Thursday, October 18, 2012
Gabe Annoys Me While I Try to Write a Response
In Ray's book, she shows a great appreciation and love of her homeland and heritage, along with a bit of loathing for the stereotypes outsiders assume of her when they hear her southern drawl, or see her red, sun-tanned skin. To connect to my own life, I feel as though Athens is a less "southern" town, and has a great and unique culture full of creativity and art. Its (Gabriel please stop messing with me) culture revolves around its identity as an artistic college town, and it has a cool vibe that I appreciate. I think that is one think that I can look at and embrace- a feeling of being cool, unique, and artistic. However, often people outside of Athens do not understand the town and feel that all Georgians are the same- beer-drinking, God-fearing "Good Christians" or have sons who play sports and go to football games with them. Me, I don't believe in a God- I am not affiliated with any religion, nor do I enjoy sports or going to football games GABE STOP IT GOD sorry about that. I feel more comfortable around technology. I feel like a normal teenager, and it's annoying how everyone seems to think that Southerners STOP PRESSING BUTTONS GABE are all sports fans who love goin' to a good 'ol footballs game and drinkin' me shum beers. There is a lot STOP I ALREADY TOLD YOU TO STOP about Georgia that Id like to not attach to myself, JOSEPH YOU TOO and I wish that people would judge me as an individual and not from where i come from.
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I deal with the same problem regularly. Since i'm from Texas, people often look at me the same way. I'm really not like that though, and it does get annoying.
ReplyDeleteBest title ever
ReplyDeleteI was distracted by all the comments toward Gabe!
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ReplyDeleteI completely relate with your love of Athens' vibe; I often stop and appreciate that myself.
ReplyDeleteHowever, concerning Southern stereotypes, I also frequently worry about and experience the same problem.
ME: "I'm from Georgia."
RELATIVE, VISITOR, OR NEW ACQUAINTANCE: "Oh, well gosh darnit, Georgia, you say?! I've been prayin' to the good lord for those ol' Bulldogs to win! Would you like some sweet tea, sugar pie?"
ME:"Uh... yes ma'am! Gosh, I DO LOVE those... Doggies(?), praise the LORD!"
MY THOUGHTS: *@?@!$%?!?! What on Earth are you talking about?! Bulldogs? Are you referencing dogfighting? How do you manage to stick a revered deity in every sentence, no matter what the topic? And why are you speaking like Paula Deen? You're from Vermont!*
Anyway, very funny article. Loved it! I think everyone can relate to your conundrum and your piece, though masked in comedy, is a very valid twenty-first century problem that we will have to work hard to overcome, especially in the era of Honey Boo-Boo and Swamp Wars. Great job!
LOL
DeleteI love the response you got, Gabe. What a goldmine. I especially like your concluding thought. It is nice to be appreciated for who you are not where you are from...but on the other hand, we are talking about how our ecosystem shapes and molds us. I think you have addressed that you like your "bubble ecosystem" and , boy, can I relate. When I go home to Warner Robins, people often stare at what I am wearing. I used to be bothered by it, but now, I just try to shrug it off. Different strokes for different folks, right?
ReplyDeleteI meant Hayes...not Gabe. See there goes the title distracting me again.
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