For that matter, why isn't it "Southern by Birth, and American by Grace of God? Indeed, the South could have ended up something really wretched if some Southern politicians in the last two centuries had gotten their way. Being part of a larger country has helped to prevent the various regions from falling giving into their less worthy characteristics and tendencies.
I have a special affinity to the state and regional culture that I live in and personally think that there's not a better place on Earth to live, but I suspect most other folks feel the same way about their particular state/region/culture/heritage. If they don't, then sad for them.
Maybe they take a more realistic or balanced view of things. If you live in a Northern state you'll have plenty of things to complain about -- weather, potholes, traffic, politicians, taxes -- but you'll also have things you can take pride in.
It looks as though some Southerners have to be the best in everything. Not just now, but also through all time. And anything that gets in the way of that is denied. They play on the whole "red state" "blue state" thing to dismiss some really positive things about the Northeast or the West Coast.
There's nothing wrong with loving one's state or region as it is with all its good and bad qualities, but pretending it's perfect gets people into trouble.
Methinks thou dost protest too much. I've said nothing to denigrate other regions of this great nation, but having others complaining because I show a special affinity to the region and culture that I was reared and currently live in I find humorous. Do I detect envy?
I have a special affinity to the state and regional culture that I live in and personally think that there's not a better place on Earth to live, but I suspect most other folks feel the same way about their particular state/region/culture/heritage. If they don't, then sad for them.
This bears repeating again. I can crow about the South if I want to (free speech and all that..)- you can too about where you live, if you feel so inclined. It won't offend me. To each his own.
Maybe they take a more realistic or balanced view of things. If you live in a Northern state you'll have plenty of things to complain about -- weather, potholes, traffic, politicians, taxes -- but you'll also have things you can take pride in.
I do not consider my viewpoint unrealistic or unbalanced. Sounds like you think we should all be exactly the same. I prefer a unified but somewhat non-homogenized culture. We are all Americans, yes - we are all exactly the same, no.
It looks as though some Southerners have to be the best in everything.
I never said any such thing. Those are your words, not mine.
Not just now, but also through all time. And anything that gets in the way of that is denied. They play on the whole "red state" "blue state" thing to dismiss some really positive things about the Northeast or the West Coast.
Boy! If you think Southerners have a lock on this type of behavior, you need to read more postings in FR more often.
There's nothing wrong with loving one's state or region as it is with all its good and bad qualities, but pretending it's perfect gets people into trouble.
Show me where I ever said the South was perfect and I'll gladly apologize. My only statement has been to express my personal affinity for the region of this great nation that I live in, warts and all. If others don't feel similarly, well sad for them.