Examples Of Stereotypes Of Appalachia

Appalachia is made up of parts of twelve states and all of West Virginia. Appalachia is a 205,000 square mile area according to the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). There are many stereotypes about Appalachia. Some stereotypes are more popular and thus more persistent than others stereotypes about the region and its people. Unfortunately, the most persistent stereotypes are ugly and often used to make others feel better at others expense. Portrayals of Appalachian people that are often accepted as fact, include such stereotypes as the lazy, dumb, poor farmer that likes to wear overalls, feud, and drink moonshine until he is incapacitated. An example of many of these stereotypes can be viewed in a simple five minute viewing of the cartoon

However, the period of 1900-1936 was a time of the progressive movement in the United States. Sports have a way of mirroring what is going on within society. To get an understanding of how the relationship works, there needs to be an understanding of what was occurring in society during this time. Change was brewing in the United States. One of the biggest changes involved women’s rights and the suffrage movement. Women began demanding that they be heard and to have a voice concerning societal issues. They fought against a plethora of issues from child labor or unsafe conditions, such as the Triangle Shirtwaist Company to women’s rights to have control over their bodies. A significant liberalization of the United States’ society was being secured. These changes were being brought about by more unified women, and change was not a sudden occurrence. The 19th Amendment had taken well over fifty years to witness it passing. The women during this period were emboldened and willing to become activists to accomplish their goals. Occurring within the Appalachia region, a progressive moment was taking place that too many people are unfamiliar with the events. A lengthy time period before the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL), from whence A League of Their Own was based, women were forming barnstorming teams, playing and traveling in Appalachia. Change was happening quickly, and that included

While it was a man’s sport, women recognized the popularity of the game and seized the opportunity to make women known in a man’s world. By May 1901, there are reports of women playing baseball in Appalachia. Parkersburg, WV welcomed the New England Bloomer Girls in May, 1901. The reporter writes a somewhat lengthy article about the New England Bloomer Girls’ visit. The visit caused quite a stir. They were to play the Parkersburg High School’s men baseball team. Apparently this caused much controversy in Parkersburg. The reporter indicated, “This has aroused the indignation of several purists, and one preacher who essays to have the city run as he has been informed Heaven is conducted, has spent sleepless nights , since the gaudy-colored lithographs of the sturdy and shapely female ball tossers, have been strung up.” The preacher tried to get the game canceled. He pleaded with the Superintendent of Schools as well as the members of the Board of Education. The reporter indicates that the students were not deterred by the efforts of the preacher, and looked forward to playing against Lizzie Arlington and Tottie Larue. An older gentleman was quoted as saying, “Why there’s no danger of the girls stealing the kids….” Perhaps the most bizarre part of the NEBG coming involves the coverage. A lengthy article on the game and then nothing until a week later. The game did go on as scheduled; little is known besides the game took place.