Appalachia Stereotypes

The region Of Appalachia is generally considered to be an area full of people with little intellect and who are incapable of functioning as normal members of society. Since the early history of American Appalachia has been believed to be an area where there is not science or philosophy. It is believed to be an area full of people who are extremely gullible and superstitious. Many people have come out of Appalachia to challenge these stereotypes. The First example of someone challenging this stereotype is Perry Como According to Biggers Como first learned his ballads “in his native Appalachian mill town of Canonsburg”. (Biggers, 7) Perry Como achieved the first ever Golden record recorded by the Recording Industry association of America. While Como was not the last artist or musician to come out of Appalachia his achievements and contributions show challenge the stereotype that Appalachian live are a people without art. Another Appalachian artist named Simone who was an African American Pianist. She became one of the all-time great Pianist and help further the soul music genre. According to Biggers ‘Despite their origins and influences, Simone and Como were not considered Appalachian Musicians” This is a sign of how the during their life the stereotype of Appalachians affected them. Even though they

There are many more examples who show that the stereotype is not correct and that Appalachia produces people with intellect and smarts. The Appalachian Stereotype may be one of the greatest shames in this country, while every region has its issues and faults the idea that one region in our country is in capable of producing effective members of society might be one of our great failures of America. In time the stereotype might dissolve and Appalachia may be respected by all citizens of America, but for now Appalachian are thought as second class citizens of the