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

Here are 12 stereotypes about Virginia that need to be put to rest right now:

1. Virginians are all snobby and think they are better than others. (This is often joked about but is unfair and untrue.)
2. Everyone in Virginia is suffering from an identity crisis. The state is very diverse with many distinct regions and cultures.
3. Virginia is just Southern and conservative. In reality, it has a mix of conservative and liberal areas, with culturally and politically diverse populations.
4. Northern Virginia is just a boring government suburb of Washington, D.C. Northern Virginia has vibrant communities, businesses, and cultural life beyond government jobs.
5. All Virginians are mountain folk or rural folks. Virginia has large urban and suburban populations along with mountains and farmland.
6. Virginians dislike change and new ideas. While some value tradition, others embrace innovation and diversity across the state.
7. Virginia is dominated by old historical sites and nothing new. The state is also modern with dynamic cities and new development.
8. Virginians are all military families or obsessed with military history. While military history pride exists, not everyone identifies this way.
9. Everybody in Virginia votes the same way politically. Virginia is a politically competitive and divided state.
10. Virginians are uneducated or uninterested in intellectual discussions. Virginia values education and many residents enjoy discussing politics, culture, and reading.
11. The only culture in Virginia is Appalachian or bluegrass music. Virginia has many cultures including artsy, tech-savvy, and multicultural urban centers.
12. Virginia culture is monolithic and homogenous. Actually, each region—from Northern Virginia to Richmond to Southwest Virginia—has its unique character and people.

These stereotypes oversimplify Virginia’s complex and varied realities and should be reconsidered to appreciate the state’s true diversity and depth.

SOURCES

(https://www.100daysinappalachia.com/2022/01/more-than-a-stereotype-a-young-west-virginian-wants-a-different-conversation/)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/Virginia/comments/ryka0e/what_is_virginia_culture/)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glCi65SMLCk)
(https://www.buzzfeed.com/carleysuthers/debunking-appalachian-stereotypes)(https://www.movoto.com/guide/va/virginia-stereotypes/)