Let’s set the record straight on this Appalachian-values thing
A Carl Feather column
Star Beacon
I spend my vacation time in West Virginia. It’s the only time of the year when I feel like I’m actually “home.” When there, I write for a magazine called “Goldenseal.” It’s a magazine of Appalachian culture. I’ve had dozens of articles published in Goldenseal and write the Back Roads column published in every issue. It’s a great magazine, not an inch of advertising in it. Check it out at wvculture. org/goldenseal.
I state these things because I want Star Beacon readers to understand that I understand, love and practice true Appalachian values, not the corrupted, stereotyped version embraced by the uninformed.
There’s a great book on the subject written by Loyal Jones, “Appalachian Values.” Get it, read it and understand it before spouting off about Appalachians destroying Ashtabula County. If you don’t read it, then rent the three-DVD PBS documentary, “The Appalachians.”
What we have in Ashtabula is not Appalachian thinking. Appalachians, in the face of incredible hardships and challenges, are survivors. They are self-sufficient. They have a love of place. They are humble, fiercely family-oriented and stick together — and they prefer to be left alone.
I apologize to any reader who was offended by these statements. And if you’re angry about Mr. Arcaro’s comments, please direct that anger toward me, not him. He’s just repeating what has been said in this community for decades.
It’s time this Appalachian excuse be buried, along with the divisive spirit that has made Ashtabula County the place it is today. Just as racism has no place in our community, these local urban legends and the convenient wholesale corruption of Appalachia and its people ought to be taboo, as well.
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