Mode of Program Participation
Academic Scholarship
Participation Type
Paper
Presentation #1 Title
"Let Me Learn Yah a Thing or Two:" The Creation, Perpetuation and Correction of Appalachian Literary Stereotypes and Stigmas
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
The purpose of this paper is to explore the development of negative stereotypes and stigmas as well as their ramifications for Appalachia. By understanding the origins of the literary “hillbilly” (an image redistributed in television and pop culture) as well as by researching the direct influence these negative images historically have had on the region, a pattern of domination and suppression will be found in Appalachian literature, specifically those presented in fiction written by non-natives. Even as these negative representations continue to have a debilitating effect on the region, Appalachians are no longer without a voice and must confront the stereotypes and stigmas perpetuated in literature. Through rebutting and correcting the negative representations offered by authors Harry Caudill (Night Comes to the Cumberlands), Robert Schenkkan (Kentucky Cycle) and James Dickey (Deliverance), Appalachia has begun to redeem its uniquely diverse identity and rich history, especially when considering the efforts of natives Ann Pancake (Strange As This Weather Has Been) and Ron Rash (Serena). After contrasting the qualities of these authors’ works to those of non-natives’, Appalachian literature’s definition will be reevaluated, leading to a dialogue on how natives can diminish the impacts of negative stereotypes on the region while redeeming Appalachia’s genuine expression in art, including literature.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Meredith Persinger, a James Madison University graduate student, is receiving her Masters in the Art of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Meredith is passionate about her Appalachian roots which has taught her the value of a multicultural heritage. Being a creative writer, Meredith is using her research on Appalachian literature to help her develop a critical lens through which she will be writing and publishing her own collection of Appalachian fiction.
"Let Me Learn Yah a Thing or Two:" The Creation, Perpetuation and Correction of Appalachian Literary Stereotypes and Stigmas
The purpose of this paper is to explore the development of negative stereotypes and stigmas as well as their ramifications for Appalachia. By understanding the origins of the literary “hillbilly” (an image redistributed in television and pop culture) as well as by researching the direct influence these negative images historically have had on the region, a pattern of domination and suppression will be found in Appalachian literature, specifically those presented in fiction written by non-natives. Even as these negative representations continue to have a debilitating effect on the region, Appalachians are no longer without a voice and must confront the stereotypes and stigmas perpetuated in literature. Through rebutting and correcting the negative representations offered by authors Harry Caudill (Night Comes to the Cumberlands), Robert Schenkkan (Kentucky Cycle) and James Dickey (Deliverance), Appalachia has begun to redeem its uniquely diverse identity and rich history, especially when considering the efforts of natives Ann Pancake (Strange As This Weather Has Been) and Ron Rash (Serena). After contrasting the qualities of these authors’ works to those of non-natives’, Appalachian literature’s definition will be reevaluated, leading to a dialogue on how natives can diminish the impacts of negative stereotypes on the region while redeeming Appalachia’s genuine expression in art, including literature.
