“The Impact of Mass Media Stereotypes on Appalachia and Its People”

The Appalachian region stretches from New York State to Mississippi. When we hear
the usage of “Appalachian” in the media it refers to central Appalachia. Central
Appalachia consists of West Virginia, East Kentucky, East Tennessee, and Western
North Carolina.
The central Appalachian region has been showcased in mass media from its earliest
forms. The satirized hillbilly started to appear regularly in print from the 1920s onward.
Leading to the stereotypes of Appalachia and Appalachian people. Mass media has
focused on the stereotypes of no teeth, inbred, dumb, lazy, alcoholics, and now pill
addicts.
You will write a 3-4-page reflective essay analyzing the media stereotypes of Appalachia
and Appalachian people showcased in mass media. Reflecting on media’s role in
stereotyping the region and the people. Analyze the role these portrayals have on the way
people view and think of our service region here at MSU. Also think of the role these
portrayals play to people outside the area.
Writing points:
– The stereotypical portrayal of Appalachia/Appalachian peoples have been showcased
heavily in Hee Haw, Deliverance, ABC 20/20’s Children of The Mountains, and the Wild
and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia. What do these portrayals do to create a false
imagery of what really exists?
– Why has mass media focused so negatively on the Central Appalachian people/region?
Is this area unjustly featured so negatively?
– Think of the way “country” life has been sold via mass media. Are the people of
Appalachia living the stereotype created by mass media?

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