By STEVEN PRICE
October 17, 2005

There is a wonderful blend of culture that resides in the Southern United States. Here at the Abbey, students find themselves at the crossroads of what the “Old South” was, and what the “New South” is. More often than not, Southern traditions rich in valuable culture, art, and literature are forsaken in today’s world by the idea not what the South was, but what the South should become. It is both sad and regrettable that so much history and tradition has been tossed aside in favor of less-Southern endeavors. But make no mistake, students here at Belmont Abbey can still discover the importance of the Southern way of life, through courses on Southern Literature and a variety of opportunities in the Charlotte area. It’s about time that we started reconstructing the importance that the South has in today’s society.

Many students assume that exploring Southern culture is unimportant. Some would claim that studying the Southern way of life is an unnecessary waste of time in today’s world. How wrong these opinions are; some of the most influential contributors to American culture have come from the South. In particular, the writers who have called the South their home have made significant contributions to American literature. Authors like Thomas Wolfe were among the most revered writers of their generation, while men such as Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. Du Bois have helped us examine the struggles of African Americans in both the Antebellum South and the years following the American Civil War. In fact, it is important to dispel the myth that Southern history is only about white Americans. Some of the most important Civil Rights Movements happened right here in the South. The South produced a number of prominent leaders in the fight for equality amongst the races, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Old South has never really gone away. On the contrary, the traditions and customs here in the south have merely made room for the expansion of cities like Charlotte and Atlanta. The history of the South, from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars through slavery and the civil rights movement, and even Appalachia folk lore can still be found if one looks hard enough. And that is perhaps the most important fact for students of the Abbey to realize. Southern culture has a lot to offer you, if you’re just willing to explore it a bit. Museums, classes on campus, and visiting speakers help bring the vast flavors of the South right to you. For those of us born in the South, it is vital for us to examine our past, and accept both the positive and negative aspects of our heritage. For those born outside of the South, you need to explore the Southern way of life before you draw any assumptions. Leave your perceptions in the dorms, and take a closer look at a region that is all around you.