Dear Editor, After reading the article “Large cities make one appreciate small town life” in the Nov. 16, 2009 edition, I realized that many of the same cultural differences between the North and the South are still apparent today, even after the Civil War and the abolition of slavery.

This cultural gap between the North and the South began to grow in the early 1800s.

The North was beginning the Industrial Revolution and loosening its grip on slavery, while the South’s “cotton kingdom” was booming and tightening its hold on the peculiar institution.

This economic difference led to opposite societal changes in the regions. The North became more urbanized and was home to several immigrant groups; however, the South remained rural and deterred any change or reformation.

Even over a century later, these variances are apparent. Although the South has come a long way since the Civil War, the North still holds the nation’s bigger cities and usually more liberal citizens, and the South is still known for its simple life and hospitality.

These environmental conditions of each region affect its inhabitants. Thus whenever we travel to a Northern or more urban city, it is a bit of a culture shock and vice versa. We grow accustomed to our way of life and as the article stated, “There is really no place like home.”

It makes me wonder how long it will take for the North and the South to assimilate to each other, or if they ever will.

Peri Loftis

Author