Comments on: Help Me Do My Homework?

By: Wvsky

Wvsky — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:10:05 +0000

Unfortunately, many of our stereotypes ARE true. For instance, we have less teeth than any other state according to a news report 2 years ago. We have replaced the shoeless West Virginian with some of the fattest people in the nation stereotype. (Not a good trade-off)

As far as our “good people”. Yes, in one way they are the best, but in another, the worst. I was born and raised here. My family goes back many generations from Webster County. I’ve studied “my people” all of my life, and I’ve found that they will smile at your face and stab you in the back, especially when it comes to politics. South of 60, my good people are offended if they aren’t offered something for their vote. We continue to vote into office the very same people who help keep us from progress, and his process has helped to keep WV dead last.

I used to be embarrassed by national stereotypes of our state, but not anymore, because behind every troubling joke, there’s a lot of truth.

By: WV Social Worker

WV Social Worker — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:27:07 +0000

To me, I tend to think of the stereotype of being years behind everyone else as the plague that hurts us the most. No one seems to recognize that we aren’t hillbillies living in caves but instead are doing our best to go forward and keep up with the rest of the nation. We even have an idea first every now and then!! WV truly is moving forward and working to better life for our people.

By: Iremonger

Iremonger — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:34:27 +0000

In Ireland, WV was only known for a mention in the Country Roads song. I think some good was done with the Tad Hamilton and October Sky movies, though perhaps that was reversed by Wrong Turn and its sequel.

My current perspective… I admire what you & Jason are trying to do, but I work as a parking booth attendant. I encounter willful ignorance and racism. And I see the poverty that cripples this state. It’s going to be difficult to overturn a hundred of years of history, of a land raped by coal mining and a people taken advantage of by corrupt politicians.

By: Kim

Kim — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 01:49:52 +0000

Ok… This is hard, because you have done a great job in changing what I thought of WV…… You do a great job representing your state and changing a lot of opinions/stereotypes I’d bet!

No teeth, ragged and shaggy dress, dirty, pig tails like Pippi Longstocking, freckles, pick up trucks, trailer parks, jeans (mostly cut off), land and nice views.

Hope that helps I know I was all wrong, that quickly changed after I met you! (even virtually)

By: Mountain Laurel

Mountain Laurel — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 01:06:24 +0000

Interesting that you ask this question at this time. I have been teaching a class this week about Appalachia. Your question today was my question as I began the class. I also asked the Twitterverse about it today. From the class I got lots of poverty (trailers, charity, broken down cars). From the Twitterverse I got lots of idealistic stuff (beauty, mountains, serenity, etc). My goal is that they see all of it in a unified view as these are all part of Appalachia. They’re also coming to the idea that some negative characteristics of Appalachia are indeed markers of poverty in other areas as well. I’m hoping that by the end of the class they can have an honest view of the problems of Appalachia while appreciating the items that make it distinct and fascinating.