Before asking myself what Appalachia meant, I decided to interview people who I thought would have an idea. My dad is from Pennsylvania, and my mom is from West Virginia. These states both have some places that could definitely be considered Appalachian, so they could give their insight on it. I also interviewed a friend who is from a part of Ohio that isn't Appalachian, but is currently attending Ohio University.
My mom's general idea was that "Appalachia" consists of trailer parks and the stereotypes associated with the trailer park life: overalls, tobacco chewing, and banjos, specifically. She didn't identify as Appalachian because she never lived in an area like that, but she knew people in school growing up that she would call Appalachian because of their way of speaking.
My dad only associated the term "Appalachia" with the mountain range, and was unfamiliar with what Appalachian culture entailed. He said he never met or was familiar with anyone who would identify as Appalachian.
My friend Kevin specifically said "Appalachia is like five minutes from OU, so we're in it but not IN it." His view of Appalachia was a culture of farmers and wide, empty spaces with nothing to do. Being from central Ohio, he didn't identify as Appalachian and said he didn't really know anyone else who did.
My view on Appalachian culture is almost envious, in a way. I've moved around a lot in my lifetime, and haven't really been settled in a place for a long period of time. In Appalachian culture, many people are reluctant to leave their homes and have strong bonds with their neighbors, because they have lived near to them for all of their lives. I'm definitely not Appalachian, but I do respect that aspect of the culture.
It is important to know about Appalachian culture if you're attending Ohio University. You'll inevitably meet Appalachian people while you attend, so you'll want to know acceptable behaviors to keep yourself from getting into trouble. It's also good to know some of the local language so you won't be completely dumbstruck if you happen to speak with someone from Appalachia. But don't try to use it unless you're qualified. It just looks silly.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
When I think about the things I need to be happy it does not usually come from where I live because where I grew up there simply was not very much offered. I would go climb trees with my friends or explore the local woods. But, as I have grown up I have really started to love going to the movie theater. I can honestly say that I have been going to the theater once a week the last four weeks because of all the new releases I have been about and I don’t see that stopping in the nearby future.
If I had any say in the matter I would definitely wish to live in a ski town so that I could ski and snowboard all the time. But on a completely different note I could be just as happy as living on a beach as a ski town. I would definitely prefer to be away from the touristy areas. And, now that I think about it I might prefer the beach area because it would be more populated and thus have more variety as far as food goes. I’ve never been a picky eater so the more variety the better, even though the only necessity is a good steak joint.
When thinking of Athens it has definitely provided a lot of these things for me. Just last year I took a trip with the Outdoor Pursuits to West Virginia for a ski trip and this time last summer I was white water rafting in the warm summer sun. I guess I didn’t really realize I loved those things until I came here and was able to experience them.
If I had any say in the matter I would definitely wish to live in a ski town so that I could ski and snowboard all the time. But on a completely different note I could be just as happy as living on a beach as a ski town. I would definitely prefer to be away from the touristy areas. And, now that I think about it I might prefer the beach area because it would be more populated and thus have more variety as far as food goes. I’ve never been a picky eater so the more variety the better, even though the only necessity is a good steak joint.
When thinking of Athens it has definitely provided a lot of these things for me. Just last year I took a trip with the Outdoor Pursuits to West Virginia for a ski trip and this time last summer I was white water rafting in the warm summer sun. I guess I didn’t really realize I loved those things until I came here and was able to experience them.
When I think about the things I need to be happy it does not usually come from where I live because where I grew up there simply was not very much offered. I would go climb trees with my friends or explore the local woods. But, as I have grown up I have really started to love going to the movie theater. I can honestly say that I have been going to the theater once a week the last four weeks because of all the new releases I have been about and I don’t see that stopping in the nearby future.
If I had any say in the matter I would definitely wish to live in a ski town so that I could ski and snowboard all the time. But on a completely different note I could be just as happy as living on a beach as a ski town. I would definitely prefer to be away from the touristy areas. And, now that I think about it I might prefer the beach area because it would be more populated and thus have more variety as far as food goes. I’ve never been a picky eater so the more variety the better, even though the only necessity is a good steak joint.
When thinking of Athens it has definitely provided a lot of these things for me. Just last year I took a trip with the Outdoor Pursuits to West Virginia for a ski trip and this time last summer I was white water rafting in the warm summer sun. I guess I didn’t really realize I loved those things until I came here and was able to experience them.
