Resistance against "Yankees" (Charleston, York: crime rates, living in, groceries)

[Tinabean]

I came late to the party but have enjoyed reading the posts in this thread.
Quite simply put, whenever I travel to other parts of the country, or the world for that matter, on business, I make an honest and adamant effort to fit in and show repsect for my hosts and their culture. I would expect to do the same if I made the choice to move into the area. Now a person has every right to teach their children according to their culture and upbringing but keep in mind that it has been proven, people with impeccable manners fare much better in business and socially than those who do not make the effort. This is not to say that parents in other regions do not teach their children manners....this is to say that one can stay true to their heritage and also make an effort to both acknowledge and respect the customs of their new home. If one doesn't make the effort, one should not complain about not being made to feel welcomed or included. BUT.....and I am not concerned with being politically correct here..... for those folks who feel that we Southerners need to corrected, fixed, educated or otherwise repaired, please bypass our beautiful state and move elsewhere. We may speak slowly but we have quick wits and even quicker minds. We do have major universities and libraries here and while we may say Y'all, we are a well read group, mostly. And even for those of our brothers and sisters who have not had the great fortune to further their education, I defend them all right now. Just this very week I hosted an event for a family from England and they were commenting on the differences. The grandmother, a fine old Dame, said that it perplexed her when she was out walking her grandchildren on the lane and several people stopped in their cars to see if she needed assistance. I explained to her that folks here really are just that friendly and concerned, especially with the welfare of older folks, children and women. We care. And we show it. Now before the yanks think I'm picking on them let me tell you....I was lost in NYC this past March. I've worked there for many years for special projects but the subways still throw me for a loop. A wonderful young lady with dreadlocks gave me the wrong directions and, upon realizing I was on the wrong train with her, she immediately got off of the train with me, walked me down to another station and would NOT let me pay for my token or hers. There are good people every single place on this planet. I don't go to NYC expecting to teach anyone there anything...I go to discover, appreciate and use what I see and learn to grow personally. I hope that every transplant to SC will do the same. And I'm not sorry for the long thread.....we have a voice and we should exercise it when moved to do so.

[SCBeaches]

Originally Posted by Tinabean

I came late to the party but have enjoyed reading the posts in this thread.
Quite simply put, whenever I travel to other parts of the country, or the world for that matter, on business, I make an honest and adamant effort to fit in and show repsect for my hosts and their culture. I would expect to do the same if I made the choice to move into the area. Now a person has every right to teach their children according to their culture and upbringing but keep in mind that it has been proven, people with impeccable manners fare much better in business and socially than those who do not make the effort. This is not to say that parents in other regions do not teach their children manners....this is to say that one can stay true to their heritage and also make an effort to both acknowledge and respect the customs of their new home. If one doesn't make the effort, one should not complain about not being made to feel welcomed or included. BUT.....and I am not concerned with being politically correct here..... for those folks who feel that we Southerners need to corrected, fixed, educated or otherwise repaired, please bypass our beautiful state and move elsewhere. We may speak slowly but we have quick wits and even quicker minds. We do have major universities and libraries here and while we may say Y'all, we are a well read group, mostly. And even for those of our brothers and sisters who have not had the great fortune to further their education, I defend them all right now. Just this very week I hosted an event for a family from England and they were commenting on the differences. The grandmother, a fine old Dame, said that it perplexed her when she was out walking her grandchildren on the lane and several people stopped in their cars to see if she needed assistance. I explained to her that folks here really are just that friendly and concerned, especially with the welfare of older folks, children and women. We care. And we show it. Now before the yanks think I'm picking on them let me tell you....I was lost in NYC this past March. I've worked there for many years for special projects but the subways still throw me for a loop. A wonderful young lady with dreadlocks gave me the wrong directions and, upon realizing I was on the wrong train with her, she immediately got off of the train with me, walked me down to another station and would NOT let me pay for my token or hers. There are good people every single place on this planet. I don't go to NYC expecting to teach anyone there anything...I go to discover, appreciate and use what I see and learn to grow personally. I hope that every transplant to SC will do the same. And I'm not sorry for the long thread.....we have a voice and we should exercise it when moved to do so.

Well said!

[Geechie North]

