An election happened last week. Did you know that? I’m assuming it was a pretty large one, particularly considering the uproarious outcry from both sides of the aisle. I’m tired of talking about it. I’m sure you are too. Rest easy- this is not a political article.
It is, however, a critique of a blanket statement that has been repeated often by the media in the past week.
While watching the election coverage, I heard the term “rural America” being used quite often. This, in and of itself, is fine. However, the term that usually preceded it was “uneducated.” A celebrity even took to Twitter to make his views known.
This is something I have an issue with.
I am, after all, a product of rural America.
There is a pervasive stereotype that defines rural America as simple, stupid, ignorant, and backwards. And if I have learned in higher education, it is that stereotypes are both dangerous and harmful for any society.
Blanket statements for groups of people, such as describing the entirety of rural America as "uneducated," is not factual, nor is it helpful in any way.
Besides, there are vasts amounts of people in rural America who do have college degrees.
As for those who don't, lacking a formal education does not mean that you are lacking intelligence. Someone without a college degree can still be perfectly informed.
Additionally, uneducated does not account for those who learned skills through hands-on training in a trade, rather than in a classroom.
Some of the most intelligent, thoughtful people I have ever met did not have a Ph.D. And that is completely okay. We live in a country where all opinions and voices are equally valuable, no matter your education, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or socioeconomic status.
The word "uneducated" has quite the negative connotation. It implies racist and sexist views. It makes it sound like we're all barefoot and have poor dental hygiene. Come on now.
Rural towns lack the big city flash and feel, but the importance of the products of these towns cannot go unnoticed. Rural towns are the homes of agriculture and small businesses, and they are home to people of all educations and all professions.
Additionally, you must realize that rural America has been crippled by Washington. When I look around my small, rural town, I don’t see faces filled with hate. What I do see, however, is fear.
The fear of being forgotten and destroyed by the national government. The fear of having life completely upended and being powerless to stop it.
It is my belief that the majority of rural America did not vote for Trump in support of his downright outlandish policies; rather, they voted for him in spite of his policies. So many see Trump as a man who is not beholden to Washington.
I dislike Trump immensely, and I wish that the “champion” for the working class people was anyone but him. The people, however, have made their decision.
To classify someone based specifically on his or her voting choice is simply unacceptable. Yes, there are some who voted for Trump simply because they see him as the poster child for racism, sexism, and bigotry. However, these characteristics are not typical of rural America.
Small towns do not equal small minds; rather, to group and stereotype any group of people by the acts or words of a few is indicative a small mind.
