12 Stereotypes About Maryland That Need to Be Put to Rest – Right Now

Here are 12 stereotypes about Maryland that need to be put to rest immediately, based on common misconceptions and nuanced realities:

1. Maryland is just a Northern East Coast state.
   Despite proximity to the Atlantic, much of Maryland’s culture and history is Southern, and it is geographically south of the Mason-Dixon line, marking it as part of “The South” historically.
2. Everyone in Maryland talks with a thick Baltimore accent.
   This is largely untrue outside older generations and specific neighborhoods; most younger Marylanders speak without a strong regional accent.
3. Marylanders are all uneducated rural folks or “inbred mountain people.”
   Maryland is diverse, with urban, suburban, and rural populations. It has top-tier universities and professional hubs alongside rural areas.
4. The entire state is obsessed with the Baltimore Ravens or Orioles.
   Sports loyalty is divided, especially in the Washington, D.C. suburbs, where people often follow different teams.
5. Maryland drivers are recklessly bad.
   While there are complaints, statistical data suggests crash volumes are related to regional traffic patterns and demographics, not reckless driving across the board.
6. Marylanders are uniformly conservative or liberal.
   Political views vary widely, shaped by urban and suburban splits and changing demographics.
7. Maryland is full of Confederate sympathizers.
   While the state flag includes Confederate symbols historically, Maryland was a Union border state and never joined the Confederacy.
8. Maryland has poor healthcare and education systems.
   Several Maryland counties boast strong school systems and advanced healthcare facilities, especially near urban centers.
9. Maryland is all beaches and coastlines.
   Only a fraction of Maryland is coastal; the western and central parts of the state have mountains and farmland.
10. Everyone in Maryland qualifies for crab feasts regularly.
    Crab feasts are cultural, but not everyday for all residents, and accessibility varies by region.
11. Maryland is a homogenized state without diversity.
    In fact, Maryland is one of the most racially and economically diverse states in the U.S..
12. Maryland’s history is simpler than it is.
    Maryland has a complex history with colonialism, slavery, and critical role in early American politics, mixing Northern and Southern cultural influences.

These stereotypes overlook Maryland’s diversity, cultural complexity, and evolving identity.

SOURCES

(https://reclamationmagazine.com/2021/01/05/maryland-and-d-c-are-100-part-of-the-south-but-we-should-talk-about-it/)
(https://ggwash.org/view/64045/is-scapegoating-maryland-drivers-racist)(https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/371e4h/what_are_some_stereotypes_of_maryland/)(https://www.reddit.com/r/maryland/comments/10jl6sf/what_are_some_maryland_stereotypes_that_may_or/)(https://www.movoto.com/guide/md/things-people-from-maryland-have-to-explain/)