Originally Posted by Tinabean

I came late to the party but have enjoyed reading the posts in this thread.
Quite simply put, whenever I travel to other parts of the country, or the world for that matter, on business, I make an honest and adamant effort to fit in and show repsect for my hosts and their culture. I would expect to do the same if I made the choice to move into the area. Now a person has every right to teach their children according to their culture and upbringing but keep in mind that it has been proven, people with impeccable manners fare much better in business and socially than those who do not make the effort. This is not to say that parents in other regions do not teach their children manners....this is to say that one can stay true to their heritage and also make an effort to both acknowledge and respect the customs of their new home. If one doesn't make the effort, one should not complain about not being made to feel welcomed or included. BUT.....and I am not concerned with being politically correct here..... for those folks who feel that we Southerners need to corrected, fixed, educated or otherwise repaired, please bypass our beautiful state and move elsewhere. We may speak slowly but we have quick wits and even quicker minds. We do have major universities and libraries here and while we may say Y'all, we are a well read group, mostly. And even for those of our brothers and sisters who have not had the great fortune to further their education, I defend them all right now. Just this very week I hosted an event for a family from England and they were commenting on the differences. The grandmother, a fine old Dame, said that it perplexed her when she was out walking her grandchildren on the lane and several people stopped in their cars to see if she needed assistance. I explained to her that folks here really are just that friendly and concerned, especially with the welfare of older folks, children and women. We care. And we show it. Now before the yanks think I'm picking on them let me tell you....I was lost in NYC this past March. I've worked there for many years for special projects but the subways still throw me for a loop. A wonderful young lady with dreadlocks gave me the wrong directions and, upon realizing I was on the wrong train with her, she immediately got off of the train with me, walked me down to another station and would NOT let me pay for my token or hers. There are good people every single place on this planet. I don't go to NYC expecting to teach anyone there anything...I go to discover, appreciate and use what I see and learn to grow personally. I hope that every transplant to SC will do the same. And I'm not sorry for the long thread.....we have a voice and we should exercise it when moved to do so.

But you would agree that any resident, however short term, has a voice on his/her community? For example, I lived in Charleston first 1/2 half of my life; have a family that's mentioned in "Who's Who Of Southern Families" (that and $1.59 will get you a beer on Main Street), and I wouldn't live in South Carolina on a bet. Just as many in South Carolina would not live "here" on the same bet.

So that gives me the same right as any other American to voice my opinion on Charleston, but substantially less right than somebody from Teaneck, N.J., who doesn't know Broad Street from Remount Road- and is sure the Civil War was fought between California and Nevada over the price of rhinestones, but owns property or pays rent in Charleston, to have a say in the direction Charleston moves. And by paying taxes/rent it bestows legitimacy on whatever desire he/she has to change Charleston, as long as it is within the established bounds of law, which of course can be itself changed- pursuant to the US Constitution.

[Tinabean]

Of course the United STates of America was founded on the principles of a representative government process. Each individual who is a US citizen, whether they pay taxes or not, is entitled to the right to vote and, thus, have his or her voice heard with regards to change in government. The Bill of Rights, specifically the Right to Free Speech, provides for each individual in the US to have their voices heard regarding politics, religion or any other matter provided that by exercising one's free speech, he/she does not infringe upon the rights of others. So, you are indeed right that you can voice your opinion in this forum, in the NY Times or from the summit of Mount Mitchell without fear of reprecussions. But keep in mind that social mores and cultural preferences are not formally voted in or out. These customs are ingrained in the very heart of the people whose families have passed them down from generation to generation. And while I certainly am not saying all of our historical traditions have been wonderful, beneficial or "fair", I am saying emphatically that as a people, South Carolinians do not require folks from other "more progressive" regions to educate us to how things "should be" done. We are not resistant to intelligent progressive development but we will fight having our resources depleted so that folks who have earned their money elsewhere can come and crowd the natives out of the area. We INVITE progressive economic development (i.e. producers of high paying jobs for our graduates) so that we do not continue to lose our talented and gifted homegrown youth to the urban centers. But let me be perfectly clear about this. There is a large contingent of South Carolinians who vote, pay taxes and care about the future of this great state and its people. We invite progressive change but we will NOT allow that change to be dictated to us by people who have no personal investment in the area or concern for our people. We will actively and vehemently reject political leaders who are considerably influenced by outside forces without the best interests of our residents as a priority. People from other areas may flood into the region, as is their right under the law of our great nation. However, if those people come solely to use our resources and abuse our hospitality, I can say they will not be welcomed and, probably, will not be happy here. And the natural law prevails. You didn't like it here and you moved. Goody for you. You are happier wherever you are and we are certainly glad for it. It is a terrible thing to live where you are not happy (or wanted). So it worked out well for you.....and for us.

[staywarm2]

Hey, Geechie North,

What's a Geechie?

[spc4422]

Just wanted to share my opinion. I don't appreciate, as I imagine most other people from the north don't, being called a Yankee. It has a negative connotation that makes people feel like an unwanted outsider when theyre called that. I think people should be judged on their character and personality rather than where they were born. It makes little sense to me how some posters can preach about southern hospitality, yet are quick to label or judge someone not from their state or region.

For the record, I am a 23 year old recent grad from the Annapolis MD area. I am moving to downtown Charleston in a few weeks with a friend from home who attended CofC and has stayed down there after graduation. I'm very excited for the chance to live in Charleston. I visited once before and loved everything about it. The city is beautiful, the weather is great, and the girls are gorgeous.

One other thing. I attend Church on Sundays, use good manners, come from a middle class, politically conservative family. I also love sports and other outdoor activities such as boating, fishing and skiing. I even say y'all when I talk. I guess I'm stereotyping here but if you didn't know where I was from I'd imagine I'd have a lot in common with the typical kid down in SC. Just something to think about before you call me Yank.

