The Dark Side of Southern Charm

Bless your hearts!

Red Barn taken by Rachel Adams in North Carolina

So, for those of you that don’t know, I grew up in the American South. To be more specific, central and southern Alabama. I’m Appalachian-raised, and we often went to the mountains for our weekend trips and even some vacations. Or we went to the gulf coast.

My parents and most of my family were lower-middle class. In some cases, they were downright poor and on public housing assistance. Growing up, I knew what food stamps were and understood that I couldn’t go to the same places as many of my friends because we couldn’t afford that luxury.

Describing Yourself with Authority

We made do. I know what government cheese is and ham loaf. I grew up with a garden in our yard everywhere we lived because that’s how we could afford vegetables better than from a can. I was taught to work hard for my needs and not to complain. My parents both had amazing work ethics. That was for sure.

I have always been a proud Southerner. We have a heritage of enterprise and quiet strength. When you think about it, even the Hunger Games author, Suzanne Collins, made good use of those…