Appalachian Stereotypes

As children transition into adults, they will always encounter stereotypes in an area. Likewise, the media has depicted Appalachians as uneducated human beings for centuries. Stereotypes have depressed regions from obtaining proper resources such as health care and employment opportunities. In Jeff Biggers’ book, The United States of Appalachia, he voiced the impractical stereotypes Appalachian people have tolerated. Stereotypes have become a reality to Americans through the media and other means of communication. In addition, my grandmother, Peggy Crowder, grew up as an Appalachian child in the south. She encountered several situations in which she was dehumanized for being an Appalachian. Throughout history Appalachian people have been depicted to have poor educations, destroy the environment by coal mining, and lack motivation as hillbillies. As Appalachians have evolved, they continue to have a reputation as uneducated humans. However, economical factors, poor teaching, and parental influence affect an areas quality of education. If …show more content…
Television shows such as “Beverly Hillbillies” give the people of Appalachian a poor reputation. However, Biggers references Rebecca Harding’s portrayal of Appalachia: “Her work reminded the country that Appalachia was not a foreign land, but a vital American crossroads of numerous immigrant groups, blacks, and courageous women, all of whom were playing a significant role in our nation’s industrial saga” (Biggers 138). Harding’s work revealed the motivation and courage Appalachians displayed. Peggy stated, “My family was extremely hard workers. We harvested our own food, built our own house, and attended church daily. It was a part of our community and heritage” (Crowder). As Biggers and Crowder revealed, Appalachians are not lethargic, rednecks; they have ambitions to strive towards as other humans