The different types of Southerners
Katie Nelson
Issue date: 11/7/08 Section: Opinion
As I walk around campus, I have noticed something about the students that is different from most people in this area. They don't eat grits, have no idea what Bojangles is, and say "you guys" instead of "y'all." I realize that many of the students on campus previously lived north of the Mason-Dixon Line. Don't worry, we won't hold it against you. We, as Southerners, can only hope to assimilate you into our wonderful culture.
Now for those of you who are unaware, there are many different types of Southerners. I've had to explain this hierarchy to several people so I'm going to get it out in the open once and for all. I have divided Southerness (yes, I know this isn't a real word) into four categories: Southern gentlemen and belles, rednecks, hicks, and people who are mistaken for Southerners. First of all let me state that these categories are not mutually exclusive; some of the traits may overlap.
First are the people who are sometimes confused for Southerners. They are not actually rednecks but they put on the façade that they are. They may come from either the North or the South. They only enjoy certain aspects of Southern culture. For example, people who wear camouflage clothing which is not hunting gear are not necessarily Southern. If you say 'Git-er-done' on a regular basis that doesn't make you Southern, just annoying. People who live in trailers are not necessarily Southern. Plenty of Yankees and Southerners live in trailers and walk around in wife-beaters.
Next are Southern gentlemen and belles. If you ever find a Southern Gentleman, hold on to him. He is a rare find and incredibly wonderful. Southern Gentlemen always hold doors open, pull out your chair for you, say please and thank you, and will call you "ma'am" or "miss." Hunting pheasant is a weekend activity for a Southern Gentleman. He drinks things like Crown Royal, bourbon, and brandy. He attends church regularly. He is always well-groomed and smells very nice. Bowties are a popular accessory for a Southern Gentleman. Southern Gentlemen are not that different from other people, they are just better. Southern Belles are their counterpart and they are equally as wonderful. They hold the same polite manners as the gentlemen. They are great hostesses and know how to raise children the correct way. Southern Belles seems tender and innocent, but crossing a Southern Belle is like fighting a grizzly bear.
Now for those of you who are unaware, there are many different types of Southerners. I've had to explain this hierarchy to several people so I'm going to get it out in the open once and for all. I have divided Southerness (yes, I know this isn't a real word) into four categories: Southern gentlemen and belles, rednecks, hicks, and people who are mistaken for Southerners. First of all let me state that these categories are not mutually exclusive; some of the traits may overlap.
First are the people who are sometimes confused for Southerners. They are not actually rednecks but they put on the façade that they are. They may come from either the North or the South. They only enjoy certain aspects of Southern culture. For example, people who wear camouflage clothing which is not hunting gear are not necessarily Southern. If you say 'Git-er-done' on a regular basis that doesn't make you Southern, just annoying. People who live in trailers are not necessarily Southern. Plenty of Yankees and Southerners live in trailers and walk around in wife-beaters.
Next are Southern gentlemen and belles. If you ever find a Southern Gentleman, hold on to him. He is a rare find and incredibly wonderful. Southern Gentlemen always hold doors open, pull out your chair for you, say please and thank you, and will call you "ma'am" or "miss." Hunting pheasant is a weekend activity for a Southern Gentleman. He drinks things like Crown Royal, bourbon, and brandy. He attends church regularly. He is always well-groomed and smells very nice. Bowties are a popular accessory for a Southern Gentleman. Southern Gentlemen are not that different from other people, they are just better. Southern Belles are their counterpart and they are equally as wonderful. They hold the same polite manners as the gentlemen. They are great hostesses and know how to raise children the correct way. Southern Belles seems tender and innocent, but crossing a Southern Belle is like fighting a grizzly bear.
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