General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I'm from the south. [View all]Prism
(5,815 posts)And the point is, anyplace in America, no matter the politics, can be a breeding ground for the types of behaviors that are commonly stereotyped to the south. Anti-science, bigotry, tribalism, close-mindedness, etc. Berkeley drives me absolutely crazy, but of course I'd rather live here than rural Alabama.
But the arrogance grates. This idea that having certain politics makes you de facto more intelligent. Living here, I can say it does not. People mouth the words and vote for the team they were culturally raised and socially conditioned to, but scratch the surface and there is some major idiocy at work.
It's a feeling of elitism that has been unearned and unjustified, determined solely by one's political, social, and economic affiliation. I grew up poor in a racist town in the Midwest. I recognize this stuff. It's an ugly thing, the need to constantly look down while feeling superior for no personally achieved cause.
I think that's what the OP is driving at.