Stereotype

There are many stereotypes that one can immeadiately think when asked to described residents of the Appalachian region. Much of these stereotypes can be attributed to a television program, The Beverly Hillbillies. This television show, however, did not create the stereotypes; although much of what made the show popular was their use of the stereotypes. In the show the stereotypes were frequently exaggerrated, however, I believe that that is where the show finds most of its humor. Although much of the show was exaggerations of the culture, they are still the exaggerations that many associate with the region; thusly, because of the show much of the views and opinions of society with regards to the Appalachian culture and region were not flattering.

The exaggerations which were present in the show led the public to assume that much of the region, including the Appalachian culture, was just as the show had presented. The show tackled every aspect of the culture from the way they dress to their vernacular and habits. This led much of stereotypes to be based upon the a small group that did in fact fit the stereotypes. As the popularity of the show grew, societies views became tainted with what they had watch on TV, as opposed to the truth. This greatly harmed the areas and countless people who reside in the vast region that can be called Appalachia, because to many people the stereotypes convey a lack of intellegence, class, and social graces when compared to the majority of the world.

The show that we watched in class is a perfect example of this. During the episode they displayed many stereotypes and the difference in the cultures. A clear example of one such occasion

was the whole plot of the episode, confusion was caused when a misunderstanding of the pharse "give you a ring" occurred. This showed the gap between the modern culture, of the 1960's, clashed with that of the Clampets. Another example of this is their vehicle that they drive. Although they have a lot

of money, it still remains to be the same vehicle, which looks very much run down. Also their dialect and accent are another stereotype that they use. These stereotypes, along with others, are present in the episode and do not help but perpetuate the wrong vision of the Appalachian region.

Although it can be argued that, in some sense, it did help the perception of Appalachia. This is because it caused an increased interest within society