As a native of North Carolina (where the fictional town of Mayberry is actually located), I was insulted and bewildered by the negative stereotyping of Southerners in the Friday letter, “Move to Mayberry insults us all.”
In day and age where we know that is wrong to stereotype African-Americans, Muslims, senior citizens and the like, what makes it OK to stereotype Southerners as ignorant and uneducated. I assure you, if you check out statistical data, you will find that the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina has the highest concentration of PhD.’s in America. I am positive that South Carolina also has its share of well-educated individuals.
Just because one has a union card, does not make his/her intellect superior to those who do not. As I am sure that no college degree is necessary in order to be a member of a union.
Lastly, I consider Washington to be my second home. I love it here and hope to retire in this beautiful state. I am also happy to say most of the people I’ve met, do not stereotype Southerners as the writer did. Thank goodness, otherwise Washington wouldn’t be able to attract any Southerner to this region, that includes tourists. I think we all know where Washington would be without tourists, especially since Boeing has “moved to Mayberry.”
Basma O’Neill
Everett
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