[vfrpilot]

I spent some time in Olive Branch, MS, which is next to Memphis and a stones throw from the Arkansas state line. The guys I worked with were great, but I was amazed by the way they 'dumped' on Arkansas. Most of it was in good fun, and probably driven by the fact that there was only one tech from AR working there. I did ask them one time about the distance to AR, and me being from San Diego at the time could basically lump them all in the same tribe. They were some of the nicest folks I 've ever had the pleasure to work with.
Just recently I've found that a lot of Canadians refer to Newfoundland much the same way

[marmac]

Why does Arkansas (and other southern states) get a bad rap?

It is from the liberals up North who praise every new tax increase that comes up and ridicules southern states cuz of their lower taxes.

Just yesterday, the ex mayor of St Cloud MN posted charts comparing Minnesota's return of Federal gasoline tax back to the state of origin and did individual charts for Arkansas, Alabama, and Mississippi.
He referred to those 3 states as "beggar states" in his ridicule.

[arguy1973]

well..imho..i hope to continue to get a bad rap..that way people from up north or whereever that come here and think we are ignorant and backward would just stay where they are..we dont want them here.
signed..proud to be a hillbilly!

[luvarkansas]

Originally Posted by JustT&Me

Thank you, but I think that one was meant to be "lost"... some things are simply meant to be lived in the moment. But have you ever heard of the Foxfire books? They weren't specifically AR but Appalachian, I believe.

Let me see if I can find a link for you...

Foxfire books - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia -

Once you read the Wiki entry, if it's of any interest to you, then maybe you might try clicking one of their other links. A lot of folksy "stuff" there!

Enjoy!

Thanks! I have both Foxfire books....as a matter of fact, we used one years ago for information when we re-caned a little rocking chair that belonged to my husband when he was a little boy.

Some day I'm going to go to the Folk Center...it sounds interesting. Like somebody before said, Arkansas does have culture...hillbilly culture! And it's not all bad....to me it speaks of strength, resourcefulness, independence, common sense, helping neighbors, etc. This country could use a lot more of that kind of culture.

[beck87]

I think you should get over, be yourself and people will realize you're not the "hillbilly" from Arkansas they thought you would be. Every single state (as stated numerous times already) has it's things, Cali and the "rich" life, Texas and riding horses, NY as rude and always busy and in a hurry...

Just get over it and don't let what others think bother you and you'll be JUST fine.!

[Ira500]

I'm originally from New Jersey, but the part of the state where people have bad teeth and are married to their cousins, yet people assume that because I'm from New jersey, I must be part of the Mafia or something.
Arkansans are some of the nicest people in the world, and a pretty diverse lot.
Sure, there are Southern Baptists, but there are also Muslims, Hindus, athiests, intellectuals, a Jewish Deli ( in Hot Springs), vegetarian restaurants, and the best danged BBQ on Planet Earth.

[Moth]

Come on! Arkansas produced a President and came somewhat close to producing another.

[JustT&Me]

Originally Posted by luvarkansas

Thanks! I have both Foxfire books....as a matter of fact, we used one years ago for information when we re-caned a little rocking chair that belonged to my husband when he was a little boy.

Some day I'm going to go to the Folk Center...it sounds interesting. Like somebody before said, Arkansas does have culture...hillbilly culture! And it's not all bad....to me it speaks of strength, resourcefulness, independence, common sense, helping neighbors, etc. This country could use a lot more of that kind of culture.

You are welcome! I completely concur.

And you can add to that... some really great musicians!

Ooooooooo PIG Sooie! You go, girl!

P.S. Also a note on Southern rockers... (v. Southern Rock-er/s) ... all the women in our family have one. My grandmother had one when she was living, and when she passed away, they put it in the country grocerer's. There wasn't a time I visited that I didn't find someone sitting in it, and they always had only the most wonderful things to say about her! She was an incredibly loving woman. Enjoy!

[JustT&Me]

Originally Posted by Moth

Come on! Arkansas produced a President and came somewhat close to producing another.

Yes. They also produce a lot of pig manure. What is your point?

[JustT&Me]

Originally Posted by Ira500

...Arkansans are some of the nicest people in the world, and a pretty diverse lot. Sure, there are Southern Baptists, but there are also Muslims, Hindus, athiests, intellectuals, a Jewish Deli ( in Hot Springs), vegetarian restaurants, and the best danged BBQ on Planet Earth.

What - are you saying that Southern Baptists aren't nice? jk. You are definitely right about Arkansans being "some of the nicest ppl in the world." And their BBQ - they sure know how to cook it! "Low & slow..." is what I always say! Have a great day!