'Redneck' is Simply Sunburn

Having been from the South, born here, raised here, no stereotype really bothers me because I know that they are, for the most part, false. Most people see the South through the narrow view of the magazine, Southern Living. My goal is not, by any means, to say that this magazine is incorrect or lying to the millions of readers, but it is to show the stereotypes the magazine is based on.

When Southern Living depicts the South as hospitable, warm, and welcoming they are about as far from wrong as one can be in any matter. Growing up in a family and community that is centered around these values has taught me how to live my life with care and conscience for my surroundings. As with most things, I feel that when describing something a visual comparison can help in the representation of a point. This video clip of The Waterboy shows everything that the South is NOT.

From minute mark 1:25 forward, the scene depicts the

home of Bobby Boucher and a fine "southern dining"

experience. The ridiculousness of this scene, I hope, will

completely contrast everything you know about the

South as most people know it today. Granted there are

select parts of the country that still may operate this

way, it is safe to say that the majority of the South

would be appalled by this representation of their home.

The South has grown out of stereotypes like the ones

shown in this movie, for the better!