The classic cultural differences between North and South are often a source of jokes and stereotypes, from the North vs. South civil war to the East Coast vs. West Coast hip-hop rivalry.
But for those who have lived in the South their whole lives, a visit to the North can be filled with more than just the usual culture shocks. Here are the biggest revelations of Southerners in an online forum who have made the trip up North:
1. Chicago Snow
The snow shocked a South Carolinian who once went to Chicago in October. “It snowed sideways,” they laugh, also noting how they once had a heat stroke during the same month back home. That’s America for you — every climate on the planet.
2. Liquor Laws in New Jersey
- Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Some Southerners find getting their liquor a hassle in New Jersey due to some curious liquor-vending licensing. “Yeah, liquor licenses are a huge deal here,” says a resident who agrees with the disdain. “It’s a racket.” It isn’t only New Jersey; many other northern states have European-style liquor licensing rules.
3. Kentucky Takes Election Day Seriously
- Image Credit: Shutterstock.
The state bans selling alcohol on election day, according to the responses. “I was surprised when I was in Kentucky,” complains a nonplussed citizen, “and all the liquor stores were closed on a random Tuesday.” It turns out that Tuesday was Election Day in KY. Kentucky is one of several states that practice temperance.
4. Confederate Flags
-
- Image Credit: Shutterstock.
A Georgia native couldn’t believe their eyes when visiting the more remote parts of Appalachian Pennsylvania. Even someone whose house was built by a Confederate veteran and whose forebears “served in the CSA and CSN” sees fewer of the divisive flags in their own neighborhood in Atlanta.
5. Racism Exists up North Too
-
- Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Some Southerners even swear the racism in one northern region is worse than they ever experienced down south — and the region in question? New England. Southerners have stronger memories of racism in their past; this could be why it is better hidden, believes the contributor.
6. Cornfields in Some City Suburbs
-
- Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Visiting a friend who grew up in a far-out Chicago suburb was eye-opening for one Chicagoan native. However, we must remember how young America’s cities are, compared to those in Europe, where space disappears quickly. Even a Southside resident notes how on one side of his street is a cornfield; on the other, Cook County.
7. Upstate New York is Wild
Adirondack Park is the largest state or national park in the Lower 48, and New York State has its fair share of rural populations. New York State is the fourth food producer in the land and has some remote villages too.
8. Empty Streets in Wichita
Californians and rural Kansas cities are not natural bedfellows, so when a native from the Golden State visited Wichita for work, he was puzzled when the streets were empty one Sunday afternoon. “Church,” locals told them when they asked why. “Or hiding in their homes so their neighbors didn’t know they hadn’t gone to church.”
9. Buying a Six-Pack From A Bar?
-
- Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Another Californian was nonplussed when told they had to buy a six-pack of beer from a bar — not a grocery store while in Pennsylvania. Compared to California’s sell-anywhere mentality, this must have been frustrating.
10. Long Island Iciness
“My first day or two in Long Island, I terrified people because I’d walk down the street and say hello to people as I passed,” comments one blessed Mississippian. I love hearing from people like this. You keep being friendly, young Southerner. It’s the people of Long Island who need enlightening here.
11. Mason-Dixon Line of Politeness
After spending four days in Manhattan, one Southerner observed that the people don’t say “you’re welcome” at all. “I don’t think they were being rude, it’s just not part of the culture I guess,” adds the same person.
But beyond the typical polite behavior, one user pointed out that it also includes the speed at which people move in general. “I think some people perceive the ‘rush’ from the North as rude. But some Northerners perceive the slowness as inconsiderately taking up other people’s time.”
More From Savoteur
Firearm fatalities continue to be a pressing issue in the United States, with certain states bearing the brunt of this tragic problem. Here, we present a list of the ten most dangerous states, highlighting their firearm fatality statistics and shedding light on the contributing factors.
The 10 States With The Most Firearm Fatalities: Is Yours The Worst?
Put on Your Lifejackets 14 US Cities That Will Be Underwater by 2050
Climate change is a growing concern across the globe, and one of its most significant threats is rising sea levels. With each passing year, the risk of flooding and coastal erosion becomes greater. According to a report from the Union of Concerned Scientists, 15 U.S. cities could be underwater by 2050. Here is a list of those cities and what’s at stake for each.
Put on Your Lifejackets: 14 U.S. Cities That Will Be Underwater by 2050
12 Dangerous Countries for Travelers To Beware of Before Booking a Flight
I have been lucky enough to live on four continents and experience many of the world’s different cultures. While I agree that in every country you will find a majority of good people, there are some places that present a threat to visitors.
Sadly, economic, religious, and meteorological factors can lead to volatile or unsafe societies. A recent online post shares these twelve countries one should research before visiting.
12 Dangerous Countries for Travelers To Beware of Before Booking a Flight
15 of the Worst Cities in America To Avoid at All Costs
The United States is home to many of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world. Unfortunately, it’s also home to cities in steep decline due to increases in poverty, homelessness, and violent and property crimes.
While there are many safe towns and cities in the U.S., some online users from a social media discussion board believe there are some you should avoid.
15 of the Worst Cities in America To Avoid at All Costs
These Are the 12 Most Dangerous Lakes in the United States
Some of the world’s most breathtaking lakes are in the United States. Yet, not all lakes are created equal, and some are downright dangerous. These 12 lakes make it to the list of the most dangerous lakes in the U.S.
These Are the 12 Most Dangerous Lakes in the United States
