We seem to have a fairly diverse group here at LGC, from both north and south of the Mason-Dixon. What are your thoughts on this idea of a distinctly southern "culture of honor" that Gladwell dicusses in his book Outliers? This excerpt sums it up pretty well, (but you have to read the full chapter from his book to get to his theory about its roots):

http://www.gladwell.com/outliers/outliers_excerpt2.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of ... ed_States)

http://www.theonion.com/articles/iraq-k ... ir-sup,74/
Kind of sums up my view of the "culture of Honor".

There must be somethng to it cause I get the heebie-jeebies whenever I watch Jersey Shore or any of those shows with thick NY accents. I don't think I could visit or live up there.

I think it's less North vs South and more about socio-economic position, across all population densities. The lower on the "ladder" the more you see the whole honor (aka reputation) thing. Check out any ER waiting room on a Friday night.
Although, I do want to say that smaller towns not prone to change you do see it in action.

GlockLobster wrote:I think it's less North vs South and more about socio-economic position, across all population densities. The lower on the "ladder" the more you see the whole honor (aka reputation) thing. Check out any ER waiting room on a Friday night.
Although, I do want to say that smaller towns not prone to change you do see it in action.

I would agree that poor people put serious stock in reputation, as you cite, but that's a pretty different thing than honor. Street Reputation is more akin to the Asian concept of "face". Honor depends on the motivation to avoid self-imposed guilt, whereas street rep/face is dependent on avoiding external shame.

Having never watched Jersey Shore or even spent any time in the south, I am completely qualified to state, with absolute authority, that the 'bridge and tunnel' crowd (i.e. Jersey Shore) is to the north what the hillbilly is to the south...

Actually, I have always been impressed by the impeccable manners and polite demeanor of the Southerners I have encountered.

And I have never met a southern hillbilly...a whole shitload of northern ones though...my brother for one.

[quote][a whole shitload of northern ones though./quote]The kind of people you are talking about in the north are what we call "woodticks", you should see the people of this little comunity just north from where I live named Brookston, total inbreds, literally.

We in the South don't use term "hillbilly". We call ourselves "rednecks"!

I do think there are class elements to it and it is definitely cultural. Reminds me of pictures of Britain or Japan after disasters when people calmly queue up waiting for services, no pushing or shoving or shouting. Two island peoples who are used to living close together so they learn to be courteous and respectful of others.

FriqueNationale wrote:

GlockLobster wrote:I think it's less North vs South and more about socio-economic position, across all population densities. The lower on the "ladder" the more you see the whole honor (aka reputation) thing. Check out any ER waiting room on a Friday night.
Although, I do want to say that smaller towns not prone to change you do see it in action.

I would agree that poor people put serious stock in reputation, as you cite, but that's a pretty different thing than honor. Street Reputation is more akin to the Asian concept of "face". Honor depends on the motivation to avoid self-imposed guilt, whereas street rep/face is dependent on avoiding external shame.

Physical toughness matters much more to people in low-SES areas than in those of higher ones. I would also say that one the most important things for poor people is who you can trust and who will be there in the most dire situations to help you out.

mvelimir wrote:We in the South don't use term "hillbilly". We call ourselves "rednecks"!

I don't know Mve...do you meet the qualifications? Hillbilly has some pretty high standards...

Do you have 2 or more inoperable vehicles in your yard?
Do you wrassle or do you wrestle?
Do you have a toilet in your house or do you have to step outside?
and most importantly, does it matter in your neighborhood if the female siblings can outrun their brothers? If it does, I am pretty certain that 'Hillbilly' is description best fitting...

Do you consider it foreplay if you ask your sister if shes awake?

Here in St Louis the term is 'Hoosier' in reference to teh folks from Indiana that came here as strikebreaking scabs at the turn of last century. They are the knid of people that White trash can make fun of.