Recently, I saw an Odyssey article titled, "Southern Hospitality Is As Fake As The People Who Practice It," that has been circulating around Facebook. While I in no way mean to disrespect the author’s personal experiences with those who practice 'southern hospitality', I also feel compelled to break down this article so others aren’t misguided by this heartbreakingly inaccurate description of us.
The Southern part of the United States is filled with drivers with little to no urgency, pressing issues, namely: mustard versus vinegar based, religious church goers, sweet tea, fried food, and yes, good old Southern hospitality. It’s the practice of being respectful to elders, the use of ma’am and sir, opening doors, and being welcoming to strangers. Is it too good to be true? Well, ya’ll, no it’s not. I’ve grown up in South Carolina and know all too well the charm of one who practices ‘Southern Hospitality’.
Southern hospitality isn’t directed nor restricted towards certain human beings. Southern hospitality applies to those who we encounter at our local grocery store checkout lines and anyone in need of a lending hand regardless of where we are or who they are. We are a breed of mostly friendly beings who have mastered the art of small talk and know the importance of calling your momma every once in awhile. We will gladly stop at a child’s lemonade stand to support capitalism and live in a land where word does indeed travel fast. Far faster than many Southern residents drive.
Merely everyone can figure out if one has ‘Southern Hospitality’ and whether someone likes you or not. A smile and a simple hello is a warm gesture appreciated by most all.
Saying “I practice southern hospitality” to me translates to being family first, knowing the beauty of small talk, and always taking an extra second to say hello. Because, in practice, southern hospitality means boys getting up to give their seats to girls, never failing to say ‘ma’am’ and ‘sir’, please, and thank you. It means being one who is approachable and accessible and knowing to always take advantage of an opportunity to shut-up.
South Carolina isn’t as hospital as it once was due to the influx of Northerners who have migrated for warmer weather, and to take advantage of the best football in the country. Many of which plaster “Ohio” on their license plates are often bred to be very blunt and express their opinions easily. To them, it’s a ‘no nonsense’ way of life. They have admirable qualities like working hard for they want and standing up for what they believe in. However, when they don’t like someone, many tend to be straight rude to them. Quite frankly, it is disturbing to me.
I am one who visits the New England states fairly often. My mom is from Conneticut and each time I visit, I am mocked for my usage of ya'll and frowned upon when I use 'ma'am' and 'sir'. Because, to a New Englander resident or one who lives in the North, it is assumed I am insinuating they are older.
Growing up with 'Southern Hospitality' values doesn't equate to me being fake or intentionally rude. Because of how I have been raised, I will smile when things are tough and smile even bigger when times are great. I appreciate my upbringings and growing up in a slower pace of life. I couldn't imagine growing up where I was stuck in bumper to bumper traffic on a regular basis, unsustainable human influx, and without the usage of 'ma'am' and 'sir'. Growing up in the South means great food and good hospitality; just the way I like it.
