Southern By The Grace Of God
Written: May 22 '00 (Updated May 23 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Beauty, history, and grace
Cons: A sad, sad, time in American history
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| kmhinman's Full Review: Mississippi |
This opinion is not about specifically travel, but I couldn't find anywhere else to put it. Please be kind
In reference to a comment that was made, I thought I would say one reason why I thought this would have something to do with Mississippi (where I am from). Mississippi is in the heart of the South so when one tries to explain Southerners it helps others when they go to visit. They'll have a better understanding of locals.:)
American By Birth
Southern By The Grace Of God
Dixie
Gone With The Wind
These are all images people relate to the South. These are all images people who are not Southern see with great disdain. These are all images Southerners cherish while others scoff.
I have left the South
As a Southerner, many wonder if I have ever left the South. Yes, many times. Starting when I was 14, I took several trips including Nebraska, Kansas, California, Nevada, DC, Oregon, Washington, and South Dakota. Every time, I was the only Southerner or at least one of the few. Every time, I had to defend myself.
I specifically remember my last trip. I traveled to Las Vegas to see my sister, who by the way is Southern too. Late in the trip, one of her friends made a snide comment about what life was like down here. I refrained from attacking because I knew it would do no good, but it made me truly realize what people outside the South really thought. They think we are all racist, slave-owning rednecks. I have to defend, “This is not true.” I wish to explain and inform with what I am about to say.
What is it to be a Southerner
First and foremost I must say, “We are very proud Americans.” Don’t ever think we aren’t. Next, let me talk about the heart and soul of the South.
In one of our most famous songs, Dixie, there is a line that reads; “Old times there are not forgotten.” Let me tell you what that REALLY means.
Being a Southerner is so much more than the sad, sad fact of slavery. That is not what we remember. What we remember is this.
A long time ago
Women were women.
Men were men.
It was nothing to be ashamed of
To be kissed on the hand and
To open a door for a women.
Women dressed gracefully
Men dressed gallant.
Times were gently
Times were tough
Beautiful rolling hills
Were something to admire
Gentleness was something
That everyone was expected to do
A smile was something
We all were expected to give
A kind hand was something
We were all giving.
We stood proud
Not for our imperfections
But we stood proud
For what we believed in
We loved our country
That is not in question
But we also took great pride
In what part of the country we were from
We enjoyed catillions, balls,
Churches, and company.
We loved our family
Those blood and not.
A sweet voice and a kind word
Were expected not surprised.
A good drink and kind friends
Was an everyday occurrence.
Finally, we do not forget
The beauty that was and is the South.
We only remember fondly
The times that are not forgotten.
Today
Just a few days ago I saw a black man waving the rebel flag. He made me stop and think. I just hope I can do the same for you.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
kmhinman
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Reviews written: 116
Trusted by: 30 members
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