15 Southern Stereotypes That Need to End

When you think about the American South, what comes to mind? For many people, the South conjures images of small towns, fried foods, and a slow-paced lifestyle.

While some stereotypes may exist for a reason, many have become unfair portrayals of a diverse, thriving region. Even the most accurate stereotypes can’t apply to every state, city, and individual in the South.

This list explores 15 unfair stereotypes many people have about the Southern United States. By reading it, you might just let go of some long-held misconceptions.

1: It’s Always Hot

The American South is a vast region encompassing many states. The United States Census Bureau includes 16 states, plus the District of Columbia, as part of the South.

In far Southern states, such as Florida, Texas, and Louisiana, it’s often hot for much of the year. Other states, like Kentucky and Virginia, have more mild climates and typically experience all four seasons.

2: Everyone Has an Accent

You’re probably familiar with the quintessential Southern drawl. Some Americans believe every Southerner speaks with an accent, drawing out their vowels and pronouncing “eye” like “ah.”

In reality, accents vary widely across the South and even within individual states. In South Carolina, for example, people in Charleston may speak differently than people who live Upstate.

3: Small-Town Living

Some people believe every Southerner lives in a small town. There’s a common belief that in these small Southern towns, everyone knows each other.

However, the South has experienced the fastest growth in large cities than any other U.S. region, according to Census data. The growth in Southern cities with over 50,000 people grew nearly 12% between 2010 and 2020. In comparison, large cities in the Northeast grew at the slowest pace at a rate of 1.5%.

4: No Big Cities

Along with the stereotype of small-town living, many people believe there are no big cities in the South. This assumption couldn’t be further from the truth.

Texas and Florida both have some of the largest cities in the country, including Houston, Dallas, and Jacksonville. Charlotte, North Carolina, is the 15th largest city in the nation, according to Census data. In fact, recent data shows nine of the 15 fastest-growing cities are in the South.

5: Pickup Trucks

Perhaps because of the rural stereotype, many people believe Southerners drive more pickup trucks than other parts of the country. But it’s not true.

A recent study shows the 10 states with the most pickup trucks are largely in the Northern and mountainous regions. Texas has the highest sales volume of pickup trucks but only ranks 19th in the share of trucks on the road.

6: Everyone Goes to Church

It’s true that the South is more religious than other parts of the United States. Gallup research shows more Southerners consider themselves to be very religious than Americans in any other region.

That doesn’t mean everyone in the South identifies as religious and attends services regularly, though. In the Southwest, 23% of residents don’t consider themselves religious at all, and 26% of people in the Southeast say they’re not religious.

7: Fried Foods Galore

Southerners are known for their unhealthy diets, especially fried foods. When other Americans visit the South, they often expect to find fried chicken, cornbread, and sweet tea on every menu.

While many Southerners enjoy these foods every now and then, they generally don’t eat this way for every meal. Many people in the region aim to eat a healthy diet with fresh fruit, vegetables, and lean meats.

8: Everyone Owns Guns

Many people associate the South with a higher level of gun ownership. However, a study by the Pew Research Center found gun ownership in the South is fairly comparable to the Midwest and West. Only the Northeast stands out as the region least likely to own guns.

In addition, research shows gun ownership varies widely between rural and urban areas in all regions of the United States. In cities and suburban areas, it’s less likely for people to own guns.

9: People Love Hunting

There’s a stereotype that everyone in the South loves to hunt. States with the biggest hunting traditions, however, are found in other parts of the country.

Wyoming, South Dakota, and Montana are the top three states with the most registered hunters per capita. Only two Southern states make the top 10: West Virginia and Oklahoma.

10: Overly Superstitious

You may be familiar with some Southern superstitions. For example, you should paint your porch ceiling blue to ward off evil spirits and buy bourbon to keep rain away on your wedding day.

While many people in the South know about these superstitions, not everyone believes them. Many Southerners don’t believe in ghosts either, though the region does have some of the most haunted cities in America.

11: Southern Hospitality

The phrase “Southern hospitality” has become synonymous with this part of the country. Usually, it refers to a group of characteristics, including generosity, friendliness, warmth, and manners.

However, the idea of Southern hospitality has less-than-friendly origins, tracing back to the early 19th century amid the debate about slavery. While it’s used today in a more positive way, the idea that the region is more friendly or hospitable than others is largely a myth.

12: Slower Way of Life

Some people characterize the South as having a slower way of life. People imagine Southerners stopping to talk to their neighbors in grocery stores or having long conversations on their front porches.

While some Southerners may enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, it’s certainly not how everyone lives in the region. Many people in the South have busy lives with the same demands as other Americans.

13: Lack of Education

A common stereotype about the South is that people who live there have a lack of education. While educational challenges exist in the region, it’s unfair to label the South as uneducated.

Data shows high school graduation rates in the South are comparable to other areas. In many Southern states, graduation rates of minority students are higher than the national average.

14: More Violent

Another misconception about the South is that it’s more violent than other parts of the country. According to FBI data, the South doesn’t have the highest rate of violent crime in the United States.

In the West, there’s a rate of 413.5 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Comparatively, the South has 406.6 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. The South also has a lower rate of property crimes than the West, though both regions have higher crime rates than the Northeast and Midwest.

15: Country Music

Some people believe Southerners only listen to country music in their homes, cars, and public places. In reality, the South has a diverse range of music tastes, similar to other parts of the country.

For example, New Orleans is well-known for its jazz heritage, and Kentucky is the birthplace of bluegrass music. No matter where you travel in the South, you can expect to hear music of many genres and styles.

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