PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND - I was born a North Carolinian. I am now a Rhode Islander. After spending two and a half years in the nation’s smallest state, I am in a unique position because I have lived the best of both worlds. This exposure has led me not only to have a stronger appreciation of the broader United States but also to start dissecting the stereotypes and misconceptions of North and South.
Let’s start with the term Yankee. In the southeast, northern states are lumped together to form one identity—Yankees. In reality, however, they are as different and historically unique as their southern neighbors. I’ve asked myself, “What is a Yankee?” It seems that the farther you go geographically, the broader the definition is. For example, according to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, a Yankee can be a native or inhabitant of New England or of the northern U.S. According to the British, a Yankee can also be a native of the whole U.S. To further demonstrate that last definition, when I studied in Spain years ago, my British friends continuously called me “the Yank.” Not having branched from my southern roots yet, it shocked and eventually infuriated me. At the time, Yankee meant different. Yankee meant “the other.” I was not a Yankee.
On a separate note, some New Englanders will even say that they can’t be Yankees…because they’re Red Sox fans.
Another, and perhaps the biggest, misconception of New Englanders is that they are rude and as cold as their winters. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, they are some of the nicest and most hospitable people I’ve met. For example, in the first few weeks I moved up here, two joggers ran by me as I left work. One asked me for the direction of the river. Embarrassed, I apologized and explained that I had just moved to the area. He replied, “Oh, that’s okay. Welcome!” Just like that, the jogger shattered the idea that northerners aren’t friendly.
Personal experience aside, I’m still confused as to why this is a stereotype. According to my high school history teacher, back in the day in the southeast when houses were miles apart, people didn’t often socialize with each other. Therefore, when someone paid a visit, the hosts were so happy to see anyone that they were super friendly to everyone. In the north, people were more likely to live in close proximity to others, so they saw each other all the time.
Another theory is the weather. Winter is colder and lasts much longer up here, and because that cold is usually at freezing, we don’t go outside as much. When we do, we just want to get from one place to another as quickly as possible, simply not to die from the cold!
The New England winter is probably the clearest image that comes to mind for most non-northerners. Well, I can confirm this. It’s cold. Think of your coldest Richmond County winter then subtract 20 degrees. But man, is it beautiful. There is nothing like walking in Providence when it snows. The snowflakes are as big as quarters but fall as silently as feathers against the backdrop of city skyline.
There is a lot to be said about southern stereotypes, too. In Rhode Island, locals imagine that everyone has a front porch lined with gravy-coated rocking chairs and from where people shout to passing neighbors, “How’s ya mama and them?”
When I moved up here, I wanted to bring a part of NC with me. I still share my Red Bird peppermints and even on occasion some Cheerwine. I’ve made biscuits and sweet tea, but the hit was when my mom made banana pudding for my friends. They only refer to it now as “nanner puddin’.”
I’ve lived both worlds. I am both a southerner and a northerner. So go ahead, call me a Yankee. I will take it with pride now. Just don’t think I’m no longer a Southerner. That does not come out in the wash.
Editor's note: This article was contributed by Stephanie Pleasants, the newest addition to the Richmond Observer family of talented writers.
