I am from Western Europe and think this comment section is one of the most interesting reads so far. Not often do we get a glimpse of what is going on in the minds of Americans, but this for sure did. Also - what a useless piece of travel advice from the NYT, more on the level of InStyle magazine.
"The South" is not a monolithic culture or a synthetic marketing brand, though you could be excused for thinking so if you bought into the hype. Most Southerners themselves have been deluded by the 2-D plantations-and-hoop-skirts stereotypes (I have yet to meet a white Southerner who doesn't believe his family is descended from a wealthy plantation-owning family, which simply doesn't jibe with the numbers).
Please remember when you excoriate the South (rather than the "elites" who have mis-run the place for 200 years) that a large portion of Southerners are ordinary people - black and white - who simply try to live decent peaceful and caring lives while avoiding the land mines placed by incompetent and uncaring state and local governments dedicated to serving a small persistent fraction of the population.
I returned to the South to fight for reform after 20 years in New England. It's not the plantations or the hoop skirts or the Civil War memorials or the venal politicians spending scarce funds on boondoggle projects to finance their friends (because, small business and private enterprise!) that keep me coming back. It is the significant minority of people who frequently have little but offer to share what they have, or who look out for innocent stranger, or who continue to fight mis-governance year after year though they lose far more fights than they win.
Those people are as Southern as those who pass laws restricting the voting and civil rights of their neighbors
Please remember when you excoriate the South (rather than the "elites" who have mis-run the place for 200 years) that a large portion of Southerners are ordinary people - black and white - who simply try to live decent peaceful and caring lives while avoiding the land mines placed by incompetent and uncaring state and local governments dedicated to serving a small persistent fraction of the population.
I returned to the South to fight for reform after 20 years in New England. It's not the plantations or the hoop skirts or the Civil War memorials or the venal politicians spending scarce funds on boondoggle projects to finance their friends (because, small business and private enterprise!) that keep me coming back. It is the significant minority of people who frequently have little but offer to share what they have, or who look out for innocent stranger, or who continue to fight mis-governance year after year though they lose far more fights than they win.
Those people are as Southern as those who pass laws restricting the voting and civil rights of their neighbors
In the immortal words of another Canadian, Neil Young:
"Southern Man"
Southern man
better keep your head
Don't forget
what your good book said
Southern change
gonna come at last
Now your crosses
are burning fast
Southern man
I saw cotton
and I saw black
Tall white mansions
and little shacks.
Southern man
when will you
pay them back?
I heard screamin'
and bullwhips cracking
How long? How long?
Southern man
better keep your head
Don't forget
what your good book said
Southern change
gonna come at last
Now your crosses
are burning fast
Southern man
Lily Belle,
your hair is golden brown
I've seen your black man
comin' round
Swear by God
I'm gonna cut him down!
I heard screamin'
and bullwhips cracking
How long? How long?"
"Southern Man"
Southern man
better keep your head
Don't forget
what your good book said
Southern change
gonna come at last
Now your crosses
are burning fast
Southern man
I saw cotton
and I saw black
Tall white mansions
and little shacks.
Southern man
when will you
pay them back?
I heard screamin'
and bullwhips cracking
How long? How long?
Southern man
better keep your head
Don't forget
what your good book said
Southern change
gonna come at last
Now your crosses
are burning fast
Southern man
Lily Belle,
your hair is golden brown
I've seen your black man
comin' round
Swear by God
I'm gonna cut him down!
I heard screamin'
and bullwhips cracking
How long? How long?"
3
Astonishing how much hatred and ridicule this article has attracted from ignorant Northerners who know nothing about the region. Seems many of you are SO anxious to push your hate-filled agenda that you cannot acknowledge the gentle nature of this piece.
So, go and visit and learn something. THEN come back with opinion.
So, go and visit and learn something. THEN come back with opinion.
14
If you read the comments, it seems like a lot of us "non-ignorant Northerners" tried to support your position. Thanks for giving us credit.
4
Um, y'all lives in California? Just checkin'!
I can't speak for all the Northerners responding. But this is one Northerner (grew up in Canada, no less), who HAS lived in Nashville. I went there with a completely open mind, left it four years later with a huge sigh of relief. Believe me, I did indeed leave with an opinion. I also left with a sharper appreciation of the phrase "fly-over country".
I now advise coworkers who are thinking of moving somewheres like Nashville to do the "Home Depot" test. You will be wined and dined at one of a handful of remotely cosmopolitan restaurants. But go check out Home Depot to meet your potential neighbors.
I can't speak for all the Northerners responding. But this is one Northerner (grew up in Canada, no less), who HAS lived in Nashville. I went there with a completely open mind, left it four years later with a huge sigh of relief. Believe me, I did indeed leave with an opinion. I also left with a sharper appreciation of the phrase "fly-over country".
I now advise coworkers who are thinking of moving somewheres like Nashville to do the "Home Depot" test. You will be wined and dined at one of a handful of remotely cosmopolitan restaurants. But go check out Home Depot to meet your potential neighbors.
8
Astonishing indeed, "California Man" AKA Jim Toth. Not to worry, I suspect that many of the negative responders also find plenty to ridicule in Gwyneth Paltrow's website GOOP- wealthy actresses shilling stuff tends to bring that out with readers.
2
Did anyone bother to ask her about the racist, anti gay politics of the south?
8
...and did anyone ask you to be so crude and discourteous? This was a nice article about a nice person and a lovely region of the country.
