""I lived in Southern Mississippi and Louisiana for almost 30 years. To be perfectly frank, most people who haven't spent a great deal of time south of the "Mason/Dixon Line" aren't aware of the "regional" differences that exist there. There's much more going on besides the media's "one-dimensional portrayal". Traditionally, when people think of "the South", their minds have been influenced to picture primarily "rural" or "country" settings but the reality is that "the Urban South" and "the Rural South" are like "night" and "day". Just because someone has been raised in "the South" does not automatically mean that they are somewhat "domesticated" nor does it imply that they know anything about "country" living. When African Americans migrated to larger Southern cities, they did not always bring "rural" traditions with them. In fact, this maybe one of the primary reasons they left "the country" because they were seeking a much more sophisticated lifestyle.
Significant regional differences also exist within each southern state. Louisiana is a prime example. Initially, this state's laws and customs were significantly influenced by both French and Spanish cultures that were dominant in Europe before Napoleon sold the entire Louisiana Territory to the USA in 1803. In fact, the Napoleonic Code still influences how law is practiced in Louisiana to this day. Northern Louisiana is more traditionally "Southern" than the southern half of the state. Even within the southern portion of Louisiana, there are differences between the descendants of primarily "Caucasian" Acadian settlers who migrated from Canada to Louisiana between 1755 and 1763 and the biracial offspring of French Settlers and African slaves referred to as "Creoles". Both groups were significantly influenced by French culture but history has influenced how they evolved culturally as two separate social groups.
From state to state throughout the South, traditional southern dishes are usually prepared differently. Fried chicken and barbecue usually have their own unique regional flavors associated with the dominant cooking preferences within each region. A dish as basic as "red beans and rice" will not taste the same prepared outside of Louisiana. I've even known people in Mississippi to season this dish with "barbecue sauce" which is unheard of in Louisiana. Even the variety of dishes offered from region to region as well as from state to state will be quite different.
The South, as I know it, is an interesting "Gumbo" of different influences from the past that are currently being "remixed" by the culture and current events of the present. What I consider the "South of Today" will be significantly different from the "South of Tomorrow" due to current economic and population trends."
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"Channeling my energies into projects that impact those around me in a positive, meaningful way. There is just too much negativity perpetuated by the mainstream media and people are allowing themselves to become "overwhelmed". Many younger people don't seem to have the "will" or "fortitude" to deal with the fundamental challenges of life because they prefer "quick fixes" that don't require establishing a sound foundation for future growth.
Too often, our society leads us to believe that outward appearances are the most important but this is not always the case. Anything can be "manipulated" to appear more or less appealing than it actually is. Sometimes we easily accept things at "face value" when we should not. Racial stereotyping is a prime example. Too often what is presented in the media is the absolute worst examples of certain ethnic groups and from the behavior of a "few bad apples" the entire group in question is perceived to be "bad". Since the "squeaky wheel is getting the grease" far too many young people opt to mimic bad examples to draw attention to themselves. Individuals should be more concerned with projecting a much more positive persona as opposed to negative ones. Unfortunately, our society thrives on "marketing" and nowadays "any" attention is better than "no" attention."
"I would create an entertainment production company that would specialize in creating programs that would depict the "average" American in a more realistic light. There's too much emphasis on "cookie cutter" stereotypes that don't portray a more "balanced" sense of life as we know it. I'm not a big fan of "reality" shows because they are usually "way over the top" and not in step with reality. The crime related genre is being over done. It's not that these shows aren't good; there's just too many of them. I feel the public would like to see something a little more interesting that they can relate to. "
I STILL BELIEVE IN THE HOPES AND ASPIRATIONS THAT DR. KING MENTIONED IN HIS "I HAVE A DREAM" SPEECH. FOR ME, LIFE IS A CUP THAT'S "HALF-FULL" -- NOT ONE THAT'S "HALF-EMPTY". SOMETIMES LIFE CAN BE TOUGH, BUT YOU JUST CAN'T GIVE UP AND "THROW IN THE TOWEL". WE OWE IT TO OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO KEEP ON STRIVING.
ANYTHING THAT HAS A POSITIVE, PRODUCTIVE VIBE. I CAN'T ENTERTAIN NEGATIVITY. MY FUTURE MEANS TOO MUCH TO ME. I LOVE TO WRITE. I UPDATE MY PERSONAL BLOG WEEKLY. WRITING RELAXES ME AND HELPS TO DISPEL HARMFUL STRESS.
Life & Professional Aspirations:
TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR AND/OR WRITER.
