One early memory the word "Appalachia" manages to take me back to is when I was in third grade. My class was learning about something I don't even recall, but it led up to my teacher telling us that we live in the Appalachian mountains. To intrigue us more or at least give us motivation to actually tell our parents something when they ask what we "learned today at school," she told us to go home and ask our parents where the Appalachian mountains are. She said to us to tell them -- assuming, I suppose, that they played along and pretended not to know -- that, "We LIVE in the Appalachian mountains!"
So I always remember that and await the day my younger sister comes home to tell us the shocking news, too.
Of course my teacher didn't delve any farther into the topic of Appalachia anymore than the mountains. But beyond the stereotypes that connect with several states, including one state that is seemingly unknown to the entire West, there's a broad history of people, culture, and geography just like anywhere else in the world.
Though it was long ago, Appalachians were once degraded by the outside world as "mountain people" that are barbarous and reckless; some of those ideas still linger today but are certainly not as prominent. Joining together in the past due to prejudice assumptions from others would have gradually built up a fiercely independent and possibly even proud culture.
In attempt to reflect what I wrote above onto modern day Appalachia, I will take West Virginia's sports' fan base and everyday civilians into account. They have pride, and pride derives from independence and of certainly not being ashamed. Many states would claim to have "pride," as well. But allow me to bring up West Virginia University. WVU attracts not only many West Virginians but college-seeking students in neighboring states still within the boundaries of Appalachia.
To any athletic event, most people wear accessories and shirts that support the team they root for. But WVU is known for being one of the few -- if not the only -- college where people wear West Virginia shirts outside of athletic events. And such is true and not limited to students of WVU -- there's always someone out and about wearing the famous blue and gold. Even when I travel with my family to Orlando, Florida, to visit Disney World, we will occasionally come across some West Virginians wearing their home colors. My outgoing father will give a shout out to our fellow Appalachians and they always happily return the greeting. I remember once a guy asked my dad if he knew the current score of the football game going on between WVU and some other state.
Little quirks like that added to my day while I'm away from home bring a dose of nostalgia of the mountains; it's nothing that would make me homesick while in Disney World, but something to at least make me feel like lifting my head a bit and think, "Heck yeah, that's right, I'm from West Virginia," even though most people around me couldn't care less.
We are planning a trip two weeks from now to Disney World to partake in one of Disney's Halloween events. Is it ironic we're planning to not dress in costumes but rather in Mountaineer fan gear?
Taryn
6 comments:
Hey everyone! I'm so glad to see the new blog (awesome picture, btw). I really look forward to reading your posts throughout the year.
I particularly like this post, Taryn. Being from Morgantown, I've always felt that WVU pride too. But it was more than just a representation of West Virginia. It was a representation of my identity--of, like you said, my Appalachian culture. Maybe Mountaineers have so much pride because we don't always get that representation on a national level.
Great job girls!
Nicely done, Taryn!
I really enjoyed your anecdote about the shocking discovery that we LIVE in the Appalachian mountains--silly as it may seem, it seems to me that's something that many people still don't know by the time they get to high school. We have a rich heritage and cultural identity here that, sadly, the majority of people living within that culture aren't even aware of. Funny that you should mention the University--in my opinion, it's actually WVU that is largely responsible for this phenomenon. Living in a college town that brings in people from all over the world, and also being surrounded by several major corporations and government offices, makes Morgantown a unique microcosm that seems set apart from the surrounding culture. It's neat to see a different viewpoint on that, and to see where you're coming from in asserting that, quite to the contrary, WVU IS part of our Appalachian mindset. Just be careful in equating "WV" and "Appalachia" as one and the same. West Virginia pride is one thing, but Appalachia is more than a singular state. And while it's easy to lose sight of the distinction between the two (it's a fine line), it's important in studying Appalachia to think more broadly and get a grasp for just how far-reaching this pseudo-nation and its people are.
On one final note, it's such a joy to see new students taking up the study and the Appalachian pride. If anyone ever has any questions or curiosities, feel free to hit me up at any time. I'm so thrilled to be involved in continuing this, and I can't wait to see you guys develop and discover throughout the year!
Happy (Appalachian) trails!
Alex
Hi, Alex!
Well, thank you for following the blog and for commenting. I agree with you that Morgantown is quite unique when compared with its borders. I have been to other parts of our country but honestly haven't traveled West Virginia too much besides some of the surrounding counties; but even so, I can still tell Morgantown has its special traits.
Oh, and thank you; I was aware that I was beginning to refer our state and Appalachia as one, but I suppose I can try to steer clear of meshing them together too much. It's just hard to write a blog about Appalachian influence on my life and avoid that too much since the majority of my Appalachian influence derives from here, heheh. But I will explore my ideas and see what I can do!
Oh, I wish it would let me edit my comments. I realized I hadn't responded to Miss King's comment.
But thank you as well, Miss King! Speaking of not getting representation at a national level, I suppose that isn't the case tomorrow with the LSU game and all. And WVU pride shall be at its strongest!
Anyway, thanks again for the encouragement, guys.
Taryn,
I couldn't resist when Mr. Barrett offered me the chance to follow along--so expect to see me lurking around these walls and posting whenever the chance arises. Hopefully, we can all present some different viewpoints and learn from each other.
Fun fact about Appalachia, the technical geographic boundaries of the region itself stretch as far north as New York and as far south as Georgia and the rural Carolinas--talk about broad horizons! We're lucky to live in a state where almost our entire frame of reference falls into the distinction of Appalachia, but bits and pieces of other places share in this heritage and culture of ours. Sometimes it's hard when you don't have that full geographic point of reference, but once you study some more of what defines "Appalachia" and you start to really immerse yourself in its culture, history, and fascinating peoples, you'll start to notice it more and more even within your own town or neighborhood. Read a few poems or short stories off of Mr. Barrett's shelf and then take a drive up to Cooper's Rock. I guarantee you'll see a whole new world out there. :)
Alex
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