It was not just another place for you to spout your bile...
It was not just another place for you to spout your bile...
16
Great Story. Another recent news story states that Nashville is one of the fastest growing cities in the US. Why? In addition to all the virtues Ms. Witherspoon mentions - we do work hard to make people feel welcome - ALL people. Yes, there is still work to be done to make sure all people are treated fairly and with dignity - but tell me where in the U.S. that is not the case? Nashville counts itself lucky that we have such a wonderful native daughter in Ms. Witherspoon.
21
Exploiting your southern background but you choose not to live here. Seems sort of phony to me; disingenuous.
5
Umm, well... She's an actress. Maybe she lives in LA because that's where she works??
12
I think several people in the comments jump to unnecessary conclusions. Reese Witherspoon is talking about a region of the country that she enjoys and that feels like home to her. For her, it does not matter that she lives in another area; she can always call the South home. Further more, she is not pointing out things that everyone must enjoy, but rather things that she herself enjoys and would like to share. Basically, if you don't like something she recommends, then don't do it. Of course she is not going to address issues of race, prejudice, etc. that the South (like the other areas of the country) faces, because this article, as it says in the title, is about what she loves about the South. On another note, I have lived the South forever and I adore it. There are so many beautiful places and wonderful people. There are so many incredible things that people seem to overlook because of the South's past and a few bad apples in its present.
33
Finally, an intelligent and thoughtful response to all of the liberal hypocrisy on this article.
11
Funny how a human interest piece by a celebrity can invoke the rants of the regional zealots and cultural protagonists. Anthony Bourdain brings us educational insights and lets us meet some wonderful people with his "Parts Unknown" series while traveling to places that are, seemingly, "unsavory" in other ways.
Like Mr. Bourdain, Ms. Witherspoon, is under no illusions that her locale, similar to most others, is not without its underlying (often perverse) problems. Humanity is always enhanced by knowledge and interaction while, hurt by ignorance.
Like Mr. Bourdain, Ms. Witherspoon, is under no illusions that her locale, similar to most others, is not without its underlying (often perverse) problems. Humanity is always enhanced by knowledge and interaction while, hurt by ignorance.
21
Can we end the fantasy about horseracing as a romantic, genteel pastime? Two horses just died following a major race, and the NYT has done a couple of stories on the horrific abuse of racehorses both during and after their careers. Shame on Reece Witherspoon for promoting such a brutal, selfish and thoughtless "sport."
8
Please save me from celebrities trying to promote "their brands." Gweneth Paltrow a few weeks back was bad enough.
17
Having stayed there many times, I echo Ms. Witherspoon's sentiments about The Greenbrier. It is an incredible place.
Its owner, native WV billionaire Jim Justice is soon to be our state's next governor. The PGA has a tournament there and the New Orleans Saints have their summer training facilities on the grounds also.
The dining is incredible and the golf, falconry, sporting clays, fishing, horseback riding, and yes, even croquet and casino (jackets required) are all word-class from an earlier era of elegance.
Its owner, native WV billionaire Jim Justice is soon to be our state's next governor. The PGA has a tournament there and the New Orleans Saints have their summer training facilities on the grounds also.
The dining is incredible and the golf, falconry, sporting clays, fishing, horseback riding, and yes, even croquet and casino (jackets required) are all word-class from an earlier era of elegance.
9
"The south is wonderful!" —says actress who lives in Hollywood, CA
"Public schools are the backbone of our nation!" —says politician who sends his kids to a $30K per year private day school
"Public schools are the backbone of our nation!" —says politician who sends his kids to a $30K per year private day school
15
Beneath the patina of that (phony) Southern charm are pretentious elitists who sort each other via college attended, status of career, what neighborhood you live in, how many sq/ft is your new house, what lake is your summer home on, is your Chevy Tahoe or Cadillac Escalade a 2016 model, what country club you're a member at, what private schools do your children go to, what church do you attend...
19
I guess she hires a driver in Atlanta?
I spent four painful years in Nashville in the late 90s, as faculty at Vanderbilt. Yes, it's luvly and green, particularly in the spring. But I actually shudder reading about it. She doesn't mention the Parthenon, a full scale replica built so badly in the '30s that it's already being renovated (it's made of concrete....). I think that says it all - civic pride in Nashville led them to built a replica of a Greek landmark.
She doesn't mention the subtle racism that permeates the Vanderbilt med school. Or the incessant "what church y'all go to?" and then the snide lip curl when you say you don't go to church.... Or the married couple next door to me, who were second cousins - "we've always been in family reunion pictures together!".
I spent four painful years in Nashville in the late 90s, as faculty at Vanderbilt. Yes, it's luvly and green, particularly in the spring. But I actually shudder reading about it. She doesn't mention the Parthenon, a full scale replica built so badly in the '30s that it's already being renovated (it's made of concrete....). I think that says it all - civic pride in Nashville led them to built a replica of a Greek landmark.
She doesn't mention the subtle racism that permeates the Vanderbilt med school. Or the incessant "what church y'all go to?" and then the snide lip curl when you say you don't go to church.... Or the married couple next door to me, who were second cousins - "we've always been in family reunion pictures together!".
23
No area of the U.S. is worth being reduced to a few time-worn generalizations. People who travel and experience this country with open minds know that. Good people, good food and good memories are not restricted to specific regions, states or communities.
