Appalachia in Hollywood

I think all of us have observed at least one example of Hollywood putting their own spin on Appalachia. Probably the best example would be the Beverly Hillbillys. It gives a completely accurate representation of just how well Hollywood can completely screw something up. To Hollywood, Appalachia is viewed as a bunch of dimwits who couldn't screw in a lightbulb even if there were instructions printed on the side of the bulb itself.

To me this shows that Hollywood has taken on the role of the people they criticize the most. The display of ignorance that they show towards Appalachia puts them at a lower intellect. Its sort of interesting to me that the only people who criticize Appalachia are the ones who have never experienced it for themselves.

For example the other day I was watching Tucker & Dale vs Evil. A run of the mill comedy horror film that I have to admit was pretty darn entertaining. Aside from its comedic value it gave a very negative spin to our state. The movie, set in West Viginia, revolves around two "Hillbillys" and their attempt to help a girl who is separated from her group of friends during a trip. Her friends, too scared by the Hillbillys, take part in many idiotic stunts trying to retrieve her from the supposed "Redneck Kidnappers". Although the movie is very exaggerated it gives a very good representation of how much of the rest of the world has been taught to percieve Appalachia. As a bunch of dimwits who will shoot you if you so much as look at them the wrong way.