11 Stereotypes About Mississippi That Need To Be Put To Rest - Right Now
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published July 30, 2015
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
Mississippi and its residents are most commonly associated with positive traits; however, there are those closed-minded people out there that like to perpetuate unfounded stereotypes. Unable to sit by and ignore these rude remarks, we’ve put together this list of Mississippi stereotypes that we’re tired of hearing.
1. Often times, Mississippians are associated with being uneducated, but that is just simply not the case! Not only was Mississippi the first state to systemize junior colleges, it is also home to several colleges with reputable programs in business, medicine, and the sciences.
3. Going to Wal-Mart is a necessity; it’s not how we have fun. Believe it or not, there are plenty of other things Mississippians would rather be doing than spending the day at Wal-Mart…like anything else.
4. Farming is a huge part of Mississippi’s economy, but that doesn’t mean all Mississippians live on farms. It is sometimes hard for out-of-towners to grasp the fact that we don’t all own cows and grow crops.
5. Okay, it may not be uncommon to see a tractor driving on the road but that doesn’t mean we don’t own cars. Even though some may find it hard to believe, tractors are not a normal means of transportation.
6. Not everyone in Mississippi gets married immediately after high school graduation. While some are lucky enough to find their spouse at a young age, it doesn’t mean it works out that way for everyone.
7. Sure, a lot of Mississippians love country music just as much as the next guy, but it’s not the only type of music we listen to here in the south. Mississippi is the birthplace of America’s music after all, so good taste in music comes along with being a Mississippian.
8. There are some closed-minded people that think you can’t experience world-class culture in Mississippi but that’s simply untrue. Not only is the state home to numerous notable museums, Jackson is the only city in the country that hosts the USA International Ballet Competition.
10. Contrary to popular belief, we do actually have paved roads here in Mississippi. And we’re lucky enough to have beautiful scenery to enjoy while driving on them.
11. Lastly, we wear shoes! Sure, when it’s nice out, there is nothing like walking around barefoot and feeling fresh cut grass between your toes, but there is a time and a place for going without shoes.
