Appalachia.  For many people this word brings to mind a beautiful scene of mountains covered in fog, various handmade crafts, or log cabins nestled amongst a beautiful forest.  Others think of hillbillies, hicks and the visuals they incite: bibbed overalls, barefoot pregnant women, and unshaven, unkempt whisky-drinking men who have yet to finish the fourth grade.  How is it possible that we, as educated individuals, allow such images of Appalachians to exist? Furthermore, do we let such images that are being propagated alter our views on the entire Appalachian population based solely on their dialects?

Certain labels applied to this area contribute to our understanding of the group as a whole. We are quick to imagine a back-woodsy, uneducated, toothless, moonshine brewing person, who has married their cousin.  Having been born and raised in Appalachia, I can attest that unfortunately, some of these misconceptions have their roots in a grain of truth.  Because this region is far more rural, access to various forms of health care can be difficult.  In some areas simple conveniences such as grocery stores are located further away from home than in urban areas. Also, the poverty rate is higher than the national average, although it has most definitely improved since the 1960s. 

But here’s what those who are quick to mock Appalachians may not know: education systems and levels have improved, even rising above the national average of eighteen to twenty four year olds with more than a high school education.   Also, the national teen pregnancy average has passed the average of Appalachian pregnancy rate. So much for the image of Appalachian women being barefoot and pregnant. 

Even amid many social leaps and bounds made by Appalachians, it seems we will never quite be able to shake the stereotype we have carried since the 1900s New York Journal published a drawing and article focused on the hillbillies of Alabama.  Since then, through the advancement of media in radio, TV, and print, this image has not only continued but has grown.  TV shows such as The Beverly Hillbillies, HeeHaw, and The Dukes of Hazzard have all contributed to such representations.  What many individuals fail to realize is that these shows are micro-representations of the area, the characters are all fictional, and that these representations are not indicative of everyone living in this region.  Many individuals are familiar with Elly May and Jethro Bodine from The Beverly Hillbillies, which show Appalachians as naïve, illiterate, unsuccessful members of society.   Also many comedians are quick to jump to this area for new material, such as “you know you’re a redneck when…” jokes and “Get-Er-Done” scenarios.  Comedians such as Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy owe much of their fame and fortune to the ability to profit off such regional stereotypes.

Also, the national teen pregnancy average has passed the average of Appalachian pregnancy rate. So much for the image of Appalachian women being barefoot and pregnant.

There is little doubt that such representations in the media contribute to negative impressions of Appalachia.  In each and every representation, the Appalachian dialect pays a vital role in establishing the stereotypes associated with this area.  Indeed, even individuals that have never been to the Appalachian region can recognize the distinct dialect associated with it.  However, what many are unaware of is that my home area’s “southern drawl” is actually a product of a moment of frozen history.  This explains many words that outsiders would probably not understand, such as, si-gogglin, meaning crooked or poorly constructed; yander, referring to a distant location; gaum, meaning clogged up; and a boomer, which is a small red squirrel.  Vocabulary is only a small part of every dialect.  The use of these words instead of their mainstream counter parts is comparable to people of the mid-west calling a fizzy caffeinated beverage pop, while others call it soda.   So where did the southern drawl that has caused so much controversy originate?  This happened by circumstance. When the settlers traveled into the mountainous region, they brought with them their distinct ways of talking.  Due to the difficulty of traveling out of the mountains, this little pocket of people retained aspects of a language that the rest of the world has lost.   Various terms rooted in Elizabethan English, Scottish, Celtic, and Irish languages and dialects remain in use amongst the Appalachian people.  So, in essence, this dialect, so often viewed as unintelligent, was once the dialect of highly sophisticated historical figures.

Despite the origin of the Appalachian dialect, it is continually associated with ignorance. This association is especially detrimental to young children.  When any group of children is exposed to negative views of their culture, they immediately lose cultural pride and try to hide their cultural identity, even becoming ashamed of their background.  These negative feelings are accentuated in entertainment-related industries, even taking it as far as creating workshops that help Appalachian youth interested in acting learn to mask their accents to gain better roles. It is a tragedy that children, and even adults, from Appalachia are made to feel that their way of speech will hold them back, no matter their education or professional accomplishments.  In an article for the Smoky Mountain News, Gary Carden recalls the words of his own grandmother: “Every time you open your mouth, you will be weighed and found wanting.” Her message is clear: every time you speak in this dialect, people will immediately take stock of you, your intelligence, your integrity, your manners, and will conclude that you, as an Appalachian, are backward and inferior.

I cannot understand how these images and stereotypes seem to have been approved by the public, while such forms of discrimination against any other regional or ethnic group would quickly result in national outcry.  I would hope that, given the amazing progress that has been made in pushing towards equality for many other racial, ethnic, and social groups, such tolerance and acceptance could be extended to the people of Appalachia. The next time you meet someone or see a television character with this southern drawl, remember the rich cultural history from which that dialect has developed, and do not allow yourself to be blinded by the stereotype.

The Ohio State University, Autumn 2009