In his introduction to Back Talk from Appalachia, Billings points out that many stereotypes of Appalachian people have been perpetuated by so-called “progressive” people. What is the significance of this statement?

 

After reading the introduction and the chapter from Back Talk to Appalachia, I was able to see that there is more to Appalachia then the media allows to be seen. The idea the Appalachia is stuck in the old days and have no education seems to be untrue of the entirety of Appalachia. There are parts that seem to be truly isolated and stuck, but for the majority of what is considered to be Appalachia, there has been a history of advancement and industrialization. This statement is important because it separates Appalachia from the stigma that is place on them to be old. Many places that are considered to be a part of Appalachia would surprise many people as it has surprised me. The progressiveness of the people is of course selective to the area but it is not the same for the entire region of the mountains.