Are you embarrassed to tell people that you are from Georgia? (Atlanta: college, living)

[guzwhyte]

Originally Posted by MobiusX

Low self esteem because I don't like GA and find it embarrassing? Why is it that the people who were born in another state like NY or CA and then moved to GA at a very young age -- 5 or so, say they are from that state they were born from even though they have lived in this STATE for over 20 years??? Maybe they are ashamed of this place???

I was born in Arizona, moved to north Georgia when I was four years old, went to all levels of school including the University of Georgia, and lived Little 5 Points in Atlanta for a couple years before moving off to Colorado at age 22.

For most of my growing up years, the locals in the county I lived in did their best to make me feel like I was an outsider and did not belong. To their credit, it was a very traditional place - I didn't have a southern way of speaking, know much about the food and other customs, etc. A lot of aggravation along the way cemented a firm desire to move elsewhere (usually west), and eventually did.

However, my college years changed my attitudes about Georgia and the South. I came to love the landscape and the people. I spent several years photographing small towns all over the state with hopes of publishing a photo book (I visited over 110 of GA's counties by the time I left).

Now, I live in Fort Collins, Colorado, a wonderful city by many measures. But I have discovered through time that I feel that I am missing out on some great things here. The sense of history and culture that is wrapped around everything in the rural South is not present here. The food is also quite bland and generally uninteresting to me - there really is no regional cuisine to speak of here. And that is a real tragedy for me!

I have come to appreciate the South a lot more since I moved out. I think all of those people who feel unappreciative of where they live and still identify with a place they never really lived in need to open their eyes and change their attitudes. Wherever you live, there are wonderful experiences to be had and things to learn about.

[Ollie1946]

I fear you have issues that are bigger than your embarrassment over a geographical location. You might want to consider counseling of some sort.

All the best (I'm not waving at you.)

[afonega1]

Originally Posted by charolastra00

I can kind of relate to what the OP is saying. I moved to GA when I was 2 from Boston and didn't leave until I was 18 when I went straight back to Boston for college. I tell people that I grew up in Georgia but that I am from Massachusetts. Now, had I grown up in Atlanta or Decatur, my opinions might be different. However, I grew up in Cumming as a Jewish liberal. One of those alone would put me in a bad social standing but both completely ostracized me. Even when I tell other people from Georgia where I grew up, I get looks of sympathy.

Georgia at large may very well be a great place if you fit a certain demographic- and to be fair, that demographic is a fair bit of the country. Atlanta has a place for everyone (though it's one of my least favorite cities) regardless of your race, religion, political beliefs, career ambitions, or sexuality. The further aflung you get, the harder it is to be proud of where you're from if you're not a WASP, Southern Baptist conservative.

Plus, even after pretty much spending my entire life in Georgia, I want to scream when random people come up and talk to me. Guess I was really meant to stay in Boston. :P

I agree with most of what you are saying.In rural areas,people can be quite closed minded.I DO NOT agree,however with not being proud to be from a relatively small town.I am proud.It has made me the person that I am proud to be.I'm a black male.And i am not religious,but spiritual.I have a very open world view of the world.You live your life by the rules you want,if people cannot accept that you just have strong belief in yourself and continue your plan regardless of what others think.

Im not sure how long ago that you lived in Cumming but it is WORLDS better than it was.Remember Oprah interview in the 80's with the Klan from Cumming?I have discovered that there are racist people every where.The only difference is that in the south,they do not hold back.In the North its very low key and sneaky.Many times in the most exclusive of circles.They use big words to disguise what their real intent is.Its wrong for any body anywhere.People are idiots everywhere.That goes for some black people too.

[Bisi]

MobiusX is just trolling, don't give him/her the satisfaction. Pretty sad life if that's all he/she has to do to fill up their time...

Bill

[Katsmeeyow]

Yeah, we pretty much already know that - just gives us an excuse to do a little "grand standing" and show off a little! LOL

[BizNess Woman]

WOW... Two questions, Are you serious? And, Why are you still here? I've been here for not even a year yet, and I wouldn't speak about this place like that. I'm from CA (los angeles), and although there is a huge difference, its not as bad as you make it sound. On another note, Goodluck until you move!

[Georgia]

I have absolutely no issues telling folks that I live in Georgia. I also inform them that I am from New Jersey, They say, you sure as heck don't talk like your from Jersey, then I tell them that I was raised in West Virginia, moved to New Jersey and adopted it as my hometown.

What is wrong with telling folks that you live in Georgia or anywhere in America for that matter

[johnatl]

Absolutely not, I'm very proud to!

[rdinga]

You are correct. The reasons originally given for being ashamed of living in Georgia are disturbing!!! Why would anyone be ashamed to admit they lived in Georgia? I am an Iowa native who has lived in Texas and now Georgia for 17 years. I have found the people of Georgia to be some of the warmest people I have ever met..........proud to live here.

[Christian Missouri boy]

I have been intensly researching the Monroe, Ga area because I have the ability to transfer to the Wal Mart Distribution Center there <Providing any jobs are open at the time>, its only a matter of when, not if, I will be moving there. I recently came home from vacation, Georgia was indeed on my mind, and it was Georgia that I fell in love with almost as I had envisioned I would. I spent time traveling rural Georgia down near Cuthbert, of course Monroe, Atlanta, and Columbus, and I will say that I will be PROUD to call Georgia my home. The style of the rural homes, the trees, the extremely friendly people, and the beautiful scenery are nothing to be embarrassed of. There is a reason nearly 10 million people call it home and it is growing by the year, rock on Georgia!!!!