I love America, I always have, I always will. I love the idea that is prevalent here. No matter who you are, or where you come from, if you have a dream and you are willing to work to make it come true , it can happen in America. I love a society that exists where the human spirit is a major component of achieving success, where idealistically we as Americans, want to be "fair". In America we want to do the indefinable "right" thing so much so that we make it a part of our laws to strive to make sure freedom of the individual is a reality for everyone
There is a saying that we have in America and that is.... "It could only happen in America" and more times than not it's true ! There are wonderful things that happen here; that I believe couldn't happen anywhere else, so consistently but in America.
However ... there are some other things that happen here that are unexplainable, at the very least.
For instance I am a native of the great state of Alabama, that's right; I said the GREAT state of Alabama. And as a native, I'm aware that a lot of people have made it a habit to always "bash" Alabama. Like Alabama is a country cousin that no one ever wants to admit is a part of the family. OK, Alabama has a "history". I admit that. We don't need to go into details ... everybody knows, what the perception is. There may have been moments that we as Alabamians wince whenever it's brought up, but just like America as a whole, we have made strides. Just as America as a whole has made positive changes, in a sense we in Alabama have made strides as well. I think we can all agree that’s enough said.
But still I imagine if the individual states were personified and decided to hold a family reunion... Alabama would still be the object of jokes and whispers. The younger states would be warned to not get too close, and whatever they do, by all means never, never, never sit on our lap! The young lady states at the family reunion would be warned that we might try to date them! The high profile states, like California and New York, would be the object of everyone’s attention and get all the admiration from all the other brother and sister states. While Alabama would be, questioned, and interrogated on different subjects at best. Even so, I'm sure Alabama might still be able to impress surprise and change a few minds. Until in mid sentence, while we were about to make a definite, absolute key point, New York and California would walk in the room "smiling", dressed nice, looking so smooth, and successful. Probably waving at a rich cousin, like "Texas" ... and then all of a sudden, the state we would be talking to, wouldn't want to be seen with us....Like.... Oh no ... "excuse me," North Carolina" would say embarrassed by what the other states might think, "my throat is dry. I think I need to get something to drink," And of course, we would be nice enough to say, no, no, ... wait, let me get that for you ... And of course the minute we turned our back, to get the drink, North Carolina would start making her way over to New York .... We would return to an empty space ... holding two glasses of lemonade, looking stupid!
Want to review or comment on this short story?
Need a FREE Reader Membership?
Reviewed by Jessica Middleton
2/16/2006
Yes...i totally agree on the fact that people make fun of us Alabamians,and it makes me mad b/c we are a part of the US just like every other frickin state!!!!!!And it isnt right!!!!!
Exploring the impact of literary icon Flannery O'Connor's noted legacy on the cultural realities of modern-day America, the world, and a certain author.