If I had any say in the matter I would definitely wish to live in a ski town so that I could ski and snowboard all the time. But on a completely different note I could be just as happy as living on a beach as a ski town. I would definitely prefer to be away from the touristy areas. And, now that I think about it I might prefer the beach area because it would be more populated and thus have more variety as far as food goes. I’ve never been a picky eater so the more variety the better, even though the only necessity is a good steak joint.
When thinking of Athens it has definitely provided a lot of these things for me. Just last year I took a trip with the Outdoor Pursuits to West Virginia for a ski trip and this time last summer I was white water rafting in the warm summer sun. I guess I didn’t really realize I loved those things until I came here and was able to experience them.
When I think about the things I need to be happy it does not usually come from where I live because where I grew up there simply was not very much offered. I would go climb trees with my friends or explore the local woods. But, as I have grown up I have really started to love going to the movie theater. I can honestly say that I have been going to the theater once a week the last four weeks because of all the new releases I have been about and I don’t see that stopping in the nearby future.
If I had any say in the matter I would definitely wish to live in a ski town so that I could ski and snowboard all the time. But on a completely different note I could be just as happy as living on a beach as a ski town. I would definitely prefer to be away from the touristy areas. And, now that I think about it I might prefer the beach area because it would be more populated and thus have more variety as far as food goes. I’ve never been a picky eater so the more variety the better, even though the only necessity is a good steak joint.
When thinking of Athens it has definitely provided a lot of these things for me. Just last year I took a trip with the Outdoor Pursuits to West Virginia for a ski trip and this time last summer I was white water rafting in the warm summer sun. I guess I didn’t really realize I loved those things until I came here and was able to experience them.
If I had any say in the matter I would definitely wish to live in a ski town so that I could ski and snowboard all the time. But on a completely different note I could be just as happy as living on a beach as a ski town. I would definitely prefer to be away from the touristy areas. And, now that I think about it I might prefer the beach area because it would be more populated and thus have more variety as far as food goes. I’ve never been a picky eater so the more variety the better, even though the only necessity is a good steak joint.
When thinking of Athens it has definitely provided a lot of these things for me. Just last year I took a trip with the Outdoor Pursuits to West Virginia for a ski trip and this time last summer I was white water rafting in the warm summer sun. I guess I didn’t really realize I loved those things until I came here and was able to experience them.
When I think about the things I need to be happy it does not usually come from where I live because where I grew up there simply was not very much offered. I would go climb trees with my friends or explore the local woods. But, as I have grown up I have really started to love going to the movie theater. I can honestly say that I have been going to the theater once a week the last four weeks because of all the new releases I have been about and I don’t see that stopping in the nearby future.
If I had any say in the matter I would definitely wish to live in a ski town so that I could ski and snowboard all the time. But on a completely different note I could be just as happy as living on a beach as a ski town. I would definitely prefer to be away from the touristy areas. And, now that I think about it I might prefer the beach area because it would be more populated and thus have more variety as far as food goes. I’ve never been a picky eater so the more variety the better, even though the only necessity is a good steak joint.
When thinking of Athens it has definitely provided a lot of these things for me. Just last year I took a trip with the Outdoor Pursuits to West Virginia for a ski trip and this time last summer I was white water rafting in the warm summer sun. I guess I didn’t really realize I loved those things until I came here and was able to experience them.
If I had any say in the matter I would definitely wish to live in a ski town so that I could ski and snowboard all the time. But on a completely different note I could be just as happy as living on a beach as a ski town. I would definitely prefer to be away from the touristy areas. And, now that I think about it I might prefer the beach area because it would be more populated and thus have more variety as far as food goes. I’ve never been a picky eater so the more variety the better, even though the only necessity is a good steak joint.
When thinking of Athens it has definitely provided a lot of these things for me. Just last year I took a trip with the Outdoor Pursuits to West Virginia for a ski trip and this time last summer I was white water rafting in the warm summer sun. I guess I didn’t really realize I loved those things until I came here and was able to experience them.
Knowing your surroundings is an important thing when it comes to being able to succeed. Being able to locate resources close to you is a skill one must become familiar with. Living in Athens brings about this concept of Appalacia. Knowing the culture is very important as it allows you to communicate with the people who practice this culture. If you do not know the customs and values held close to the people you live with it is hard to communicate effectively.
I asked my friend Kory what first came to mind when he heard Appalacia and he immediately responded with, “Athens.” I think this is a very common conception for OU students. Not many of the students attending Ohio University have ever been familiar with the Appalacian lifestyle. He considers himself part of the culture as he has progressed with his studies here at Ohio U.
