Here are 12 stereotypes about Kentucky that deserve to be put to rest right now, along with the truth that breaks these misconceptions:
Outdated Kentucky Stereotypes—and the Truth
Everyone goes barefoot.
In reality, Kentuckians wear shoes just like anyone else; going barefoot is not an everyday habit and there’s a real winter season.
All Kentuckians live on farms or in the woods.
There are major cities like Louisville and Lexington, offering vibrant urban life—not everyone lives rurally or on a farm.
Everyone speaks with a thick Southern accent.
Accents in Kentucky vary, and in many areas they’re mild or unnoticeable. Metropolitan cities have more neutral accents, and not everyone sounds “country”.
Everyone loves horse racing.
Despite the Kentucky Derby’s fame, not all residents are fans of horse racing, and many have no interest in it at all.
Kentuckians are uneducated or can’t read and write.
Kentucky maintains national averages in literacy and test scores. The stereotype is not only untrue but unfair to the state’s many educated residents.
Kentucky is stuck in the past (Old West, saloons, horses).
Modern Kentuckians live in contemporary cities and towns, drive cars, and rarely, if ever, saddle up horses to visit local bars.
Everybody is poor and struggling.
While poverty exists, as it does everywhere, there’s also prosperity and a strong middle class—just like in other states.
Everyone loves basketball—and only basketball.
Basketball is a big deal, but not everyone wears blue or is obsessed with the Wildcats; interests are diverse.
There’s rampant inbreeding.
This offensive stereotype has no basis in reality and is not reflective of modern Kentucky communities.
People are backward, racist, or intolerant.
Kentuckians, like people everywhere, are diverse in views and many are welcoming and open-minded.
Every Kentuckian is a redneck, wears overalls, and drives a pickup truck.
While pickup trucks and overalls exist (like everywhere), the population is diverse in appearance, style, and preference.
Bluegrass’ means the grass is actually blue.
The grass called “bluegrass” gets a bluish tinge in the spring, but Kentucky fields are not actually blue.
Kentucky is a rich and varied state that defies tired clichés. The next time these stereotypes pop up, set the record straight with confidence.
SOURCES
(https://www.hannaheliseschultz.com/blog/taking-down-kentucky-stereotypes-or-how-to-make-a-real-kentuckian-angry)(https://www.reddit.com/r/Kentucky/comments/1c42kgw/why_do_people_from_other_states_hate_on_kentucky/)(https://elgatonews.com/2019/05/29/opinion-dont-buy-into-kentucky-stereotypes/)
(https://wbkr.com/do-people-really-still-believe-these-old-myths-about-kentucky/)(https://wbkr.com/do-you-still-have-to-correct-kentucky-stereotypes-to-out-of-state-friends/)
