I do think that West Virginia has been able to hang onto traditions and way of life more than other states, because a lot of people that are from West Virginia, typically do not leave the state. Although there is not a lot of opportunities in West Virginia, many people feel safe and do not want to leave the mountains. We still have a lot of the old jobs, such as coal mining, which keeps a lot of people in the area. The woman in the video said she feels safe in West Virginia, because the mountains are like a blanket. They protect us from tornadoes, and are like a shield. She said that she doesn't like it when people can see what she is doing a mile away. I agree with this, although I like to get away from West Virginia sometimes, its always nice to get back home.
Have you experienced prejudice or negative stereotyping because you are a West Virginian? Have you experienced positive reactions?
Yes I have experienced plenty of negative stereotyping since I live in West Virginia. I've been asked if I date my brother, because people think there is a lot of "incest" in our state. I've been asked if I live in Western Virginia, because they didn't know there was a state West Virginia. I don't really understand how people get through school thinking there are only 49 states. I've also been asked if I live on a farm with dirt floors and chickens running all around the house. It really bothers me that people think this low of West Virginia. As for positive reactions, some people have told me they love West Virginia, and think it is a beautiful state. A lot of people recognize West Virginia from the WVU Mountaineers, and that is the only thing they know about it. Some people have also told me they like to come to our state because they love to come to our ski resorts.
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