On page 146 of Ballard’s chapter in Back Talk from Appalachia, Ballard tries to draw a distinction between those who buy hillbilly products because they get the joke(s) and those who see the products and believe the stereotypes they perpetuate. For this week’s prompt, I would like you to reflect on these statements. What do you think Ballard means? Do you agree with her or disagree? Does purchasing such products mean that you are supporting the stereotype the product represents? Is it ok for some people to purchase the products and not others? Are you comfortable purchasing such products? Why or why not?