OT--I apologize ahead of time. We are NOT like this!

My husband and I were watching Animal Planet this weekend.  I was appalled to see a new show on that channel called "Call of the Wildman".  It's about Ernie Brown, Jr., aka "Turtleman" from the "backwoods of wild Kentucky".  PLEASE believe, we are not all ignorant, toothless, hicks that jump into slimy, murky water to grab "critters".

Now I'm sure this guy is a good hearted, hard working country boy that does a job that none of us would want to do.  But it just perpetuates a sterotype and one that I am sensitive about.  I think my biggest problem is that the network seems to be exploiting him and that sterotype.  First of all, he's not from the "backwoods of Kentucky" any more than I am.  There are places in New York and California that are more "backwoods" than where he's from.  But you say "Kentucky" and people think "hillbilly".

Sorry for the rant.  I hope this poor guy gets paid alot and that his exploitation isn't harmful to him in the long run.

Actually, I hear "Kentucky" and I think "Derby".
i.e. beautiful hats and horses and lots of money.

Just saying.

Donna

I think of fried chicken, but it's still not a good memory tie like that backwoods guy would be to Kentucky.

I haven't seen the show, nor have I been yet to your state for a visit, but as a New Yorker who lived, camped and went to college for 6 years upstate, I definitely know we've got some pretty "back woods" places here.

I know what you mean! Swamp people portrays us as people who dont know how to speak and just stupid southerners.


But to let you know, when I think of Kentucky nothing, honestly, comes to mind... lol thats prob just me

i think of Bourbon  

Nice!!

Maker's Mark is the absolute best!

My hubby likes Wild Turkey (another Ky bourbon) and it makes him a Wild Turkey.

I, too, am from Kentucky!  Go Cats!  I had no idea the Turtleman had made it onto Animal Planet.  Has he fixed his front teeth yet?  He should have the funds now!

Nope.....still snaggle toothed and I bet he stays that way.  If the show let him get all fixed up, I'm sure it would be harder to make him look like a dumb redneck.  Poor man.

I live in Idaho and have never seen a potato plant...
When I think of Kentucky, I think of Kentucky Fried Chicken extra crispy...MMmmmmm

J

People say "nevada" and think "gambling, las vegas and legal prostitution". That stuff is only a tiny, tiny TINY part of our state. The rest of Nevada (not including Vegas) is gorgeous high-desert full of mountains and sagebrush and beautiful scenery. We are not all From Vegas! And casinos and gambling is blah.

So yes, I understand your frustration with stereotypes ;)