After one too many Lifetime movies, I can no longer stand "Hollywood's" interpretation of the South. I don't live in an old plantation house with an excessive amount of land - and that's just the beginning of the list. I understand the charming nature that these aspects provide, and don't get me wrong, they're my guilty pleasure too. But, let me correct a few points before I go back to binge-watching the exact same story with different farm animals.
1. Believe it or not: we have cellphone service.
Every movie begins with the montage of travel before the oblivious co-ed discovers that they have left the realm of cell towers. One flight south of the Mason-Dixon Line doesn't knock out your ability to communicate with the rest of the world.
2. We don't live in cowboy boots.
Or plaid. Or fishtail braids. Or bolo ties. The list goes on and on, but you get the point. Everyone doesn't stop and stare at you in the "market" because you walked in wearing heels or a leather jacket.
3. I have never been to a barn dance in my life.
Barns have a purpose, and high school gyms have a purpose. I don't doubt that someone somewhere has hosted a dance in a barn. But, it didn't happen anywhere near me or anyone else I know.
4. I know what Starbucks is.
I had a venti caramel macchiato this morning. There is a Starbucks in every other grocery store (You read that right - multiple grocery stores!). I realize that rural America has less commercial areas, but it is not encompassed by the shadow of a giant rock.
I know that other states are also given their own set of stereotypes, but I can only write about what I know (which doesn't include spontaneous line dances or barrel racing).