Southern pride is a phrase circulating quite frequently these days. People often associate this idea with pieces of history such as the Civil War and the Confederate Flag, which are inherently connected to slavery and institutionalized racism within our country. There are many other pieces of southern culture we should be proud of, none of which are directly connected to the awful parts of our history.

Food

Southern food is one of the things I miss the most about home. Biscuits, seafood, fried chicken, vegetables, sweet tea, grits and cornbread are all delicious; why be proud of the Confederate flag when we could be boasting about our amazing meals?

Accents

Southern accents are more diverse than many people realize. My grandfather has a different accent than my mother, and my family in North Carolina talk differently than my family in Georgia. All of these accents are incredibly unique, and many are very beautiful. I love listening to people in my town who talk like Scarlett O’Hara. That doesn’t mean, however, that I want to go back to Scarlett O’Hara’s time.

Scenery

The south has amazing coastlines, beautiful mountains, state and national parks, endless fields, lakes and rivers. Some landscapes are virtually untouched and offer a unique insight into the history of our country.

Weather

When the South gets snow, it seems like a miniature apocalypse. My school once cancelled classes for nearly an entire week because there was a possibility of ice. I took year-round warmth for granted when I lived at home, and I certainly miss it now that winter has arrived in the Midwest. Being able to be outside in shorts during December is definitely something that southerners should brag about.

The south is an amazing place, and not because of plantations, slavery and rebellion. The south is an amazing place because of the aesthetic and cultural beauty at its heart.