Why do people create stereotypes on the south based on movies and television shows?

Question

I am from the south and I have read a lot of questions on here claiming that all southerners have a drawl, marry their relatives, and drop out of high school to get a low paying job because southerners "aren't smart enough." I can personally say that at my high school, i know NO ONE that is inbred, and no one personally that has dropped out of high school to have a baby or for any other reason. It angers me to hear the stereotypes of where I was born and raised and that people think that just because I'm from the south I'm not smart. The crime rate here is high, yes, but it's no worse than other states with a higher population. I don't stereotype people that are from the northeast, northwest, etc. and believe me that southerners are not all redneck hicks that don't make it to 7th grade, we happen to be intelligent people as a whole. So please, don't believe everything you hear.

Answer 1

Because when stereotyping southerners they are really stereotyping white people and that in this current politically correct world is OK to do.

Answer 2

I know a lot of people who who I grew up with that dropped out of high school to have a baby. That perfectly fit the stereotype of a southerner. But I am southern, born and raised, and I am nothing like that. I am not racist, stupid, or pregnant, or any other stereotype.

Answer 3

In our defense, you are absolutely correct. This misconception is an advantage. We can trick yankees on vacation into paying us to "wrassle" our green-painted dog because we told em its a gator.
On the other hand, I've lived in the south most my years and you gotta admit, you do know AT LEAST 1 inbred pre-evolved engine hangin hayseed that fits all of the stereotypes. Bye now.

Answer 4

I think people watch to much T.V. Just like these foreign people on this website saying Americans are stupid. Our country is made up of other countries including there own.
I love being from the south, it just seems like things are simpler, I don't walk out the door and wonder if I'm wearing tomorrows new trend. My boys are well behaved, and we wave at our neighbors. If America was having a dinner, I think the south would be the host.

Answer 5

Actually I think the main sterotype is that the South is kinda intolerant of people who are 'different', and they are intolerant because they are not as smart. I don't know about where you live, but in some places if you paint 'I'm Gay' or 'Man Love Rules Ok' on your car and drive into town, even for a joke, you will get attacked and pelted with rocks, even after telling them that its for fun.

Answer 6

Roots The Color Purple

Answer 7

a lot of those images come from southerners like linda bloodworth-thompson and jeff foxworthy. you can at least take pride in the fact that you have a regional culture. i actually work on retaining my local accent. we don't all need to be tom brokaws. ignorant people will always be out there, and their ignorance is only a reflection on themselves.

Answer 8

Southern states are typically Republican states. I believe that the negative depictions seen in television shows, movies, and the media are just a form of cheap liberal revenge.

The joke's on them, though. Most of us don't give a rats azz. LOL!
So much effort, and for naught. Tsk.


Be well.

Answer 9

visting the south on many occasions, i actually like the people for the most part. however, if they're from texas, i've run into way to many arragont azzholes. i wish the north had more southern hospitality though.

Answer 10

Stereotyping is wrong but people seem to enjoy doing so. Having said that, just ignore them. They're just ignorant.