Appalachian Values

As we discussed in class, the Appalachian Values according to Loyal Jones include:

• Religion
• Independence, Self-reliance, pride
• Neighborliness
• Strong family bonds
• Personalism
• Humility and modesty
• Love of place
• Patriotism
• Sense of beauty - nature, music, & art
• Sense of humor, wit, and storytelling
• Protectiveness, standing up for one's beliefs

     In my hometown of Zanesville, OH, many of these traits are recognizable in our community. There are many who hold strong religious beliefs. When I go home for the weekend, my family and I always attend Sunday morning mass and there, we see the same familiar faces week after week. There is also a strong value placed on independence and self-reliance. Everyone makes due with what they have and they are content with doing so. We have many family friends who own family farms and put in long hours day after day to maintain their property. You have to work hard for what you want and be grateful for the things you already have. For the most part, everyone is friendly towards each other. It's hard to go to Walmart or the mall, or any public place for that matter, without running into somebody you know and striking up a conversation with them. Love of place is definitely present in our community. The people who are born there generally stay there, raise their own children their, and those children tend to stay. Our small town might not be much or have a prestigious reputation, but it's our home and we feel comfortable there.