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How is the south different from the midwest? What are the biggest cultural differences? Is it more formal in the south? I've heard that people dress a lot nicer down, are a lot more polite, and more folksy than in the midwest. How true is that--especially with so many northerners moving to the south? I've also heard that dating is different in the south than the rest of the country--is that true? How so?
I grew up in the west, live in the midwest, but haven't spent a lot of time in the south (unless you consider Texas the south....and I don't). So....tell me all you know!
The problem is that they always devolve into big debates about the Confederate flag. Nobody ever answers the question because they're so obsessively fixated on the flag. So, maybe this is a tall order, but I'm asking people to explain the differences to me without reverting to civil war rhetoric. Anybody who can explain the differences without talking about race gets a gold star.....
What part of 'the south' are you talking about? What part of 'the midwest' are you talking about? You do realize that there is a huge difference between rural Nebraska and Chicago's ethnic neighborhoods don't you? Just as there is a huge difference between rural Mississippi and Atlanta, Georgia. You just can't make sweeping generalizations about what it is like in such a large and varied region of the country.
If you were to ask me my opinions on the midwest, they'd be very different from someone from another part of the region as they've been almost entirely confined to urban chicago, but it is indeed the midwest just as much as rural Nebraska is 'the midwest', so before we go much further, I'm wondering what your perception of 'the midwest' is? Is it rural? Is it urban? How about the 'the south'?
Oh well I guess I won't take this one too serious and I'll have a go.
I think the South is generally speaking, laid back, even moreso than the Midwest. The Midwests large farming culture also differentiates them from the South. (I know, there are some farms in the Deep South too...) Traditional cuisine is different as well.
As for friendliness, I think the South wins here. Personally, I do think of Texas as the south - and I thought it was more friendly than Iowa - though IA is very friendly. And if you don't consider TX part of the South - I guess you could say people in Kentucky and Tennesse, and most of South Carolina were very very friendly too whenever I visted. I think the Midwest is friendly, but its more reserved. More subtle about it and possibly tries not to be too invasive right off the bat .... this is a generalization but if you are going to describe a regions traditional "personality" .. if you will .. I guess you have to generalize.
Dress, I don't really know ... I never noticed much of a difference. (Excluding TX on that one... ) And especially in Metro areas, people generally dress the same IMO.
You also mentioned the Northerners moving South - But I think this is more people from the NE rather than the Midwest. Correct me if I'm wrong...
What part of 'the south' are you talking about? What part of 'the midwest' are you talking about? You do realize that there is a huge difference between rural Nebraska and Chicago's ethnic neighborhoods don't you? Just as there is a huge difference between rural Mississippi and Atlanta, Georgia. You just can't make sweeping generalizations about what it is like in such a large and varied region of the country.
If you were to ask me my opinions on the midwest, they'd be very different from someone from another part of the region as they've been almost entirely confined to urban chicago, but it is indeed the midwest just as much as rural Nebraska is 'the midwest', so before we go much further, I'm wondering what your perception of 'the midwest' is? Is it rural? Is it urban? How about the 'the south'?
Yes, you're right. I'm talking about the south in general--but specifically TN, AL, GA, and the Carolinas. Wherever they drink sweet tea....that's what I'm talking about.
As far as the midwest goes....I'm talking MO, KS, IA, OH. Most cities are quite a bit alike. But you would agree that Chicago is way different from, say, Nashville or Birmingham, right? Atlanta's not a southern city so let's exclude that one. Otherwise...I think you catch my drift.
I don't know why people are so adverse to generalizing around here. Generalizations help us categorize knowledge and learn about the world around us. If you're a wise enough person, you can discern OVER-generalizing from good, hard observation.
I don't know why people are so adverse to generalizing around here. Generalizations help us categorize knowledge and learn about the world around us. If you're a wise enough person, you can discern OVER-generalizing from good, hard observation.
Because after a lifetime of hearing statements about what 'Midwesterners" are supposedly like, it gets old.
Because after a lifetime of hearing statements about what 'Midwesterners" are supposedly like, it gets old.
It doesn't take too much wisdom to be able to discern general characteristics between two groups of people. There are certain "midwestern" traits that are pretty unique. There are sets of values unique to each reason. It's not hard to see that.....
This is totally all about generalizations, I feel Midwesterners & Southerners have more lifestyle/ characteristic similarities that bond them more than say, Southerners to Northerners, or Southerners to West Coasters.
Southerners are more outright gregarious, Midwesterners may be more reserved but also less two-faced (many Southerners can be so friendly to your face then talk behind your back). The gossip-y, small-town way is more prevalent in both groups than Northerners or West Coasters, in my opinion.
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) And especially in Metro areas, people generally dress the same IMO.
