Appalachians have experienced negativity from outsiders for centuries. Such negativity is expressed in many ways not excluding the derogatory use of the term hillbilly. Unfortunately, Appalachians aren’t the only group to be looked down upon for unjust reasons in history. As humans, we have been creating excuses to justify our distaste for others for many years.

After reading the chapters, I have concluded that Appalachians were given an inferior image to make outsiders, particularly people from neighboring regions, appear superior. This is a practice that was first seen in America when the white majority labeled black slaves as ignorant, lesser beings. Furthermore, giving Appalachians a negative image also created a market for merchandise that exaggerates certain traits of Appalachian culture. The media was especially important because it played a key role in spreading the inferior image of Appalachian culture. Thus, without the media, businesses would not have profited from the sale of merchandise mocking Appalachia and outsiders would not have benefitted from singling out and belittling the hillbilly persona.

That being said, the trend has changed course over the years. The hillbilly lifestyle has become a popular trend, and a very profitable one at that. Now there are popular TV shows and hit songs on the radio that honor the Appalachian lifestyle. Appalachians are making it a point to express their pride in their culture and outsiders are taking interest in many traits of the common Appalachian. Hiking the Appalachian Trail is now a pastime for people in many regions. Additionally, the rugged clothing that is often associated with Appalachia has grown in popularity throughout the regions neighboring Appalachia.