Quote:
“Well, as a West Virginia farmer might say, that's a load of fertilizer.” (O’Brian, August 23, 2011)
Reaction:
This quote hit home to me because my papaw is a retired West Virginia farmer from Barbour County. I have heard my papaw say the exact same phrase. Listening to him say “that’s a load of fertilizer” sounds normal because I was raised on the same turf. However, when I envision my papaw on a TV series about hillbillies, I would be angered to realize that other individuals all over the world would be tuning into the series to make fun of a specific group of people. My papaw did not go to college; yet, he is one of the smartest individuals I have been acquainted with. I would be an outraged West Virginian if a TV series about West Virginia “hillbillies” aired. West Virginia and its residents have been unwillingly given a label or stereotype that not everyone falls into. I am a proud citizen of West Virginia and I strongly believe people shouldn’t judge others.
As a future elementary teacher, I want all my students to recognize that we are all equal no matter where you grew up, how you talk, your appearance, learning level, etc. It is not right for anybody to judge or critique a person/group of people. However, I realize that some people will always be right behind you judging, making fun, or belittling. That is why I plan to model for all students that I am proud of where I grew up, my background, and to encourage others to be proud of their culture even if people stereotype. God created all humans as equals.
Related Source:
Stereotypes of West Virginia
I chose this website because two West Virginia students from Logan County took a stand against West Virginia stereotypes by creating a PowerPoint presentation. These girls basically said go ahead and call me a hillbilly, but a “hillbilly” looks just like you and me: a normal person. This makes me step back from my angered point of view of a West Virginia stereotype. I am 100% proud of where I was raised and presently live; no one will make me feel otherwise. I feel that educators need to openly instruct students that it is okay to be proud of their background and don’t let the stereotypes and bullying affect their feelings.
References:
O'Brian, J. (2003, May 10). Tall tales of appalachia. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/10/opinion/tall-tales-of-appalachia.html?src=pm
Stereotypes of west virginia. (2008, April 23). Retrieved from http://westvirginiarific.wordpress.com/category/stereotypes-of-west-virginia/
I like that you picked this quote because it is a phrase that your papaw uses. All West Virginians should be proud of where they are from and we need to start modeling this to our students.
ReplyDeleteI also love that you picked this. To me, it doesn't sound like something a "hillbilly" would say. It just sounds like something I hear from a wise old man who has so much to offer me. Yes, I too would be angered by a "Hillbilly" show but how many West Virginians would buy into it, by watching and even trying to land a spot? It's sad to say but unfortunately, some West Virginian's are contributing to the stereotypes. I think it is wonderful you recognize the importance of accepting yourself and plan to model that for students. Love the PowerPoint too! -Alyssa
ReplyDeleteHearing people call us hillbillies can be annoying at times but you have to laugh sometimes because it is really only preventing them from getting to know the people of this state, like your papaw.
ReplyDeletePeople believing that everyone from West Virginia is like a character from that show just goes to show how truly uneducated people are about those who are different from them and come from different places. It is sad to me that in this day and age that so many people are still being judged by the way they look, sounds, or where they are from.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see others are not afraid to be West Virginia proud
ReplyDelete