The United States is a massive country split by invisible culture lines that give our country regions. The two basic divisions are the North and the South. Having lived in both, I've heard stereotypes about each side. Having said that, I grew up in the North and the majority of my family still lives there, so I have decided to shed some light on some of the concerns they have about the South.
Just like most things in life, I feel as though these stereotypes can only truly be explained through our fine friends down at Dunder Mifflin.
1. Sweet Tea
Why is there literally an entire pound of sugar in one pitcher of tea? Obesity in this country does NOT need your help!
2. Name Calling
I'm not sure if I really am a sweetheart or if you're being politely rude... and stop calling me honey.3. 'I Reckon"
This phrase is a question, answer, noun, verb, and quite honestly it just sounds like you're mad every time you say it
4. Team Rivals
Yes, we have Ohio State and Michigan, but in the South, when you join a fan base, it's like you've joined a gang. You have rumbles at tailgate parties, chant, and wear every piece of clothing you own that is your teams colors, it's borderline scary.
5. Grits and Gravy
Grits taste like nothing and if there is another option, yes I'll take that! Also, gravy is not a condiment and no, it does NOT go on everything.
6. Southern Hospitality
This is something people in the North find wonderful and confusing at the same time. It's so refreshing to go through a drive-thru and be treated like a real person with real feelings, but sometimes it also seems like sarcasm.. tricky tricky.
7. Weather
As a kid, this was always entertaining to me and my siblings. Southern people go into panic mode when the forecast calls for half an inch of snow that will melt by noon. In the North, kids are lucky to be out of school with two feet of snow on the ground and more on the way. Also, why do you rush to the store and buy bread? Bread is a perishable item...
8. Directions
Everything is in the direction of down. Going down to the store, going down to Indiana, going down to the attic.. I'm lost.
9. Swearing
It's impressive that you don't use the classic swear words. Oh no, you make up names that are much worse. "uglier than a lard bucket full of armpits" and "uglier than a homemade sin" are two that I find particularly interesting.
10. Country Music
A tractor, whiskey, summer day, full moon, pretty girls, bonfire, a big field, and a truck come together to create every number one hit song in the world of country music. Some have the added bonus of a dog and that is what makes a classic.
So welcome to the South as the Northerners see it. But don't think this is all we see, because we love your sandy Florida beaches and the breathtaking view of the Smokey Mountains as you roll through Knoxville. We love your sweet tea drinking, country music singing, SEC loving souls.
oh..and..
Bless your heart!
