Why is Georgia so dependent on Atlanta ? (Columbus, Savannah: transporting, chapel)

[Zel Ya]

Originally Posted by MMANN

Alabama and Mississippi are the armpit of America. Those two states have some of the highest poverty rates, the worst school perfromance, and the most obese populations. Some people may disagree, but I think most people would agree that those two states are not desireable places to live.

I've been in both states, and I have a more favorable opinion of Alabama.

Auburn, Alabama is very nice. Very! I was impressed not only with the town but with the university.

[chip1980]

id rather live in alabama/mississippi instead of vermont, north/south dakota, new mexico, mass, etc

[rswlguy]

Originally Posted by chip1980

id rather live in alabama/mississippi instead of vermont, north/south dakota, new mexico, mass, etc

Burlington, Vermont is very beautiful and picturesque...believe an hour or so drive south of Montreal ... one spectacular international city.

Santa Fe, New Mexico ... nothing but absolutely beautiful and very unique.

Only places I know well enough to comment.

I did have the opportunity to visit Starkville, MS where MS State University (largest in the State). Although my visit was short, staying near the campus was a nice experience. Perhaps THE nicest, polite and well-spoken young people I've encountered in a long time!

[Zel Ya]

Originally Posted by rswlguy

So very, very true ... however many indigenous residents I've met have NEVER left the State of Georgia. Even some transplants have never stepped foot inside a city larger than Atlanta. Some base their perceptions and observations merely on their own experiences however extensive or not ... and that becomes their 'gospel' ...

I guess some people aren't as mobile as others. You would think that most Georgia natives, in the Atlanta area, have been to Chattanooga.

Chattanooga is just a hop-skip-and jump from Dalton. Dalton has great carpeting bargains, so I guess these folks don't shop much.

[MMANN]

The bottom line here is that mainstream America does not think highly of Alabama and Mississippi. Pop culture tells us this. Of course not every part is bad, but majority is.

The only reason Georgia isnt viewed by popular culture as hickish, redneck, and poedunk is BECAUSE of Atlanta. Therefore, this causes Georgia to be dependent on Atlanta. Atlanta is Georgia's saving grace, and the deep south's for that matter.

There simply arent enough people in the deep south for thier to be two major cities in the same state. Florida has way more people than Georgia.

Plus, why would anyone move to Columbus, Birmingham, Jackson, etc. if they could live in Atlanta?

[matt8325]

Originally Posted by MMANN

The bottom line here is that mainstream America does not think highly of Alabama and Mississippi. Pop culture tells us this. Of course not every part is bad, but majority is.

The only reason Georgia isnt viewed by popular culture as hickish, redneck, and poedunk is BECAUSE of Atlanta. Therefore, this causes Georgia to be dependent on Atlanta. Atlanta is Georgia's saving grace, and the deep south's for that matter.

There simply arent enough people in the deep south for thier to be two major cities in the same state. Florida has way more people than Georgia.

Plus, why would anyone move to Columbus, Birmingham, Jackson, etc. if they could live in Atlanta?

I can think of a few reasons why someone would rather live in Columbus, Birmingham, Jackson, etc, instead of Atlanta. For one, less traffic. Two, people in smaller cities tend to be nicer. Three, it's more laid back, which some people dont like but others love.

[Zel Ya]

Originally Posted by rswlguy

Burlington, Vermont is very beautiful and picturesque...believe an hour or so drive south of Montreal ... one spectacular international city.

Santa Fe, New Mexico ... nothing but absolutely beautiful and very unique.

Only places I know well enough to comment.

I did have the opportunity to visit Starkville, MS where MS State University (largest in the State). Although my visit was short, staying near the campus was a nice experience. Perhaps THE nicest, polite and well-spoken young people I've encountered in a long time!

I haven't been to Burlington. Does the Burlington Coat Factory count? If it does, than I've been to Burlington.

I'm surprised Ol' Miss has fewer students.

I used to know a person from Mississippi--very gracious and nice.

[rswlguy]

Originally Posted by Zel Ya

I haven't been to Burlington. Does the Burlington Coat Factory count? If it does, than I've been to Burlington. I'm surprised Ol' Miss has fewer students. I used to know a person from Mississippi--very gracious and nice.

Well ... you're kinda close. Burlington Coat Factory started in Burlington, New Jersey ...

I was also surprised to hear that MS State University was the largest in student attendance in MS. Once again was pleasantly surprised at the refined, gracious and kind manners the students I encountered while I was visiting there.

[rswlguy]

Originally Posted by MMANN

The bottom line here is that mainstream America does not think highly of Alabama and Mississippi. Pop culture tells us this. Of course not every part is bad, but majority is.

I believe that you're correct here ... however I find when residents of neighboring States "pick" on AL or MS ... I find the old adage "The cloud calling the raindrop WET" ...

Originally Posted by MMANN

The only reason Georgia isnt viewed by popular culture as hickish, redneck, and poedunk is BECAUSE of Atlanta. Therefore, this causes Georgia to be dependent on Atlanta. Atlanta is Georgia's saving grace, and the deep south's for that matter.

Here I'm going to disagree. Working with the travelling public for over 33 years ... domestic and international ... more often than not I hear that "Atlanta" [which can mean many places/people/areas] are rude, arrogant, ignorant and self-righteous white-trash "nouveau riche". I've also heard "Atlanta" described as "Alabama New Money ad nauseum". After living here in Metro Atlanta for the past 17 years ... I'm finding the "more things change, the more things stay the same". I simply haven't seen any drastic changes in residents' attitudes, culture or acceptance of diversity that I keep hearing about. Our "report card" cannot simple be internalized amongst ourselves.

Of course if you live here ... you know that this perception is not entirely true, but I've heard some rather outlandish stories from visitor's that sometimes all tend to have the same overtones and innuendos; therefore some have credibility when I listen.

I find it difficult to "separate" Metro Atlanta from the rest of Georgia ... physical proximity simply does not alter anyone's mindset or perception.

Georgia is part of Atlanta and Atlanta will always be part of Georgia. There is simply no distinct "line" in which separates or invalidates either from each other.

[Zel Ya]

[quote=rswlguy;4897607]Well ... you're kinda close. Burlington Coat Factory started in Burlington, New Jersey ...




I haven't been to Burlington then. I didn't think that would work. LOL!

I have heard good things about Burlington, Vermont, except for the weather.

Burlington is always highly rated as a nice place to live.