A Single Southern Guy in America

September 25, 2003

Modern Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia. The branded town of the South. Home of the man known at one time as the “Mouth of the South.” Gravesite of Gone With The Wind Author Margaret Mitchell. Capital of the state known for its luuhhh-shush peaches. One would expect to be surrounded by copious drippings of the Old South—it’s accents, it’s mores, it’s tradition.

Sadly and happily, I am not.

Atlanta is as diverse, international, and cosmopolitan as it was when I lived here five years ago. Its nature is not a bad thing. In fact, I posit the opposite. The diversity of the city is an experience every Southerner should take pleasure in having. The opportunity to meet, mingle, get to know, and come to love people of such disparate cultures and heritages is something to cherish. It broadens horizons and enhances understandings. Save Mexicans and blacks, most rural whites never have the chance to interact with people of different backgrounds. And that is sad.

When I moved to Atlanta in 1998, I was sorely disappointed. I was because of my preconceived expectations. In my imagination, visions of a blonde haired, blue-eyed Southern belle brandishing a parasol, a peach, and a mint julep upon crossing the city limits filled my assumptions. As any Atlantan can testify, it was not the case.

Now I am here again, five years and a few months since first moving here. Fate and the good Lord has blessed me with more disposable income, and I’m out and about more often. There is more interaction with the locals. I meet more folks that are from here and those that call this town home. Again, my expectations have left me disappointed.

My presumption this time was that native folks would possess more Southern attributes. At a basic level, I expected folks from here would sound, at a minimum, more Southern than I. Again, I presumed wrongly. Encounters with obviously Southern folks are rare. The few encounters are like a breath of fresh air.

Atlantans are no longer reliably Southern. They are urban and suburban. Metropolitan. Somewhere in the past couple of generations they lost their inherent Southerness—the very thing that at one time had them branded as THE Southern town. More and more that brand is shifting to towns like Savannah, Georgia.

More important than more disposable income, the Lord has blessed me with a better sense of perspective. While there are still a few who maintain the Southern faith here, it has developed into a generic American and international city. I believe this to be a good thing. Knowing now to expect such, I appreciate and enjoy the town. However, I had assumed and hoped the locals would carry on that inherent Southerness. Instead, I am Southerner in a metropolitan world.

My site brand by my own volition has become the Single Southern Guy—I wear the boots with khakis and blue jeans. My voice evokes Southern imagery. In a very real way, I am humbled that Atlantans see me as Southern. However, I am a bit melancholy that such is the case. On the other hand, it is a special privilege to be the Southerner in the South. Sadly, I am not the pure Southerner. Daddy’s people are mountain folk from the Arkansas Ozarks. Momma is from Southwest Oklahoma—as much Texan Western as anything else. As far as being Southern, I can thank my years in the Lower Mississippi River Delta.

So, I am the Southerner in the one-time penultimate Southern city. It is an honor to bring the modern South to citizens of a modern town. It is still unfortunate to witness the dilution that portents the eventual disappearance of Southern culture. To quote from the movie The Peacemaker, “The world changes. We must change with it.” Still that remains one of the greatest benefits of the great American experiment. To the blended Italian and Mexican cuisine of Helena, Arkansas, stemming from their shared faith to the delightful blend Cuban and Chinese foods due to their proximity in New York to the 20th century adoption of Southern black music in the form of the blues becoming rock and roll, our shared differences always becomes our strength.

I’ll remain a single southern guy. When I feel a serious need to experience Southerness, I will look into a trip to Savannah. Until then, I’ll revel in the wondrous and fortunate diversity of this fine city and its people.

