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I'm from the northern Midwestern US and there is a perception that southern portions of northern states bordering the US South (Mason Dixon line) are culturally

I'm from the northern Midwestern US and there is a perception that southern portions of northern states bordering the US South (Mason Dixon line) are culturally more southern than northern, which carries a lot of current and historical significance and baggage - the perception that these areas are uneducated backwards hillbillies. Southern portions of these states also tend to be rural, which amplifies the uneducated backwards hillbillies perception. There is still a very significant divide between Northern and Southern US states which isn't specific to the US. It's from media but there's a scene in The Sopranos where Furio (a mafia foot soldier from southern Italy) surprises the Italian-Americans of the rest of the crew by saying he hates Christopher Columbus because he's from "the north". It's very similar to the US - the perception that the north looks down on the south, that they have all of the money and power, etc. It's a less-than-friendly sibling rivalry. I've also personally experienced this with various people from other countries - regions of the country with a superiority complex and regions of the country with a chip on their shoulder as a result. I'm not saying there isn't any truth to this or I agree with it, just that it is a perception held by many.

rgrieselhuber 3y ago
That's true. Even though I grew up in Columbus, I've always felt more naturally at home among people from the Appalachian regions than I have with people north of Ohio. Still lots of great people but the atmosphere feels a tad more anxious / high strung (in my limited experience anyway).
- selimthegrim 3y ago
  I hope that’s north of Ohio and not northern Ohio because quite a few people living in Cleveland came up then Highway 21/US 19 (now Interstate 77) from WV and points adjacent during the 30s when there was no work.
mywittyname 3y ago
Hillbillies != southern. I can see how people would see surface similarities, i.e., conservative, pickup truck driving yeehaws. But southern Ohio is not Southern. In fact, as a native of southern Ohio, I'd like to point out that traveling to Mississippi or Georgia is a pretty big culture shock to me. Whereas Michigan, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin feels like home (especially food wise). Southern Ohio is still decidedly "Midwestern". No matter how much other Midwesterners try to be rid of it.
- jollyllama 3y ago
  You could argue about whether it fits better into Appalachia, culturally and demographically.
chasd00 3y ago
Not only a North/South rivalry but also West/East. Hip-hop musicians kill each other over it.

rgrieselhuber 3y ago

That's true. Even though I grew up in Columbus, I've always felt more naturally at home among people from the Appalachian regions than I have with people north of Ohio. Still lots of great people but the atmosphere feels a tad more anxious / high strung (in my limited experience anyway).

selimthegrim 3y ago
I hope that’s north of Ohio and not northern Ohio because quite a few people living in Cleveland came up then Highway 21/US 19 (now Interstate 77) from WV and points adjacent during the 30s when there was no work.

mywittyname 3y ago

Hillbillies != southern. I can see how people would see surface similarities, i.e., conservative, pickup truck driving yeehaws. But southern Ohio is not Southern. In fact, as a native of southern Ohio, I'd like to point out that traveling to Mississippi or Georgia is a pretty big culture shock to me. Whereas Michigan, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin feels like home (especially food wise). Southern Ohio is still decidedly "Midwestern". No matter how much other Midwesterners try to be rid of it.

jollyllama 3y ago
You could argue about whether it fits better into Appalachia, culturally and demographically.

chasd00 3y ago

Not only a North/South rivalry but also West/East. Hip-hop musicians kill each other over it.