I read Ms. Witherspoon's piece with a certain amount of amusement as I am familiar with just about everything she mentions. Something for everyone? Possibly not, but she is not issuing a mandate that we all are supposed to agree with her-- it's her story. If you don't like the South, by all means, don't come here. Deny yourself the possibilities of learning about and experiencing a part of the country that is far more diverse, complex and interesting than many commenters will allow themselves to even think.
If you do come, make your own discoveries but be aware that you just might go home with more pleasant surprises than you might have been willing to admit were possible before you came. Oh, if you go to Yeah!Burger, get the onion rings (they even make them gluten-free). If those don't put a smile on your face then, yeah, you are probably in the wrong place.
I read Ms. Witherspoon's piece with a certain amount of amusement as I am familiar with just about everything she mentions. Something for everyone? Possibly not, but she is not issuing a mandate that we all are supposed to agree with her-- it's her story. If you don't like the South, by all means, don't come here. Deny yourself the possibilities of learning about and experiencing a part of the country that is far more diverse, complex and interesting than many commenters will allow themselves to even think.
If you do come, make your own discoveries but be aware that you just might go home with more pleasant surprises than you might have been willing to admit were possible before you came. Oh, if you go to Yeah!Burger, get the onion rings (they even make them gluten-free). If those don't put a smile on your face then, yeah, you are probably in the wrong place.
23
I am simply thrilled that so many inane nitwits have amazingly found a way to be put off by this piece. At this point we need far LESS interest in our city. Our established and lauded culinary scene, consummate diversity in culture and the arts, gorgeous architecture, unspoiled beaches, and friendly people is resulting in the attraction of fifty new (apparently insane?) citizens per day to our once small and quaint city. So you're right, as a native South Carolinian, I'll reassure you that it's just *awful*. Please God, whatever you do, spare yourself the pain and don't come here.
3
I feel your pain. My part of the world has changed out of all recognition since I was a child.
Here's how this read to me: OMG the South is soooooo amazing — but I live behind a gate in a Hollywood mansion, of course.
If it's so great, go raise your family there, Ms. Witherspoon. Until then you're just shamelessly pandering and shilling to sell some clothes.
If it's so great, go raise your family there, Ms. Witherspoon. Until then you're just shamelessly pandering and shilling to sell some clothes.
12
It's funny that the people who are admonishing people of color - particularly those who identify as Black or African-American - for emphasizing racism in the South are not Black or African-American. Yes, racism exists in other parts of the country. However, the South has been and continues to be its own kind of special. I worked in the South for a few years before leaving after only a few years of trying to tolerate the Confederate flags, the rednecks, the threats, the sense of entitlement by white residents based on plantation politics, the blantant disenfranchisement of Black people. I was even not served once in a restaurant. And this was fairly recent - not the 60s. So stop with the lies. The South has serious issues, and continues to be a cesspool of hatred. Must be nice to sit back, sip your sweet tea, while telling Black folks that they are delusional. Acknowledgment of the problem is the first step toward healing.
22
So if the south is so great why does she still live in LA? Because she and her husband got arrested in Atlanta? I don't think so. Yeah, there are some charming spots: Savannah's historical district and Charleston with its romantic gaslights at night and exquisite food. But southern hospitality? It doesn't exist except towards other southerners. Once I read in a bumper sticker on a pick up truck: "Welcome to the south. Now go home." People are always cheerful and greet you with a smile and a hug? It's all fake. Don't fall for it! But the south is not homogenous. Georgia, in contrast to other southern states is particularly unfriendly with aggressive impolite driving and people that look angry all the time, are cliquish, and nasty. I made a mistake when I moved here and it's been almost 20 years! I'm stuck here because I cannot afford NYC. Atlanta looks like a city but it's still the backwoods. The High Museum is very pedestrian. There is no culture. The airport, though, is efficient and has direct flights to everywhere. That's a relief!
8
Most of us Americans cannot afford to live in NYC, yet, somehow we make do with our "pedestrian" offerings in an uncultured backwater where everyone is "fake" and "nasty". Funny, how snobs of every economic level rarely experience joy. Funnier still is the belief that it is always someone else's fault.
6
Last I checked, NYC was not the only alternative to Atlanta. Please feel free to go find others.
9
I once heard that the reason the driving is so crazy in Atlanta -is that the road system (which at best can be described as complicated) follows original Native American trails - you know - it's as if you are dodging trees in the forest every 10 feet - add to that the sheer volume of cars and no wonder people get cranky driving.
2
Can't you people lighten up? If you want to visit there and have the money to do so, go. If you don't, or can't, don't. Why is that complicated?
19
Not being able to "lighten up" to the acceptable level of most Southerners is part of the problem.
6
If the Southerners want respect, they might consider voting for fewer racists politicians. We know the South, not on why from its ugly history, but also from its present-day elected officials - chosen by the wonderful people of the South. We know "you people" by counting your votes.
11
We have big issues to solve here in the South, there can be no rational person who would deny that. I'd like to remind you however, that Eric Garner died on Staten Island and Tamir Rice in Cleveland, Ohio. Chicago has become a killing field for people of color. 2/3 of the people in this ENTIRE country could not cope with a $1000 emergency. Poverty, un or under-employment, and racism, institutional or individual, is not confined to the Southern section of the United States.
33
To be fair, you aren't counting ALL of our votes...just the ones going to the candidates that get over 50 percent. There are many progressive voters down here. Just not ENOUGH of us to make a big difference, and also not enough of us willing to run for office.
