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April 16, 2006
Southern Hospitality
McBride, The Color of Water (1996) -- Jerz: American Lit II (EL 267)"I always felt that way about the South, that beneath the smiles and Southern hospitality and politeness were a lot of guns and liquer and secrets" (111). We spoke about this the Tues/Thurs class and a number of classmates commented on the hospitality and manners of Southerners. Mommy was from Virginia, which is not usually considered deep South, and she relates the other side of life that maybe Northern visitors don't normally get to see.
Posted by BrendaChristeleit at April 16, 2006 9:21 AM
Comments
Interesting. I don't know much about the differences between northern and southern living, despite the fact that I've lived in both regions. I guess Florida isn't really a typical southern state, though.
Posted by: ChrisU at April 17, 2006 11:13 PM
Brenda, It was nice to see you in our tuesday thursday class. Yes, we commented alot about southern hospitality including "Yes, Mam and No, Sir" to inviting uninvited guests to dine. I can see from the quote that maybe all the politness is to cover up or make up for secrets...such as drinkng problems or guns! "I always felt that way about the South, that beneath the smiles and Southern hospitality and politeness were a lot of guns and liquer and secrets" (111). This is a very interesting thought.
Posted by: Terra Stumpf at May 3, 2006 10:05 PM
I would caution against sweeping generalizations based on geographical strereotypes. I, when I was younger, held grotesque and superficial concepts about the "North." However, when I moved to CT, I realized quickly how immature my preconcieved notions had been. Many people in the "South" are genuinly hospitable, however, if it is guns and liquor that you are looking for, I am sure you can find aplenty above and below the Mason Dixon Line.
Posted by: Patrick at August 10, 2008 11:07 AM