Journal Entry 1

My upbringing has shaped everything I noted about Appalachia on the first day of class. The aspects of bluegrass music, a strong family atmosphere, living off the land, moonshine, ginseng, and most importantly Christianity have been parts of my life that have shaped my perspective on this target culture. Although, I feel that having been brought up the way I was, and having the opportunity to be submitted to various other cultures has truly allowed me to view where I come from with an open mind and achieve a more clear perception. I know the positive and negatives aspects of my culture, some I am proud of and some I am not. However, I know that with the enriching lifestyle my parents afforded me, I owe thanks to them for the enlightenment I have received throughout the years. There are many individuals in the Appalachian region who are able and willing to do so much, but simply do not have a chance. They don’t have the opportunities I had when growing up. Unfortunately, this causes not all, but some, to be stuck in a rut. Not an economic rut, but one of enlightenment. The realization of outside cultures, and its similarities to his or hers own. This realization or enlightenment is what individuals use to perceive different aspects of the world through their own filters, using cognition to recognize patterns and differences. Thus, when the opportunity to view outside cultures is not obtained, the ensuing rut causes the perceptions to be one sided and bias. I am very thankful to have been given the opportunities I had; this is what has allowed me to have the perspective I have on the Appalachian region, a region that is so dear to my heart.