I think honestly most of us ProgSoutherners would move away if we had the money or the opportunity. The younger ones already are...they leave once they are done with high school or college and they don't come back. Please treat them well, since our politicians can't (or won't).
I think honestly most of us ProgSoutherners would move away if we had the money or the opportunity. The younger ones already are...they leave once they are done with high school or college and they don't come back. Please treat them well, since our politicians can't (or won't).
7
I used to absolutely love spending my time and money down south. Then we had the audacity to elect one fine man as president who happens to be of African descent. Now I doubt if I'll ever go back. I don't scare easy but I know when and where I'm not wanted. I'm thinking the rest of the civilized world may feel the same way.
13
Who cares what Reese Witherspoon thinks about the South, or any other part of the country? Really? Is this Southern Living?
8
Actually, a lot of people care to read her article. In case you have been living under a rock, she is an award winning, famous actress & businesswoman born and raised in the south. No need for bitterness.
20
No democrat has carried the Deep South since the party embraced the Civil Rights Movement, epitomized by LBJ's signing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act (all southerners voted against it, including the GOP nominee Barry Goldwater).
White southerners switched to the opportunistic GOP ever since. They passed their bigoted beliefs to their children and grandchildren (Donald Trump's wild popularity with southern whites is all the proof you need).
Why would any self-respecting black person associate with these folks?
The (white) south can keep its so-called "hospitality" to itself.
White southerners switched to the opportunistic GOP ever since. They passed their bigoted beliefs to their children and grandchildren (Donald Trump's wild popularity with southern whites is all the proof you need).
Why would any self-respecting black person associate with these folks?
The (white) south can keep its so-called "hospitality" to itself.
9
We're not all like that. Similar to your point, I have "ideas" about New Yorkers too, but only because I've never visited there to find out for myself.
11
An article last year in Atlanta Blackstar magazine listed the 10 most segregated cities in the U.S. New York was third. Boston always makes those lists. The only Southern city listed was Miami and that is not really Southern. You will find similar results in other publications.
14
She's adorable, especially in that picture--but it's hard for me to put that drunk driving/do you know who I am incident out of my mind. I was hoping this article would redeem her a bit, but it was purely shopping and food. No culture (she mentioned music with no specifics), no history, and while I'm not sure she has to address the entire history of the South, some nod to people of color might have been appropriate.
She seems just as shallow as I feared.
She seems just as shallow as I feared.
11
Geez... One unfortunate event that happened SO long ago, where there was alcohol involved for which I'm pretty sure many people in her shoes would've said same thing, and for which she publicly expressed remorse, and that's going to forever tarnish her entire career and all her accomplishments?! You must live a very miserable life if you hold on to that much negativity in your own life.
11
What is wrong with that Southern Girl (living in LA) talking red beans and rice type hogwash with a slice of watermelon all about. There is zero gentleness, gentile goodwill to be found anywhere nearby she speaks as rednecks and guns still permeate every nook and cranny of Southernness amid Dixie Battleflags. Obama never won any State mentioned as the ugliness is obviously endemic to the red clay and leftover cotton fields and newly installed Jim Crow voting laws and history of lynchings. Southern redemption never occurred because they rejected goodwill and humanity. Donald Trump will carry the South with his hate speech and glorified 'make America great again' drivel.
30
Your comment is completely unnecessary and is simply bigoted. Have you looked in your own backyard or your own home?
4
Isn't Donald Trump from your neck of the woods? And just so you know, everyone in the south thinks New Jersey is the place where New York dumps its garbage.
13
N.J. gave us Chris Christie. You must be really proud.
11
Reese Witherspoon. I'll never forget the video of her when her and her husband were arrested for intoxication. And she vehemently protested " Do you know who I am?!" She's a spoiled rich bourgeois pretentious woman. Who cares what she thinks of the south.
36
It's "she" and her husband but the rest of the post is an unwarranted criticism of this woman based on a long ago event. Who among us now live where we grew up but still feel attached to that other place? Most of us.
9
Not every Times article needs to be a textbook or an editorial. Read the article for what it is and draw your own conclusions.
19
Sadly a lot of ignorance is displayed here. For those that are historically challenged New York, New Jersey and Delaware were all once slave states. What the history of slavery in this country has to do with Ms. Witherspoon in 2016 is a mystery. Unfortunately millions of yankees have decided that the South is a much more desirable place to live than the North and have migrated here diluting and murdering our wonderful Southern culture.
25
Mystery? Ask a Southern Man. See how he voted. See what kind of flag he waves. Racism is hard to see sometimes, but in the American South, it is pellucid and loud and memorialized in horrible statues of racist heroes. Gak.
9
I agree with your overarching sentiment that the entire US carries the "original sin of slavery" and few states were innocent. At the same time, a gentle reminder that NY, NJ and DE freely rejected slavery before the Civil War and fought a vicious war against the Slave States that we now euphemistically refer to as "The South". It does make a difference. Nevertheless, your point is valid.
5
Is Southern culture the Nashvillians who ride around town with orange pickups (Yay Vols!!!!) that have Confederate flags ripping in the breeze on either side?
Sorry, but "Southern culture" is a code word for racism.
Sorry, but "Southern culture" is a code word for racism.
2
ANY city or place - anywhere - is a really and truly wonderful place to live if you're really wealthy.
Being famous and having your own publicity flacks at hand, ever ready to flaunt you and yours, doesn't hurt.
