" Bright, capable, young men and women do not think they belong in college because they are hillbillies". (O' Brian 2003)
Not wishing to take this quote out of context, I should mention that O'Brian is paraphrasing the words of a student counselor at West Virginia University. I assume this counselor was speaking of the students there. In any case, I am in personal disagreement with this notion. I have done some traveling. I have never come across anyone who stereotyped me or spoke negatively of me because of where I am from. I am not ashamed of my background. Yes, I am a "typical" West Virginian. I am a coal miner's daughter. I grew up in a "holler". I ate ramps (still do). However, I know who I am, I am confident in my education and my upbringing and I believe that my sense of self confidence has dispelled any stereotypes that others may wish to put upon me. I am not ashamed of where I am from and I do not use my heritage as an excuse or a crutch. Do I believe stereotypes about West Virginians exist? Absolutely. But I also believe that they can be ignored and overcome. We may in fact be a product of the situation in which we are raised but it is no reflection on our ability to grow and learn.
My husband told me about this. Shame on you, Jay Leno!
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
tbug666 (poster). Jay Leno trashes WV (Video). (2012 6 January). Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXvynSN9Jtc&feature=related
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