[oyez]

I can remember way back when I went into service as my boot camp company was formed up I was the only Southerner among a group or New Englanders and Long Islanders. I was treated at first as a virtual Gomer Pile. And it didn't end there either. In every command I'd go aboard, "Oh we got a Grit. I bet he don't know about indoor plumbing." I'd have to prove this ole Southern didn't fall of the melon cart every time .

I'm through provin' now.

[Malcolm]

Except for Denver and San Antonio, I've never been outside the South. Of course they're going to make fun of you when you're on their turf. My point is that Yanks and others who hold these convenient, self-serving stereotypes are themselves ignorant hicks. I was in basic in San Antonio with about half of then Southerners and the other half from Minnesota. I don't remember too many "Gophers" making fun of me, but then I'm physically a big guy, and that might have stopped them. Later, when in college in Atlanta, I was told by a prof that this is all non-Southerners do is make fun of the South. If you're on someone else's turf, that's how it is. If I ever went to a place known for anti-Southern sentiment, (Northeast, Cali, etc), then I would already know that I would face a lot of negative comments. Not many states in the West are like that, since the bulk of Southern culture is also Western culture. Most Yanks that live in Metro Atlanta are decent and nice. Whether they keep their views to themselves or really like this area is a mystery, but that's their right. I'm not asking non-Southerners to accept me; I couldn't care less what they think. As far as things to make fun of, the non-Southerner has plenty of things that they have to defend as well. I have sincere respect for non-Southerners, but they are not superior to me or others here; as if that had to be said.....