Feh.
Being famous and having your own publicity flacks at hand, ever ready to flaunt you and yours, doesn't hurt.
Feh.
26
Ms. Witherspoon is basically just plugging her line of goods under the rather flimsy guise of a travel piece, I believe reading much more into it than that is a reach.
33
With all the bigotry, hatred, and regressionism coming out of the South right now, the timing of this Lifestyles piece is incredibly tone deaf.
32
The most vile, dangerous bigotry, hatred and "regressionism" now is coming out of the mouth of a native New Yorker.
7
There is a big difference, socially and politically, between cities and rural communities and nowhere is this more apparent than in the American South.
I'd think more of the American south if they would stop electing rednecks to state and federal offices and pushing gun culture on the rest of us.
56
Hey, most of us in the US are conditioned to genuflect to the 'upper crust' at every opportunity. This piece is one such opportunity. However, at the same time, Ms Witherspoon -- 'although' she is at once beautiful, rich, and a celebrity and thus fitting for our worship -- is also 'just a person' whom any of us might enjoy meeting, even though we could never travel in her circles.
1
I'm from Atlanta, and what makes me upset when people generalize the south, is that it is a hugely diverse region, both in size, culture, and race. There are a lot of negative things about parts of the south such as racism, confederate flags, religious fanatics, but these things aren't exclusive to the south. There's plenty of racism to go around in America and I've seen plenty of confederate flags in Michigan. There are also a lot of positives in the South such as hospitality, friendliness, and a huge diversity of ethnicities and cultures. Atlanta, and rural Georgia due share a similar southern culture, but there are also some enormous differences. Other cities like Savannah or New Orleans have an entirely unique culture.
Overall, I just think that broad generalizations about the South (either naively negative or positive) can do more harm than good.
Overall, I just think that broad generalizations about the South (either naively negative or positive) can do more harm than good.
26
Actually, no Noah-now-living-in-Minnesota, confederate flags and religious fanatics, not to mention the creationist/philandering Duggar family, are largely confined to the South of the U.S.!
3
Interesting comments here. I agree that the focus on race is a bit much; not everything about "the South" needs be about race. As I mentioned in a comment to another post, there are plenty of racists idiots throughout the USA (and world). The South certainly does not hold the majority, believe me, although it's history is pretty tainted. Then again, the little story about what's now Georgetown University and the selling of slaves, well, that's a dirty little Yankee secret, is it not?
Aside from that, I agree with Ms Witherspoon that everyone should travel to Oxford, MS, and view the spectacle called Ole Miss tailgating. Nothing like seeing a massive crowd of drunken students, dressed to the nines, along with their drunken parents, grandparents, and relatives. Oh, I'm generalizing, definitely, not *everyone* is drunk, but when the booze flows on football weekends, Oxford-town becomes a mini-Bourbon street, complete with vomiting, peeing in alleys, music, boobs, and lots of busy police. A spectacle indeed.
Can't say I miss it though, no.
Aside from that, I agree with Ms Witherspoon that everyone should travel to Oxford, MS, and view the spectacle called Ole Miss tailgating. Nothing like seeing a massive crowd of drunken students, dressed to the nines, along with their drunken parents, grandparents, and relatives. Oh, I'm generalizing, definitely, not *everyone* is drunk, but when the booze flows on football weekends, Oxford-town becomes a mini-Bourbon street, complete with vomiting, peeing in alleys, music, boobs, and lots of busy police. A spectacle indeed.
Can't say I miss it though, no.
10
While this article does tilt toward a "southern travel" infomercial, I don't get all of the south-hating going on. There is enough guilt for everyone to have some. Some white southerners owned slaves (less than 30% in 1860), but yes, the whole region bought into the racial system of oppression. So did much of the North, at least implicitly. Who do you think was buying the cotton that slaves produced? (Where were all of those textile factories?) And who was wearing clothes produced from that cotton? Who was insuring the slaveowners? Southerners weren't growing cotton just for thrills. The South has done much to try to find some common ground between the races over the past 40+ years. Come visit the South, find out for yourself.
13
Your choice of elected representatives over the decades tell a different story. Maybe the South would get more respect if it stopped electing racist homophobic, Science-denying people. Your votes - and those racist rebel battle flags - tell me how you really feel.
10
Gee, Mrs. Cleaver, everything is so white in that picture! Is Reese trying to tell us that WhiteLivesMatter or something?
Maybe we're wrong!
Maybe we're wrong!
6
why do I get the sense Reese had nothing to do with this article? "Um, yeah, I dunno, whatever, make it sound like me, I guess, just give them whatever they want. Huh? What, oh lord no, ... hold on..... check? In the mail? No, no, just, um, how did you get this number? Didn't we work this all out? Yes, I know, that shot with the white dress? I dunno, I guess it was backstage...L.A., what? They'll never know...look, I...um, bye".
5
I'm proud of my region and tired of the narrow minded comments about the south. Get a life...get out and see your country beyond your state line. Bless your hearts.
27
Gentle NY Times readers: I, for one, think this is a fine article; informative, lively, and completely appropriate for the Travel Section. What is not to like about warm Summer days, pretty sun-dresses, and a basket full of sunflowers on a bicycle?
