KYsheeplover06  +  113477 Wed, 29 Jun 05 05:38 AM Has anyone else ever noticed that if someone speaks with a Southern American accent, people automatically think they're not as intelligent as they'd normally think. I know it's true in some places, because I speak with a thick southern accent, and it's almost as if some people look down on you in a sense. I just think this is an interesting point and that it would be neat to discuss. Can't wait to hear from you! -Sarah KYsheeplover06 Joined on Mon, Jun 27 2005 Full Member 251 "It's easy to see without looking too far that not much is really sacred." - Bob Dylan Accents, American Accents

	khoff  +  113689 Wed, 29 Jun 05 06:27 PM Sarah, I think you're absolutely right - it's a stupid, baseless prejudice but I must admit it's one that I am subject to myself. I'm sorry! (I'm from Colorado, and once at Harvard I greeted a group of other students with "Howdy," which brought the response "I didn't know educated people ever used that expression!" from one of the Easterners) khoff Joined on Sun, Mar 6 2005 Senior Member 3,264 Native speaker of American English (but not a grammar expert)

	Karimah  +  113826 Thu, 30 Jun 05 04:42 AM I know what you mean. I speak with a very thick Cajun accent because I am from Southeastern Louisiana. Most people think of me as a dumb and ignorant person due to that accent. Karimah Joined on Thu, Jun 30 2005 Louisiana, USA New Member 02 Accents

	KYsheeplover06  +  113829 Thu, 30 Jun 05 04:53 AM I totally agree with you, khoff and kamirah. For instance, I have some really good friends (who're not from around here) who tell me, "you have the weirdest accent." I know they don't really mean anything by it, but it still makes you think on the point. -Sarah KYsheeplover06 Accents

	YoungCalifornian  +  114217 Fri, 01 Jul 05 10:31 AM Yes, I think this is a common prejudice as well.  I have a friend from Kentucky, and he has to put up with a lot of teasing for his accent (okay, okay... from me included).  I don't personally know of anyone who would seriously judge someone simply from accent, but the South and Southerners occupy an interesting place in the American psyche.  Take a step back and you will realize that the South is probably the most satirized and mocked region within the United States.  As someone not native to the South, I can tell you that the images usually presented to me by the media is that of a region full of racists, religious fanatics, and rednecks.  While I think that most Americans realize that these are stereotypes, many do let these perceptions cloud their judgment. YoungCalifornian Joined on Mon, Feb 14 2005 Los Angeles, California Regular Member 586 Accents

	viognier  +  117298 Mon, 11 Jul 05 02:02 PM Hi Sarah, hi dear all! I've never heard of that, to tell the truth. Although I'm ignorant of your theme, I'd like to ask: Do you know Holly Hunter? Southern accent is prominent in her pronunciation?? I ask you because I like her so much! Just out of curiosity.　Thanks! viognier Joined on Tue, Jul 5 2005 Junior Member 76 Accents, Pronunciation

	YoungCalifornian  +  117746 Tue, 12 Jul 05 09:06 PM I know Holly Hunter!  She's a noted actress.  I believe she won a Oscar for her role in The Piano, and recently she was the voice of Mrs. Incredible in The Incredibles.  She is originally from Georgia, and she does have a southern accent, although I think it has been somewhat marred by many years away from the South and a minor lisp. YoungCalifornian Accents