Stereotypically Speaking

     Being from the south, I am subject to many stereotypes which I would like to address.  These are prejudice, illiteracy, dental dismay, “red-neck-ism”, alcoholism, and residual trailer park envy.
     Prejudice is a wide category stereotypically involving race and gender.  Personally, I feel individuality is as important to the world as water, sunshine, and seasons.  Without which our world would fall from balance.  Prejudice to me is a teenage kid driving an expensive sports car acting like the world owes him or her an apology.
     Illiteracy is a major problem in the U.S. and is not to be taken lightly.  It is not as big in the south as some might think, though.  I have a fair education being that I did complete the fifth grade on time.  I graduated highschool, completed some college, and obtained four certificates from technical schools.  Education is very important in every aspect of life, but more important while living under a government that wants us to be naive.  I constantly strive to learn and suggest that anyone with the ability to learn should strive also.
     It is said that the toothbrush was invented in the south.  If it was invented anywhere else, it would be called a teeth-brush.  Ha ha.  With the invention of rural water systems, more and more people are turning off their well pumps and enjoying fluoride enhanced water.  Also education has taught us to clean our teeth regularly.  My dental structure is sound, my teeth are white, but I am missing one molar from a failed root canal.  I also had my wisdom teeth pulled while serving my country in the Air Force, but only because it was free.  My grandmother always said, “take care of your body and hopefully it will take care of you.”  Of course she is right… she is my grandmother.  I’m not implying that daily flossing will cure cancer, but it may cause you to smile more.  It is my personal opinion that smiling eases stress which helps the body to apply healing energies to weaker areas.
     “Red-neck” is a term used loosely for a slower speaking, simpler living individual with a genuine lack of worldly values.  Of course red-neck to me is a word of predjudism and is not allowed in my house.  I am proud to be from the south, but I am not a red-neck.  For those of you who sport the “proud to be a redneck” bumper sticker on the back of your pick-up trucks next to the rebel flag… Well, let’s just not go there.
     Alcoholism is a disease the mind conjures up to release individuals from the chains of reality.  It is also a stereotype of the southerner.  Yes, we like to drink.  Doesn’t anyone else?  It gets hot down here, we get thirsty, we get happy and the fun begins.  We also use alcohol to ease a mood, lessen stress, and just to relax.  Alcohol is not necessary for fun, but to gather around a bonfire on a cool evening with good friends and family enjoying each others company is as the commercial states, “priceless.”
     If my trailer park is better than your trailer park, then you might suffer from residual trailer park envy.  No, we do not all live in trailers or come from trailer parks.  Some of us live in van’s down by the river!  There is actually a guy five miles out of a neighboring town that lives in a tee-pee on a hilltop.  If he is happy then he has more going for him than most people in the United States.  If your happy living in a trailer park, then good for you.  At least when you are tired of your surroundings you can easily move… Your house has wheels.
     All I am saying is that the wrapping around the package has little to do with the contents thereof.  Think about that next time you eat a sandwich.