What I find NOT appropriate is the constant whining from readers that "the South" equals "Slavery". It doesn't. To be accurate, Slavery was first brought to, and yoked upon America via Boston and New York City! During the Civil War, General (then, President) Grant had AND held Slaves DURING the Civil War, and only gave them up after the Emancipation Proclamation. On the other hand, General Robert E. Lee of the Confederacy did NOT have Slaves during the Civil War.
While Slavery was and is totally wrong, to point fingers from your armchair in 2016 at an event a Century and a half ago is ridiculous and pathetic. Lincoln surely didn't "free the Slaves". Dr. King got that action started. And there is still much work to do in the way of equality.
I applaud Ms. Witherspoon for her style and ambition. She "could" just go travel, or put her feet up and do nothing. Instead, she is making the World a more beautiful and enjoyable place. I fully congratulate her for doing that, and wish her enterprise the best of luck.
What I find NOT appropriate is the constant whining from readers that "the South" equals "Slavery". It doesn't. To be accurate, Slavery was first brought to, and yoked upon America via Boston and New York City! During the Civil War, General (then, President) Grant had AND held Slaves DURING the Civil War, and only gave them up after the Emancipation Proclamation. On the other hand, General Robert E. Lee of the Confederacy did NOT have Slaves during the Civil War.
While Slavery was and is totally wrong, to point fingers from your armchair in 2016 at an event a Century and a half ago is ridiculous and pathetic. Lincoln surely didn't "free the Slaves". Dr. King got that action started. And there is still much work to do in the way of equality.
I applaud Ms. Witherspoon for her style and ambition. She "could" just go travel, or put her feet up and do nothing. Instead, she is making the World a more beautiful and enjoyable place. I fully congratulate her for doing that, and wish her enterprise the best of luck.
58
Grant was from Ohio, a free state, and never owned slaves. One of the main themes of his Memoirs is his revulsion at the idea of one human owning another.
3
His "revulsion" was calculated, and hollow, after becoming President. After holding AND owning Slaves, ( which he DID,) he directed Northern Troops to kill every Native American West of the Mississippi. Under "President" Grant, EVERY treaty that the US Government made (and, lied about) with Native American Tribes was broken. ALL of Native People's Land were stolen, their language and religion denied to them, and they were all put on squalid "Reservations, with less than spartan rations.
THAT is "President" Grant's legacy ~ and, Grant's legacy was FAR worse than that of Jackson's, who will be exiting the 20 dollar bill.
In the meantime, let us all respect that, in 2016, we can all put our shoulder's to the wheel, and out Good Hearts forward, towards making not only "the South", but the rest of our Nation, a healthier and happier place.
Enough soundbites, negativity and hatred! Let us all, Every one of us, work with our neighbors to make better, happier Communities. And, let's plant Sunflowers while we're doing it.
THAT is "President" Grant's legacy ~ and, Grant's legacy was FAR worse than that of Jackson's, who will be exiting the 20 dollar bill.
In the meantime, let us all respect that, in 2016, we can all put our shoulder's to the wheel, and out Good Hearts forward, towards making not only "the South", but the rest of our Nation, a healthier and happier place.
Enough soundbites, negativity and hatred! Let us all, Every one of us, work with our neighbors to make better, happier Communities. And, let's plant Sunflowers while we're doing it.
3
I used to love reading the Times, but lately I just feel like so many of my fellow readers are smug elitists. Or, at least they comment that way. So quick to attack anything that isn't deemed "good" or "right" by them. Thank you for your comment, I agree. Be kind! Kindness matters, it's not difficult to try to see the glass half full.
The comments here belie much of the history of the world. Slavery has or was part of the history of the South in America, but also in the North, also in Texas. Let's move on from this. Slavery assisted in the building of the Egyptian pyramids, but do you go there and excoriate the culture for what happened those thousands of years ago? No, you generally don't. Same thing for the American South. Is there racism there? You can bet there is. But there's also racism in Wisconsin, New York City, Sacramento, California, Seattle, Washington. What's past, is past, and we ALL need to move on and understand that WE create NOW and TODAY acceptance of all people from all walks of life wherever you are. I love the South, it has a lot to offer, and the people are generally warm and accepting. The food and music is great. People need to stop excoriating a particular section of our country for wrongs done over a hundred years ago. And, I might add, in Africa, all black slaves were sold into slavery who had been captured by blacks from other tribes who made a profit off their purchase. Blame lies at several fronts for that to have happened, but it wasn't all at the hands of white people. Don't believe me? Google it then.
20
People will stop excoriating the south when the south stops perpetuating the same 19th century bile and hatreds and fears of "the Other," which in far too many southern minds includes all people of color, anyone not a jihadist evangelical Christian or who is, looks or acts "foreign," and lately anyone who needs to show their birth certificate to pee in a public restroom. Undoubtedly there are decent southern people, but they somehow keep electing utter fools and bigots to their state governments and courts whose official acts and pronouncements give voice to the worst hatreds and passions of humanity and who - like it or not - define the south to the rest of the entire world.
7
“......Slavery assisted in the building of the Egyptian pyramids" ? Please check the facts!
1
The knowledge of American history by most Americans is inadequate and highly biased. In 1860 less than 25% of southerners owned slaves, if women were included in the calculation that percentage would be about 12.5%. Also in 1860 only 7% (3.5%) of southerners owned more than 10 slaves. Nationally, that is all Americans, 8% of all Americans owned slaves and slaves were 13% of the total USA's population. Slavery was a national problem that was concentrated in the south - but it was a national problem.