Just my two cents. Feel free to agree or disagree, I'm interested in hearing what everyone else thinks.

[Luvsdabeach]

Originally Posted by staywarm2

Hey, Geechie North,

What's a Geechie?

There are two definitions you could go by. The first one here matches my dad. He still has the accent but it's becoming very rare in Charleston among white men. It's typically the older white men that have it.

1)Geechie commonly refers to a person of white descent whose family has long roots in the South Carolina lowcountry, mostly between Beaufort and Georgetown; centered around Charleston. They speak "Geechie" which is a heavily accented dialect of English with Gullah influences.

2)Geechie is a term commonly referring to the African descendants of Sierra Leone, Liberia, Gambia,and Senegal who reside on coastal South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Geechie people often have a thick accent referred to as Gullah, and are commonly mistaken for Jamaicans by those who aren't familiar. Geechie people have rich culture and are increasing taking measures to preserve their heritage.

[Geechie North]

Originally Posted by Tinabean

Of course the United STates of America was founded on the principles of a representative government process. Each individual who is a US citizen, whether they pay taxes or not, is entitled to the right to vote and, thus, have his or her voice heard with regards to change in government. The Bill of Rights, specifically the Right to Free Speech, provides for each individual in the US to have their voices heard regarding politics, religion or any other matter provided that by exercising one's free speech, he/she does not infringe upon the rights of others. So, you are indeed right that you can voice your opinion in this forum, in the NY Times or from the summit of Mount Mitchell without fear of reprecussions. But keep in mind that social mores and cultural preferences are not formally voted in or out. These customs are ingrained in the very heart of the people whose families have passed them down from generation to generation. And while I certainly am not saying all of our historical traditions have been wonderful, beneficial or "fair", I am saying emphatically that as a people, South Carolinians do not require folks from other "more progressive" regions to educate us to how things "should be" done. We are not resistant to intelligent progressive development but we will fight having our resources depleted so that folks who have earned their money elsewhere can come and crowd the natives out of the area. We INVITE progressive economic development (i.e. producers of high paying jobs for our graduates) so that we do not continue to lose our talented and gifted homegrown youth to the urban centers. But let me be perfectly clear about this. There is a large contingent of South Carolinians who vote, pay taxes and care about the future of this great state and its people. We invite progressive change but we will NOT allow that change to be dictated to us by people who have no personal investment in the area or concern for our people. We will actively and vehemently reject political leaders who are considerably influenced by outside forces without the best interests of our residents as a priority. People from other areas may flood into the region, as is their right under the law of our great nation. However, if those people come solely to use our resources and abuse our hospitality, I can say they will not be welcomed and, probably, will not be happy here. And the natural law prevails. You didn't like it here and you moved. Goody for you. You are happier wherever you are and we are certainly glad for it. It is a terrible thing to live where you are not happy (or wanted). So it worked out well for you.....and for us.

Agree, as long as the basic idea is once "they" are there perminently (claiming residency) "there", then there is no "we" or "them", only an "us" that should strive to make the community the best it can be.

"Nobody likes to be invaded", as someone said on another thread. But it is happening (especially in the West and South) at a staggering pace, and even in rural places that are not in high growth regions. I've served on political bodies where the native v transplant dynamic is palatable and it's always interesting to see at what level the two sides reach accomodation.
Wish SC the best.

[Geechie North]

Originally Posted by Luvsdabeach

There are two definitions you could go by. The first one here matches my dad. He still has the accent but it's becoming very rare in Charleston among white men. It's typically the older white men that have it.

1)Geechie commonly refers to a person of white descent whose family has long roots in the South Carolina lowcountry, mostly between Beaufort and Georgetown; centered around Charleston. They speak "Geechie" which is a heavily accented dialect of English with Gullah influences.

2)Geechie is a term commonly referring to the African descendants of Sierra Leone, Liberia, Gambia,and Senegal who reside on coastal South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Geechie people often have a thick accent referred to as Gullah, and are commonly mistaken for Jamaicans by those who aren't familiar. Geechie people have rich culture and are increasing taking measures to preserve their heritage.

Spot on. I junk the racial criteria ( which is an artifical construct anywhere, and especially in SC where it is estimated that 10% of the planter class were mulattoes, pre 1861) and define "Geechie" as anyone with longterm (think in generations, like the Chinese) residency in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. And "Lowcountry" itself is a nebulous term; I capriciously define it (and I don't know who died and left me in charge on this, so your definition is just as good, perhaps better.) as east of a line from Estill, SC, to Orangeburg, to western Georgetown County. Above that is the Peedee. To confuse the term even more, "geechee" originally meant anyone born along the Ogeechee River in Georgia.
There are lots of things you'll hear in Charleston today. One of the rarest is a Charleston accent, which died (or is dying) with the generation born prior to WWII. I find it's best perserved in the old Jewish families of the area, who often guard it like the heirloom it is.

[SCBeaches]

The Geechie accent is very much alive and well in the old-timers out here on Johns Island and Wadmalaw. I love it!