Posted by Adam H at September 25, 2003 11:18 AM ~ Link Cosmos | Trackbacks (2)
suburban blight linked with The Cul-de-Sac for Monday, September 29
suburban blight linked with The Cul-de-Sac for Monday, September 29

Comments

To find "the south" in Atlanta you must venture more deeply into suburbs such as: Douglasville, Jonesboro, Stockbridge, and Conyers. There you will find the deep south still alive and well only minutes from metropolis.
When I left my beloved Atlanta and Athens in 1999 and headed west to Arkansas you can imagine my shock. I kept thinking to myself as we crossed the Mississippi River, "Well, so there aren't as many trees...or people...or buildings...but, it's still "the south", right?" Wrong. It's hard to explain, but it's very different.
Native Atlantans can usually turn their southern accents on and off at will, depending on the situation. Adam, don't be too fooled by the urban facade. Most native Atlantans are only a generation or two from the cotton fields and dirt farms, but they don't want you to know that right at first. :-)

Posted by: Wendy at September 25, 2003 12:58 PM

She's correct... my two cents added:

The reason why Atlanta is not as much of a "Southern" city is because so many people who live there are transients. They moved from cities all over the country and will stay in Atlanta only a few years. It has become harder to find "native" Atlantans. The burbs do have more natives while people inside the city (or the 285 perimeter) are more culturally and regionally diverse. Personally, the lack of distinct personality annoys me. A city full of transients perhaps should be called "City" instead of "Atlanta".

Posted by: sugarmama at September 25, 2003 01:40 PM

I concur with Wendy, just step outside the Southern Beltway, and you'll find many 'local' flavors. My family is in Dunwoody and then they trail south.Athens, Macon, then take a swing SW to Americus and Plains. I highly recommend the pulled pork sandwich at Scarletts in Plains. yum.

Posted by: beth at September 25, 2003 03:11 PM

You must be hanging out in Buckhead darlin.... I agree with most everything except I am 4th generation Atlanta INSIDE 285.. I think 285 is the devil, but grow we did and lots of folks moved outside the perimeter. I am actually here now Adam, call if you would like. But back to the subject at hand, My grandmother grew up on Ponce de Leon, when you could actually grow up there, and they had a "country home" in Vinings...... wow. There is still Peachtree Battle, Ansley Park, and the whole area around Fernbank, as well as out near Westminster.... the Swan House, The Tulley Smith House.... I could go on. And if you want redneck head on to Stone Mountain:) There is PLENTY of South here you just gotsta look for it a little harder:)

BTW, I got a GOLD Hilton Honors card today..... OH THE IRONY:)

Posted by: Mrs Robinson at September 25, 2003 05:52 PM

I second everybody--Buckhead ain't Atlanta, and the suburbs or the old pockets inside 285 are where you'll find the natives, or at least those who consider themselves Atlantans. As for accent...Atlantans start out bilingual: Southern and clean American English (the latter learned later).

The Confederate carvings on the face of Stone Mountain indeed are something to see. The laser show is fun, too. Don't forget your blankets and beers!

Posted by: S at September 25, 2003 06:23 PM

For the record, I haven't dared venture into Buckhead yet. I lived in Duluth in '98 (far NW of 285), the apartment I'm staying in is off Columns Drive (near Atlanta Country Club), I'm working in Kennesaw, hanging out in Marietta, and off of Roswell. I will say Hemingway's on the square in Marietta was a great little Southern bar.

Posted by: Adam at September 25, 2003 06:31 PM

aww yes, Buckhead. My Mom loves it there. But she doesn't have an ounce of Southern blood in her.
Hmm...is it all in the accent Adam? Or is it ambiance?

Posted by: beth at September 25, 2003 06:40 PM

I agree with some of the other comments that you have to get out of the 285 perimeter to truly experience Southern life. Kennesaw most likely used to border on being very Southern as they had a law that you had to possess a gun. I don't think Southern when I think of Kennesaw as it is now though. If you want Southern, you definitely have to venture out to the east of the 285 perimeter.

As for that venture to Savannah for a taste of true Southern experience...let me know when and I will definitely show you a good time. I will leave you with a quote from one of our most famous chef's in town..."Put a little south in your mouth."

Posted by: beth v at September 27, 2003 10:26 AM

It's still so *strange* to see someone referring to Helena in their blog.

And, for the record, I'm one of those Delta Dagos that infused the town with its small bit of Italian culture. You've probably supped on some of my Nuna's recipes.

Posted by: Jett at September 28, 2003 01:43 PM