Sorry Mississippi (Shelby, West: home, camp, live)

[WestCobb]

I am a native Californian, but I am in the military so I have travelled and have lived all around the U.S. Recently, my job has taken me to Camp Shelby, MS, for a few extended trips. I just want to apologize to Mississippians for my ignorant views of your state before I visited there.

I have always heard that Mississippians represent the absolute worst of the old South, and that state is a place to avoid at all costs. The reality doesn't match the stereotypes. The locals I encountered there were extremely friendly and genuine. The food is excellent, the weather is nice and the scenery is great. Mississippi is one of those states that people love to hate, but I suspect if more people visited, they'd realize there's a lot more to love than to hate there.

[An Einnseanair]

That's what a lot of us have been saying for years. Not saying Mississippi is perfect (it's not, and you can easily find pockets of people ready to re-start the "War of Northern Aggression"), but it is nothing like the state that existed 20-30 years ago nor does is resemble the mythical land that is portrayed by Hollywood.

Thank you for speaking up.

[mccarley]

Originally Posted by WestCobb

I am a native Californian, but I am in the military so I have travelled and have lived all around the U.S. Recently, my job has taken me to Camp Shelby, MS, for a few extended trips. I just want to apologize to Mississippians for my ignorant views of your state before I visited there.

I have always heard that Mississippians represent the absolute worst of the old South, and that state is a place to avoid at all costs. The reality doesn't match the stereotypes. The locals I encountered there were extremely friendly and genuine. The food is excellent, the weather is nice and the scenery is great. Mississippi is one of those states that people love to hate, but I suspect if more people visited, they'd realize there's a lot more to love than to hate there.

Please don't go and tell everybody.

[halcamcin]

We are moving there next summer and I'll admit, I was hesitant at first when DH said that he had an interview in MS. We went out there with an open mind and I was pleasantly surprised. We decided to take a 2nd look and we decided that it was the place for us! We passed up 3 other offers in our home state to take the one in MS and we are excited

[annie_himself]

I Love Mississippi Mousepad by ilovemystate- 81338384

[donziejo]

I'm enjoying my new state as well Love Mississippi

[Mississippi Mamma]

When I leave the South and people hear my accent and find out I am from Mississippi, some have some pretty crazy reactions. Yes, I have been asked if I had shoes growing up, if Deliverance is a good representation of the South, and all sorts of other ignorant and rude comments. People base a lot of their perceptions of our state from Hollywood and the Civil Rights Era. Mississippi is a wonderful place- my favorite state! Thank you for saying this! But don't go tell everyone.... we want to keep Mississippi the way it is, an undiscovered gem! I would not be pleased if we became like North Carolina and lost a lot of identity from hordes of people moving in.

You are welcome back to Mississippi anytime! Come see more of our state!