Why not mention the squalid tenement houses , and the indentured servants living there, of the northeast that existed in the same time frame. Why not mention that most schools in the Northeast, that de facto, remain highly segregated? Why is racism always thought to be a southern problem when the most intensely racist folks live up north?
Why not mention the squalid tenement houses , and the indentured servants living there, of the northeast that existed in the same time frame. Why not mention that most schools in the Northeast, that de facto, remain highly segregated? Why is racism always thought to be a southern problem when the most intensely racist folks live up north?
33
Then why do you continue to elect such racist homophobic caveman to government positions?
4
Nice try at comparison, but it ignores the key difference which was that northern tenement dwellers were free to leave, and no one owned them and no one would hang them or burn them alive for trying to leave. And that 'minority' of southern slave holders had another uniquely southern aspect -- they also controlled ALL the levers of government and the economy, which was entirely dependent on slavery. It was the fear that their slave-based economic paradise was being threatened in the expanding US that was the basis of their decision to secede. The Great Mistakes of Lincoln's presidency were (A) not letting them, and (B) not hanging them all as traitors in 1865.
6
Yes, that is all true. Racism exists everywhere all over the world. But the difference is that up north if you are hard-working and talented you'll get recognition, promotion, and respect, regardless of race since northerners value efficiency above all. After work, then you can go back to your 'hood. In the south, efficiency and dedication are not valued at all. Georgia is a right to work state and you can get fired for no reason at all. Success in the workplace, down here, is based on politics only.
4
As a son of the South, I could tell at a glance what the tone and content of this piece would be like, so I wasn't surprised or disappointed. It is what it is. My main concern is that it reads like in-flight magazine material, not something I would expect to find in the NYT. Now, where's the upscale traveler's gift guide and the Sea World themed crossword puzzle?
Shamu, y'all.
Shamu, y'all.
41
Yes! I'm sure that Shivani Vora is a fine writer, but this piece was disappointingly bland. It was essentially a pitch for Draper James. Also, Atlanta? Seriously? Charleston, yes. Nashville, yes. But Atlanta? There are far more interesting cities (Asheville, Savannah, Charlottesville), and much better "guides" to the cities mentioned.
4
Pretty cool her company is focusing on making garments and such in America.
22
Uh, the article says "many" of her store's goods are made in America, not "all." "Many" could be eighty percent or ten percent. I suspect you'll find quite a few Made in China stickers on her merchandise.
1
Not sure why the times is giving this woman blatant advertisement for her brand. She lost all of my respect after her arrogant and despicable treatment of the police while she was drunk and her husband was getting a much deserved DUI. "Do you know who I am??" There's nothing like going back to your sweet southern roots to try and whitewash your image. Nice try Reese, I don't buy it.
23
I'm sure that if I looked like her, and had her money, I would think that the South is great place as well.
14
Spoken like a true New Yorker who's never spent any time in the South at all whatsoever. Classless.
5
What a refreshing read about the South! The New York Times could use some more genuine insight from people who understand what the South is really all about! Because in many ways, the gentility and simplicities of food, art, music and culture in the South is much more civilized and tasteful than some of the pretentious and vapid experiences you'd find in New York or LA.
40
Oh sir, please clarify: Do you mean the charming culture of men creating layer upon layer of regulations about how women are to use their reproductive organs? Or perhaps. you were referencing the quaint custom of making it difficult for poor people to vote? I'm almost certain that you are not referencing the Gingrichian gentility of howling about the infidelities of former presidents whilst abandoning one's cancer-stricken spouse for one's intern.
11
There's a shameful and sad, though not unsurprising, hypocrisy in the insistence of non-Southerners posting on this story to denigrate the entirety of the South and its people as backwards racists and xenophobes.
Really pathetic and classless.
Really pathetic and classless.
3
Yet she still resides in LA.
Ah, that racially selective southern hospitality...
26
It was in Georgia where she channeled Moe Green - "Do you know who I am?"
5
Having lived all over the USA, Atlanta for the second time - this is where I want to live. When I first moved to Atlanta over 40 YAG, I was behind a young woman at a 4 way stop and she missed her turn 2 times. Having lived in NYC before - I did the NY thing and blew my horn. She turned around and smiled and waved. Totally disarmed me.
Yes the south has a history of slavery and racial discrimination. My ancestor that survived came over in 1624 as a "servant". England was getting rid of all the prisoners at New Gate prison and gave them "transportation" for the grand sum of 5 pounds and they had to work for a local farmer to pay off that debt.
Well by 1684 my ancestors owned several large plantations and owned slaves - some of those plantations are still around today owned by very wealthy people. Discovering this about my ancestors was a real epiphany. However my "servant" ancestor was a white slave and despite all he and his offspring were very successful.
I am a foodie and Charleston is a fantastic place of history and food. Smoked pork is wonderful. Atlanta has good restaurants but New Orleans and Charleston are great foodie towns. Not on a par with NYC or Paris but very very good.
Yes the south has a history of slavery and racial discrimination. My ancestor that survived came over in 1624 as a "servant". England was getting rid of all the prisoners at New Gate prison and gave them "transportation" for the grand sum of 5 pounds and they had to work for a local farmer to pay off that debt.
Well by 1684 my ancestors owned several large plantations and owned slaves - some of those plantations are still around today owned by very wealthy people. Discovering this about my ancestors was a real epiphany. However my "servant" ancestor was a white slave and despite all he and his offspring were very successful.
