South Carolina stereotypes? (Columbia, Charleston, Greenville: low income, income, live in)

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by Skyliner

Apparently guestposter has placed a stereotype on you without knowing anything about you. Don't worry, he did the same to me not too long ago, but I quickly learned to shrug it off as ignorance.

Especially since I've lived in SC for almost 36 years, lol.

[deibu]

2 of my grandparents (1 on each side) have a family tree that traces back to c.1720 and c.1750 leaving Scotland and Ulster, respectively, for South Carolina. From what I know about the other parts of my family, I highly doubt any of my ancestors ever left South Carolina once they arrived here. Some fought in the Civil War. Some were part of the mid-19th century Mormon community in Blaney (now Elgin). Most famously, John C. Calhoun is on my family tree. So I can say I'm truly a born-and-bred South Carolinian.

I'm proud of my ancestors. I'm proud of my state. I'm proud of what they did to make us such a special place. I spent a semester in the UK (North of England - Durham), and one thing I remember was how much the older generation really held the American South in high regard. We're unique, more than anyone else.

Yet, I'm also ashamed. I personally believe the Civil War had many underlying issues but slavery certainly can't be denied as a major one, if not the major one. If one disagrees with that, I still believe there's more to be ashamed of. I am ashamed of Jim Crow laws. Yes, segregation and discrimination happened everywhere in the US - but nowhere did African-Americans find themselves treated as second-class and held back by the system in place more than here in the South. I may not be responsible for that legacy, but it's there - and I feel the need to be sensitive to that fact.

My ancestors are part of the legacy of this state. But, the contributions of my fellow African-American SCians' ancestors are equally part of the legacy of this state. We all built this state.

I feel that we as voters can work together or against each other in this state. If we keep up the attitude that it is still about white vs. black, then we're doomed. At the State House, the politicians are building a new "good ol' boy" system - and this time it's multiracial.

[guestposter24]

Originally Posted by waccamatt

Well, let's see, I've lived in South Carolina since I was 8 years old - where have I lived longer? If you read my post you'd see that I don't think having other people move in does anything to destroy the "culture". Change is necessary for growth. Do you want to continue to be stagnant and have everything remain the same? Why do you think rural South Carolina is so poor? Because there was no forward thinking there and resistance to change. Luckily it isn't like that as much in the urban areas.

Why would being from New Jersey make someone NOT care about culture. New Jersey is actually a great state with lots of culture and one of the highest standards of living in the country.

I meant there wouldn't be any reason for you to care about this state's culture. I'm glad we've gotten away from all the most outward racism. There is still some left.

Also, I would guess you are a liberal(no I'm not a republican) ad associate The South with conservatives understandably. This for me is not political.

[guestposter24]

Originally Posted by Skyliner

Perhaps you need to get out and experience other cultures in other places then. I understand it is sometimes difficult to witness change, however it is unstoppable with our current state and local governments, therefore we must learn to embrace the many positive elements it brings into our lives. The change so far has been very good for this state.

You mean like the bit of tai-chi I did? Or the 4 years of karate? Or the visiting New York City and Chicago and going back again?

I'll admit there are positive things about growth but we lose much more. You may not understand being that you do not have family going back for many generations in the South.

[joe91]

Originally Posted by waccamatt

I have no idea, I thought we were all Americans.

Thats true, but down here we call ourselves Confederate Americans.

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by joe91

Thats true, but down here we call ourselves Confederate Americans.

I've lived in Columbia for 36 years and I have never heard anyone refer to themselves in that manner.

[Tommy1981]

Originally Posted by waccamatt

I've lived in Columbia for 36 years and I have never heard anyone refer to themselves in that manner.

I'd have to agree with Waccamat. I've got a great Uncle who was a General in the Conferderate Army, but I don't think of myself as a "Confederate American".

[SCDude]

Originally Posted by Skyliner

Perhaps you need to get out and experience other cultures in other places then. I understand it is sometimes difficult to witness change, however it is unstoppable with our current state and local governments, therefore we must learn to embrace the many positive elements it brings into our lives. The change so far has been very good for this state.

I totally agree.

[burr]

Originally Posted by waccamatt

You'll probably think the heat and humidity combination in Columbia isn't bad after having lived in Houston. Have you settled on a section of town yet?

from page two of this topic


yeah, right

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by burr

from page two of this topic


yeah, right

Have you ever been to Houston in the middle of summer? It is MUCH worse than Columbia, in terms of the combination of heat and humidity.