Southern Stereotypes

     Growing up in the South, I was very different than what was considered culturally relevant to most of my peers in the 80s and early 90s. I found more solace and kinship with the roots music of the South. It was authentic. From the raw power of early Rockabilly, to the storytelling of early Country music, to the pure catharsis of delta blues.
     I thank my Dad for giving me the gift of rockabilly and country music at a you g age. Later in my life I recognized the authentic and independent experience in skateboarding and underground music. What I appreciated more about punk rock, was not just the blatant offensiveness of some of it, but the independent and DIY spirit. Even though a lot of that music was anti-establishment; in a way, it was the ultimate American music. It was all about freedom. Everyone just wants to be free, no matter who you are. 
     I made peace with me being from the South a long time ago. I got tired of pretending I was too cool. I’m a nonconformist, but I also know the Southern way of living had a huge impact on who I am as a person. Your neighbors care about each other. There was a general sense of trying to take care of people who are down on their luck instead of people being considered disposable.            
     Everyone already knows the bad part of the history of the South. I absolutely loathe racism. I always have. The thing is, it’s not just a Southern thing. It’s everywhere. Some of the most brilliant and kind people I know are from the South.
    People love to play into Stereotypes. When you hear a person try to talk like an idiot, what’s the default accent? That’s right. It’s a Southern accent. I mean, I do it myself. It’s funny, but.. spoiler alert.. Southern people are in on the joke. The default inbreeding jokes are not clever or funny after you tell them about a billion times. 
     Now that I live in the Northern part of The United States, I find myself in the odd position of being a southern ambassador of sorts. People expect me to be a certain way when they hear my accent, but then are confused when they realize I’m actually a progressive and artsy dude. 
     Ultimately I just want people, no matter where you’re from, to remember that deep down, there are very few things that separate us as human beings. The more people I meet from all over the world, the more obvious it is. 
     I am also more than ready for the world to retire the Alabama “inbreeding” joke. If you’re going to insult people, at least come up with some original material. 
              
I’m gonna keep reppin’ the South and runnin’ my mouth. 

Tony Perdue

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