Why do city people think less of country people?

Question

I grew up in the city, went to high school on the coast and now live in a country town,(pop:130000). My husband grew up in a smaller town just 30 mins away with a pop:6000. All of his family,(aunts,uncles,e.t.c..), grew up in cities Brisbane, Sydney, Gold Coast, London, e.t.c... They all have lower opinions about education, employment, and lifestyle oppurtunities in the country. I have noticed this seems to be a common opinion of alot of old friends of ours too who now live in the larger cities. In my experience all places have the same variety of people everywhere. Funny thing is my sisters high school was ranked 1 in QLD for O.P. scores and there are only 600 students in her school. Also most of our friends earn more money in agricultural jobs than those in office jobs in the city. So why do they have such a poor opinion on country people?

Answer 1

In the cities you have to compete for jobs, look sharp, and appear well educated and on the ball all the time. You've got entertainment within a few blocks and you never have to stay home and be bored. City people love it. They don't understand how anyone can live without a dozen cinemas, live theater, opera, and concerts every day of the week. Of course, all that entertainment and city housing costs lots of money so you have to compete for the best jobs.

In the country you have to compete for jobs, but people know you and your reputation before you even open your mouth. Neighbors are there to help when you run into trouble. You're still well educated, but you don't spend every night outside the house. Instead you bond with your family, watch tv and read books. You have time to think, places to walk, and things to do with your own hands. Life is less expensive and wages are low because it is less expensive. Most country folks will only move to a city for a decent job. As soon as they can move back, they do. Why? They know a good thing when they see it.

Answer 2

The people who say that, don't have much experience with country people then. They see television shows and movies about people in the country and assume that these shows and movies portray what all country people are like.

I grew up in a small country town in Texas with a population of about 350. There were actually quite a few people who were very wealthy and smart because they owned their own farms, raising cattle or growing different crops. These people had large, expensive houses, expensive pick-up trucks and went skiing every winter. These people actually did alot better in life than some city people.

I have to admit though, that I have a generalization about city people. I have noticed that there seems to be a lack of morals and Christian beliefs in the larger cities, like Dallas, L.A. and N.Y. It seems to me that the more people you have in an area, the less values that you will see. People having children out of wedlock, over abundance of drugs and violence, and teen pregnancy. It is true that these things are also in smaller more rural areas, but perhaps it is because the areas are so small, that it is not so noticable.

Anyways, that is what I have seen. Just my opinion, which I am sure just earned me a few thumbs downs.

Answer 3

Because they've forgotten what the stars look like in a clean, night sky.
Many have fled to the city from a smaller town due to uncomfortable reasons, and therefore have a higher opinion of themselves in general. Not as much a lower opinion of others, but a sort of arrogance or self righteousness, as some of your other answerers have lucidly displayed.
Others may just simply be oblivious to what life is like on the other side of the fence because they've never experienced it.

Answer 4

like Joker said, lack of sophistication, but not necessarily less intellect. More amenities, that supposedly make life alot easier, but NOT more peaceful. cons to the supperiority of townfolk: more stress, more smog, more laziness, and dare I say a decided lack of manners or regard for other human beings. Personally country folk are some of the most pleasant people I've met...need more of them in town. I also believe country folk live slightly longer than the townies.

Answer 5

Because some city people are idiots, just like some people in any group. If a place is home and it's right for you, then that's what matters - not somebody else's opinion.

Answer 6

Actually they are jealous of country folks cause they can survive lots of things cities do not.
Plus it is quiet and peaceful in the country and noise in the cities.
If they have poor opinion, it is just jealousy cause they are not in the countryside listening to nature.

Answer 7

Because country folks are a little less civilized (some of them). And this is used as a stereotype for all of them. And country folks live in cheaper areas, so that counts that they are not as wealthy. Living in the city is much more expensive and a lot more difficult to live. By this view, city folks begin to look down upon country people.

+Joker+

Answer 8

beacuse they think we are all stupid redneck white trash sittin on our lawns drinkin 'shine and strummin guitars, and that we didn't make it past the third grade. These stupid people do not realize that in some places ( like where we live ) we are not all like that. They tend to focus on the ones that are like that and its pathetic. Around here we also have very highly educated, wealthy people and no one ever discusses that side of the country "folk" .

Answer 9

The general feeling is that country people are culturally backwards, behind the time in terms of fashion and arts, and that they binge drink because they have nothing else to do.

Answer 10

IT MUST BE A SNOB THING! YOU KNOW THEY CAN CLAIM CITY LIFE IS BUSY, ENTERTAINING, FULL OFMUSEUMS, ETC. BUT IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHAT KIND OF LIFE YOU WANT. I PERSONALLY PREFER THE QUIET OF SMALL TOWN LIVING!