I think the south's different perceptions of itself are based on changing socio political notions about what is an ideal man. For example:
In earlier generations, the ideal man was a genteel, cultured cavalier who was quick with the pen and sword. Thus, the people of the south gravitated to this ideal. Today, we are far more egaltarian. Thus, the image of the ideal man is a somewhat poor, rugged, independent celtic yeoman warrior.
In the end, the ethnic composition of the South is blurred mixture of rich, poor, Anglo Saxon, Semi Celtic and Celtic etc. Different times, with different cultural notions of the ideal man then determine what is emphasized.
That aside,
I watched portions of Webb's documentary Born Fighting. I was stunned that the Smithsonian cooperated with it. The romanticized "Group of Mystical Warriors From the Dawn of Time" tone of the documentary was as if a..... politician with strong sense of self love had written it.
I admire Senator Webb's (English name) military accomplishments, and the contributions of the Scots Irish group, but the docu drama was just over the top and bordered on promoting a sense of ethnic supereority. Social conditions led /lead to proportionally more Appalachians serving in our military. Another set of social conditions led to a unit of Japanese Americans winning more medals per capita than any other unit.
Getting off my soap box now.... .
In earlier generations, the ideal man was a genteel, cultured cavalier who was quick with the pen and sword. Thus, the people of the south gravitated to this ideal. Today, we are far more egaltarian. Thus, the image of the ideal man is a somewhat poor, rugged, independent celtic yeoman warrior.
In the end, the ethnic composition of the South is blurred mixture of rich, poor, Anglo Saxon, Semi Celtic and Celtic etc. Different times, with different cultural notions of the ideal man then determine what is emphasized.
That aside,
I watched portions of Webb's documentary Born Fighting. I was stunned that the Smithsonian cooperated with it. The romanticized "Group of Mystical Warriors From the Dawn of Time" tone of the documentary was as if a..... politician with strong sense of self love had written it.
I admire Senator Webb's (English name) military accomplishments, and the contributions of the Scots Irish group, but the docu drama was just over the top and bordered on promoting a sense of ethnic supereority. Social conditions led /lead to proportionally more Appalachians serving in our military. Another set of social conditions led to a unit of Japanese Americans winning more medals per capita than any other unit.
Getting off my soap box now.... .
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