A lot of my friends had similar responses. Although many do not permanently reside in Athens, most consider this lifestyle as part of their own. Although most go away for the summer and for most breaks, Athens is always in the back of an Ohio University student’s mind. No matte how far away you are from the city, people often find themselves wondering how the city is doing. There is no escaping Athens.
I asked my friend Kory what first came to mind when he heard Appalacia and he immediately responded with, “Athens.” I think this is a very common conception for OU students. Not many of the students attending Ohio University have ever been familiar with the Appalacian lifestyle. He considers himself part of the culture as he has progressed with his studies here at Ohio U.
A lot of my friends had similar responses. Although many do not permanently reside in Athens, most consider this lifestyle as part of their own. Although most go away for the summer and for most breaks, Athens is always in the back of an Ohio University student’s mind. No matte how far away you are from the city, people often find themselves wondering how the city is doing. There is no escaping Athens.
Change the scenery por favor
Resources I need to be happy in a place— (Kristen)
something I haven’t necessarily considered at this point in my life. However, it really is so important. One thing that’s completely essential is a place with natural beauty. Back home, I live in a somewhat urban area, and do love the convenience, but have always longed for something more pristine. This is part of the reason I came to Athens. I love to have scenery and love being in the outdoors. I definitely want to be able to go to parks and be able to hike, or simply enjoy it in my everyday life walking around. I also want to be able to walk to places. I went and visited Boulder over winter break and loved it because everything was so accessible by walking. Another thing I need are people I can connect and get along with. It’s definitely important, I think for anyone, to be in a place where you’re surrounded by people you like. I would also love to be able to have a farmer’s market to go to, or a place with good produce. I love California because they have the greatest variety of fruits and vegetables year round. I don’t feel like I need much to be happy, and hopefully will move out west in the future...
(Dan):
If I had to pick any location in the country to live in I would pick the south. By the south I am not referring to the Mason-Dixon Line. When I think of the south, I think of warm weather and friendly people. I would most likely pick to live in South Carolina. The weather is beautiful and the people are polite. I want to live in an environment such as this, because I have never had these luxuries growing up. I’m from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where it is rare to find a day without clouds in the sky. Don’t get me wrong, I love the people from my hometown, I simply would like a change. For example, in Pittsburgh they say “Yinz” or “Yunz,” while in the South Carolina they say “y’all.” It sounds stupid, but that’s just one of the many reasons why I want to live there, I think “y’all” sounds sweet. Another reason I would want to live in South Carolina is because of its location. Depending on where you are in the state, you’re only a short drive from the beach. Once living in South Carolina, I will actually be able to drive down to Florida instead of paying hundreds of dollars flying. South Carolina is a place I go to vacation, why not simply live there and make every day a vacation?
By: Dan Murtha and Kristen Dittmar
something I haven’t necessarily considered at this point in my life. However, it really is so important. One thing that’s completely essential is a place with natural beauty. Back home, I live in a somewhat urban area, and do love the convenience, but have always longed for something more pristine. This is part of the reason I came to Athens. I love to have scenery and love being in the outdoors. I definitely want to be able to go to parks and be able to hike, or simply enjoy it in my everyday life walking around. I also want to be able to walk to places. I went and visited Boulder over winter break and loved it because everything was so accessible by walking. Another thing I need are people I can connect and get along with. It’s definitely important, I think for anyone, to be in a place where you’re surrounded by people you like. I would also love to be able to have a farmer’s market to go to, or a place with good produce. I love California because they have the greatest variety of fruits and vegetables year round. I don’t feel like I need much to be happy, and hopefully will move out west in the future...
(Dan):
If I had to pick any location in the country to live in I would pick the south. By the south I am not referring to the Mason-Dixon Line. When I think of the south, I think of warm weather and friendly people. I would most likely pick to live in South Carolina. The weather is beautiful and the people are polite. I want to live in an environment such as this, because I have never had these luxuries growing up. I’m from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where it is rare to find a day without clouds in the sky. Don’t get me wrong, I love the people from my hometown, I simply would like a change. For example, in Pittsburgh they say “Yinz” or “Yunz,” while in the South Carolina they say “y’all.” It sounds stupid, but that’s just one of the many reasons why I want to live there, I think “y’all” sounds sweet. Another reason I would want to live in South Carolina is because of its location. Depending on where you are in the state, you’re only a short drive from the beach. Once living in South Carolina, I will actually be able to drive down to Florida instead of paying hundreds of dollars flying. South Carolina is a place I go to vacation, why not simply live there and make every day a vacation?
By: Dan Murtha and Kristen Dittmar
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)