weeks ago, I spent my weekend at a great film festival and got to speak to filmmakers that I couldn't possibly hope to approach at Sundance.

Overall, the people here are well-read, well-informed, and respectful of others' opinions. I do not agree with many of their political opinions. However, if you discuss your beliefs in a non-combative way, you'll be amazed at the quality of discussion you get. In fact, I have to admit that some of my views have moderated over the past few years, typically because Southerners seem to have a great deal of pragmatism in their lives.

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Southerners are very big into etiquette. I don't mean the Old South, Gone With The Wind type. I mean in the sense that respect for one another is an important part of the social contract. For example, get used to kids calling you "Sir" or "Ma'am." The one time I told a kid to not call me "Sir," the parent politely asked me to "Not undo all my hard work in raising my child." After that, I kept my mouth shut, and have generally come to appreciate the emphasis on manners. It certainly makes all situations much easier. And it probably explains why race relations are far more convivial down here than they are up North. Seriously. I would not have believed it.

That means brushing up on the little courtesies that used to be prevalent throughout the country a generation before. Such as standing when somebody enters the room. Holding the door open for others. Saying "Please" and "thank you" and "Your welcome." Not eating at a restaurant before others have been served. You know, the basics that show you have respect and caring for others. Trust me, Southerners notice those things, even if they don't comment on them.

If you are here in a professional capacity, you also need to understand that Southerners do business in an utterly different way than how you might be accustomed. For example, Southerners tend to be very people-oriented, and thereby put a lot of emphasis on small talk prior to a meeting. They'll want to know who you know, where you're from, are you enjoying life in Alabama (always say "YES" to this one), hobbies, children, dogs, and the all-important question of Auburn/Alabama football. Do yourself a favor, even if you don't like sports: Keep up with the local college teams. It's kind of fun to get into the entire kitschy world of college football, and you have a guaranteed icebreaker at every social gathering.

Also, Southerners are very polite and warm and welcoming. However, be mindful that it make take a long time to get to know a Southerner. That's okay. It may take you several months to really establish ongoing friendships. But once you do, these guys really know how to have fun.

Finally, recognize that the South is a different culture and treat it wiith respect. You may not like Country and Western (Although Birmingham's music scene is outstanding alternative rock) or NASCAR or College football, but don't belittle the activities. And when you realize that the average business meeting has the intricacy of a Japanese tea ceremony, then you'lll do fine.

Answer 2

Tread lightly, my friend. Be as charming as possible, and do all that you can to dodge any discussions about politics. Most people you run into will be George Bush supporters, so just nod politely and smile when the Hillary Clinton jokes begin, if they find out that you're from New York. But there's no need to hide your accent. This is an exercise in diplomacy, not acting.

Genuinely compliment people on their hospitality and food, and be prepared to be made welcome and have a lot of fun. They're kind folks. But don't get trapped into discussions--especially if you or your host has had a few too many.

Always refer to older folks with a title and last name unless strongly invited to do otherwise. Southerners are still very courtly.

I was very fond of Alabama when I spent time in the South. The food above all is marvelous, and the people know how to have a good time.

Answer 3

Most SOUTHERNERS are looked at stupid for their accent. For some reason, the southern accent is looked at as stupid though some of the greatest minds came from there.

New York accents are all different. Everytime I'm in NYC (I was there ten days just last month and go often) I am amazed at how there realy is NO REAL NY accent. There are lots of different accents and not one of them could be said to be THE NY accent.

You will find in AL that it is the same. The people who live in the suburbs will speak differently than the people in the country. Remember AL is not all rednecks and mayhem. It is Space Center and specialty composites and automobile plants and satellite centers AND RED necks.

Get a grip. You must never travel..... Chill and be cool. It will be fun.

Answer 4

whats up man, im a native southerner, florida to be exact. in all honesty we don't really care where you are from as long as you respect the place youre at. for instance, don't be hanging out in a bar in alabama talking about how new york is so much better than bama and this and that. don't forget, we do have southern hospitality. we also like to hear the accent, so don't sweat it. you respect us and we'll leave you alone. start something and well you probably won't come back

Answer 5

Only wear jeans and a t-shirt . . .only white and not too clean . . .

boots or old sneakers . . .no REI or allen-edmonds or anything

Rent a pick-up truck . . .

Talk as little as possible . .just nod and say mmm hmmm

don't talk about politics

get just a tad of a sunburn on the way there

get a few country music cds for the pickup . .

a rifle would be a nice touch, depending if the rental has a gun rack . . .

Answer 6

Speaking as a southerner, If you are nice to them, they will be nice to you.
Most people are intrigued by unusual accents, so you may be very popular.

Have a good time.
Peace

Answer 7

If you're nice to them they'll be nice to you... if you don't consider being nice a form of surviving you'll have problems in more places then southern US.

Answer 8

Take a case of duct tape as gifts for the natives. You'll be fine.

Answer 9

watch andy griffith and the dukes of hazzard steadily before you go....it helps....i did that before going to oxford alabama....just say pre-she-ate-it alot and dont tell em your from NY....they will ask what part of the city youre from....ny state is new york city to them...and they will beat you up too

Answer 10

Haha goodluck, try being a conservative in the Northeast, ie ME!