Yeah, it’s a southern thang

I’ve been having a conversation with friends on Facebook today that amuses me.  Of course, the friends are amusing as hell as usual, but the topic of conversation is one that I’ve actually had before about the differences in people from the north and south.  I posted a cute little status about being from the south and all the words I use in my daily life, ain’t, ya’ll(and that is plural as well as singular..don’t let it confuse you,lol), fixin(as in I’m fixin to go to the store..need anything?), yonder, which can be a direction, a certain spot where something is located.  Bless your heart is not often meant the way you think it is….”they can’t help how they are, bless their heart”.  We also got to talking about the differences between people and why “true” southerners feel that we often get the shaft from people above the Mason-Dixon line.  “We” often feel that southerners are perceived to be ignorant, lazy, racist and just plain stupid at times.  Way off base, although we have a tendency to view northerners as rude and obnoxious.  So what do we feel make up the qualities of a true southerner?  Well, for one thing, we don’t include Texan or Florida in that list because Tx is its whole other country, and while Texans did indeed fight in the War Between the States, it was not a state, nor was Florida, so….we have limited list..Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, and Georgia..What characteristics do we feel is the epitome of a southerner?  Well, it’s all about family…natural born, extended, ‘adopted” and those we just take in off the street because it is the thing to do.  We have an open door policy for family and friends..drop in any time. even during meal time, and you will be set a place at the table(although be warned that your manners will be talked about after you leave for doing so,lol).  Respect is given to the elderly for they are our community leaders, and the ones who fought for freedoms that we often take for granted in our leisurely pace of living.  We remove our hats, place hearts over heart during the playing of the national anthem at all sporting events, listening quietly to the invocation even if that is not our path, because it is still the thing that is done in a mainly christian atmosphere.  We pull over to the side of the road to allow funeral processions to move through town, paying our respects to the survivors as well as the deceased, even if we did not happen to know that person.  Going “to town” even if that involves walking or driving a few blocks is always an event to be looked forward to since one never knows what “neighbor” one is likely to run into, and of course we always speak and say hello to those we meet.  Walking into the bank where the teller knows you by name is commonplace and makes you feel like you do indeed matter.  We help our neighbors without a second thought or thinking of getting some kind of remuneration for doing so…neighbors are our friends, sometimes family even.  Yard sales are a big thing throughout the community, and you may find some just to make a few extra bucks or it could be for some sort of charity, so all come to check it out.  Small town festivals, like the classic car one that happens the first Saturday after Labor day here in my town is a big hit.  It pulls in artisans, musicians, food venders and of course those awesome cars from days gone by, and a great time is had by all, as well as providing a needed economic boost for the town itself.  It’s more of a way life, being southern.  Community, schools, church, football, NASCAR, they all find their way into our every day life.  We live, eat, breathe it..It is who we are and we wouldn’t trade it for any other way of living. Children are our future..we push, cajole, threaten and demand that they want to go further than just high school…the graduation rate here in our town is over 98%, which is damn good.  Of those majority go on to college, even if its just for 2 yr Jr College to help further the skills they have.  We encourage them to give back for those gifts the universe has provided, so charity is learned at home.  Common courtesy is one of the mainstays of the community as a whole, although you will find asshats everywhere, no matter the direction one is from, and it is that sense of community that ties us together, no matter what part of the south we are from.  Even if one has been gone from the area for some time, our roots still make us proud to be called “child of the south”.  The memories of summers running barefoot with cousins, friends, siblings, eating fresh produce from the garden, chasing fireflies in the dusk until we are called in to be bathed and some family time before bed, still make us smile.  While I understand that those “up north” would probably take umbrage at the distinctions I have drawn, and will tell me that  they too have some of these same qualities, and I applaud that.. I just haven’t seen too much evidence of that in my travels.  I guess I would say that in my opinion, being a “true” southerner is more than an accident of birth.  It has to do with the connection that one feels to the earth, how grounded one feels in the roots set down by family, a relishing of our history, although some of it is not so pretty to look at, but can be learned from.  It is about being proud of who you are, flaws and all, and being a productive member of your community.  Respect and caring for one another that transcends boundaries of race, wealth, religion, or sexual preference.  It’s a work in progress, as it should be.  All in all, I am proud to be a daughter of the south..wouldn’t have it any other way.

PEACE OUT