Saying you're from the south automatically comes with lots of preconceptions. We're labeled as unintelligent, unaccepting, small minded rednecks. People that don't like going outside of their comfort zone and who speak with accents that are impossible to understand. People that fly their rebel flags high while yelling things like 'MERICA, TRUMP TRAIN, and YEEYEE. These people are more commonly referred to as racists, hicks, or just plain ole rednecks. I've come to figure out that clichés are clichés for a reason, but I've met many southerners in my life that prove these clichés to be wrong.

The fact that people from the south are still referred to as unintelligent and uneducated baffles me. In my many years spent in school I've come across some extremely smart people who had ideas and career paths that are sure to change the world. People that have ideas on how to cure cancer, deforestation, and provide clean water sources to third world countries. The thing about the south is we were all raised with that special little thing called "southern hospitality." This means most of us are extremely caring individuals that often times put others above ourselves and want to see this world become a better place for others. This mindset results in people picking career paths and brainstorming ideas that help others, not theirselves. Just for example, Abraham Lincoln was from the great state of Kentucky and we all know what he did for America. Lincoln will forever be known as the man who put an end to slavey. Although the act of actual desegregation came at a later date, one of the men that was well known for leading that fight for civil rights was also from the south. Martin Luther King Jr hailed from the south, more precisely the great state of Georgia.

Another problem people seem to have with the south is most of the population is thought of as republicans. While this is true, I have also come across my fair share of democrats and third party supporters who call the south their home. The word republican seems to be used negatively by the population of the north. It's used this way because of our sometimes controversial beliefs. We are against abortion, against gay marriage, against a government that is just for the big man, and for a world ran by the word of God. We believe in keeping things the way they used to be. Keeping things simple. Is that so bad? I don't see the point in downing someone for their beliefs, especially when it is in line with politics. Everyone believes in something and has an idea for how this world should be ran. These beliefs don't just differentiate between the north and the south, they also differentiate from person to person. People living in the south can differ in opinions. Even republicans can differ in opinion. It's all about the mindset of the person, not the place they call home.

See, I believe that what makes a person is what is in their heart not what address is written on the mail they receive. Beliefs, personalities, and what level of education is achieved differs from person to person, not by region. I believe that a lot of the worlds problems come from trying to identify ourselves as belonging to the "dominant race" or "the best place to live." If we all just accepted the fact that we are all different and appreciate those differences, our future generations will grow up in a better world. I leave you with this quote from Martin Luther King Jr: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can." As cheesy as it sounds, lets aim to find the light and the love in our world.