How big a difference, culture wise, is Northern Louisiana different from Southern Louisiana? (New Orleans: layoffs, high school) - (LA) - City-Data Forum

palmtrees_are_kool · 01-09-2009, 09:19 PM

I'm thinking of going out-of-state to attend college here. I was just wondering.

Rainbow Island · 01-10-2009, 08:28 AM

I live in north Louisiana. In my opinion it's the difference between night and day. From what I've been told, the people living in the south really don't consider the ones in the north true Louisianans. They say we are just an extension of Arkansas. I'm sure everyone don't feel this way but I know a lot do. I love it down on the coast but mother nature is very angry with that area. I'll just take my chances with her up here. People in the south talk different, cook different { great food}, etc. I know there is a lot of great people in south Louisiana but when we travel down there for high school football playoff games, we also meet some of the rudest people I've ever met. I just hope we don't treat them that way when they come north. We have been called everything you could imagine, spit on, had stuff thrown at us. I'm talking about grown people, not kids. But just going down there to visit or fish, I've never really had any problems. Maybe it's just football fans.

SBCmetroguy · 01-10-2009, 09:28 AM

An extension of Texas is what I've always heard.

I generally like people from south Louisiana, but I've never traveled down there for football games.

But the difference is clearly night and day... two different cultures. That's why I like it, because when I visit New Orleans or Lafayette, I honestly feel like I'm in a different state or even a different country altogether.

hdwell · 01-10-2009, 09:51 AM

Having lived here most of my life, I don't think N La or even Shreveport ever really meant to be so Texas or Arkansas. Since those states are adjacent to the region it is more of a DEFACTO situation than anything. North La is more anglo and celtic which is traditional south and Baptist/protestant/apostolic religious faiths. In the south of La, of course, are French/Spanish/German/Italian Catholic people and customs are different and traditions are. I enjoy South La. as well as North La. No problem with either.

As far as football rivalries go, well that's the nature of the beast. On the college level, LSU has huge support here up north. High school football can be ugly during playoffs and the parents often drop down to the maturity level of their kids. Sports can bring out the best and worst in people.

Also I will mention that north La is landlocked, somewhat hilly, slightly hotter in summer, colder in winter, and less resources than down south. Environmental aspects influence culture as well.