I bristle every time some coastal progressive proclaims they’re never going to set foot in Alabama / Florida / Texas / South Carolina – whichever Southern state is the locale for whatever is the latest outrage. I get even angrier when they declare that we’d all be better off if those horrible Southern states really did secede, so that the good people on the right side of history could live comfortably ever after in their pristine blue bubble. Willful ignorance.
Thank you for a beautiful piece. I too am a Yankee, not damn as is your case. I have experienced Birmingham and the South. I have enjoyed many of its aspects but am troubled by the inherent bigotry of many, both in the South and the North. I want to see everyone treated as equals and sadly, I don't see that happening any time sooner with our divided country. America is a work in progress. Let us hope it continues to improve.
Thanks! It's the kindness and generosity of so many people that continue to inspire me, but I've come to believe the struggle is never ending. My hope is that in this decade those who believe in tolerance and empathy will have the edge.
Excellent piece. I live in Decatur and my Northern friends politely look at me with barely disguised looks of horror when I say how much I love it here.
This piece struck a cord with me, Scott. As a native, my state's perpetual stance of stubborn wrongheadedness drives me batty to the point where I was convinced I had to leave it for my own sanity. But then I remember all the wonderful people fighting the good (if discouraging) fight, and I stay to lend whatever support I can. Besides, Alabama will always be my home. So, I stay. I do hope that not too many of the younger folks won't give up and leave, including my own son. They really are an impressive generation, not least because of their remarkable tolerance. They keep me hopeful that a change is going to come. BTW, we're very glad you decided to stay as well!
Thanks! I've gotten some positive feedback from people born and raised here, and that's reassuring. Even after 30 years I'm often aware of feeling like an outsider and I wanted to find that balance between what we can joyfully celebrate and what we must continue to condemn. Like you do with your son, I find great hope in what I see in Josie and her friends.
This was absolutely wonderful. I've lived many places, but I spent most of my adolescence and young adulthood in the South. Now I live in a place where I hear people say all the time that they would never go to the places I was made. They assume I'm here because I was lucky enough to escape.
It is equal parts glorious and heartbreaking to love these complicated places. I will share this piece with others in future.
Thank you! "Evocative" is what I hope for. At this point in my life, my goals are to write the pieces as well as I can, and then get them in front of as many eyes as possible.
Scott,
Thank you for a beautiful piece. I too am a Yankee, not damn as is your case. I have experienced Birmingham and the South. I have enjoyed many of its aspects but am troubled by the inherent bigotry of many, both in the South and the North. I want to see everyone treated as equals and sadly, I don't see that happening any time sooner with our divided country. America is a work in progress. Let us hope it continues to improve.
Regards to you and Lynn.
Thanks! It's the kindness and generosity of so many people that continue to inspire me, but I've come to believe the struggle is never ending. My hope is that in this decade those who believe in tolerance and empathy will have the edge.
Excellent piece. I live in Decatur and my Northern friends politely look at me with barely disguised looks of horror when I say how much I love it here.
This piece struck a cord with me, Scott. As a native, my state's perpetual stance of stubborn wrongheadedness drives me batty to the point where I was convinced I had to leave it for my own sanity. But then I remember all the wonderful people fighting the good (if discouraging) fight, and I stay to lend whatever support I can. Besides, Alabama will always be my home. So, I stay. I do hope that not too many of the younger folks won't give up and leave, including my own son. They really are an impressive generation, not least because of their remarkable tolerance. They keep me hopeful that a change is going to come. BTW, we're very glad you decided to stay as well!
Thanks! I've gotten some positive feedback from people born and raised here, and that's reassuring. Even after 30 years I'm often aware of feeling like an outsider and I wanted to find that balance between what we can joyfully celebrate and what we must continue to condemn. Like you do with your son, I find great hope in what I see in Josie and her friends.
This was absolutely wonderful. I've lived many places, but I spent most of my adolescence and young adulthood in the South. Now I live in a place where I hear people say all the time that they would never go to the places I was made. They assume I'm here because I was lucky enough to escape.
It is equal parts glorious and heartbreaking to love these complicated places. I will share this piece with others in future.
Sarah, thanks so much for your comment, and for sharing the piece with others.
I'm a California bred liberal, never set foot in the South, but this is a beautiful and evocative piece of writing.
Thank you! "Evocative" is what I hope for. At this point in my life, my goals are to write the pieces as well as I can, and then get them in front of as many eyes as possible.