I am a foodie and Charleston is a fantastic place of history and food. Smoked pork is wonderful. Atlanta has good restaurants but New Orleans and Charleston are great foodie towns. Not on a par with NYC or Paris but very very good.
22
Love your heart and I don't want to be ugly- but you're not really comparing indentured servitude to American slavery are you? I hope I misinterpreted you. If I haven't- as someone who was born, raised, and continues to live in the south by choice- please stop. This comparison is disingenuous and inappropriate. Yes, its annoying that people feel compelled to bring up racism in the south every time the south is mentioned in the Times. But bragging about your bootstrapping, plantation-owning ancestors does not help.
Here's what Witherspoon could have done better: Acknowledge that many black Americans are also southerners, acknowledge how much of our culture is actually their culture, and brag about their notable establishments in the cities she's mentioned.
Here's what Witherspoon could have done better: Acknowledge that many black Americans are also southerners, acknowledge how much of our culture is actually their culture, and brag about their notable establishments in the cities she's mentioned.
10
Sorry, but a white indentured servant who could pay off their debt is NOT a slave. I don't care how bad their circumstances may have been, their lives in no way compare to black slaves dragged forcibly from their homelands to work in America for no pay and no way to get out of their predicament besides death or escape.
12
As an AfroLatina born and raised in the North, I have a different feeling about the South. Yes, the nature is stunning, but much of the architectural treasures are painful reminders of a time when brown humans were believed to be property. The cuisine, much of it inspired and cooked by the enslaved of African descent. Free, white and 21, confederate flags, lynchings, fire hoses...
56
Maria I can understand why you feel that way and many people who share your background had similar feelings however, if you really study history there is no wary of our country where people of color haven't been horribly abused and less you don't count the colors red and yellow. If you include those colors the west in the north are definitely out for travel as well
6
Should the entire region be condemned forever? Is there nothing that can be enjoyed without mention of the shame of the past? Two hundred years from now will it be okay to enjoy shopping in Charleston, as Reese does now? Or should we tear the cities down and never allow such a shameful activity -- shopping while both white and in the South -- to occur again?
15
Wow! With all the horrendous racism and hatred that is bubbling up in our country - during this campaign season, The Times does a story on a privileged Actor and her favorite spots in the South? This, without any mention of the history of slavery, the Civil War or any monuments or moments of African Americans' stunning bravery during their (continued) fight for equality. Her recent righteous question to a police officer when she and her husband were stopped for a DUI of: "Do you know who I am?" makes more sense now. Unfortunately, we do.
64
You are making a great (and not uncommon) mistake in painting the South as where All Racism Lies. It's there, to be sure, but it's everywhere else too. As one raised in the mid-south (about 30+ years there), I'll never forget moving to Idaho and finding more outspoken racists (hated Native Americans) in my new town than I had ever encountered in my old southern stomping grounds. Blew me away.
Point is, ignorant people are everywhere.
More specific to this article, though, not everything is about race. It's a travel article after all (and barely that, but that's another issue, haha).
Point is, ignorant people are everywhere.
More specific to this article, though, not everything is about race. It's a travel article after all (and barely that, but that's another issue, haha).
4
Get over yourselves already. Try to get your head out of the apologist mode and see this...and life...for what it is; a treasure that you can make what you want of it. Mercy.
3
Jennifer my reply to you is exactly the same as it is to Maria. If you study history there is no part of our nation not the west not north the Midwest or itself or people of color have not been horribly persecuted at different times in history. You can choose to ignore the persecution of the Native Americans by the settlers in the north and the west the horrible treatment of the Spanish by those who came in Concord Texas and areas west and the inhumane conditions the Chinese immigrants who built railroads had to endure, if you wish. But if you do it renders your stance hypocritical.
4
Clearly Ms. Witherspoon needs to read a complete history of the United States. One that includes chapters on slavery, segregation, lynchings, Jim Crow laws, voting rights violations, the "Southern Strategy" and the Civil Rights Movement. Ms. Witherspoon should broaden her travel guide to include the plantation slave quarters and slave markets along with the critical sites of the Civil Rights Movement. Her view of the South is highly selective and very privileged.
45
Must every thought, every journey, every foot that crosses the Mason-Dixon line be steeped in the shame of slavery and other historical misdeeds?
I see no reason why this light and friendly encounter with Ms Witherspoon should be dragged into the stern and unforgiving gloom of the dark side of American history.
And your assumption that she is ignorant of these issues is insulting as well.
I went to Germany and didn't visit Auschwitz. It doesn't mean I don't know the history and feel the pain of the atrocities. But neither must I live and breathe it every waking moment.
I see no reason why this light and friendly encounter with Ms Witherspoon should be dragged into the stern and unforgiving gloom of the dark side of American history.
And your assumption that she is ignorant of these issues is insulting as well.
I went to Germany and didn't visit Auschwitz. It doesn't mean I don't know the history and feel the pain of the atrocities. But neither must I live and breathe it every waking moment.
147
Most people's view of the entire US is highly selective, queue Randy Newman:
"Yes he's free to be put in a cage
In Harlem in New York City
And he's free to be put in a cage
On the South Side of Chicago
And the West Side"
"Yes he's free to be put in a cage
In Harlem in New York City
And he's free to be put in a cage
On the South Side of Chicago
And the West Side"
17
Of course I'm sure you include discussion of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, the Son of Sam murders, and countless other events in all of your discussions. Good to know.
46