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This is part of what makes the area so attractive. I believe the students here leave a lasting and positive impression on anyone they meet.
For those who have lived here their entire lives, this level of hospitality is standard but often overlooked. When I talk to friends who are North Carolina natives about this issue, they think the hospitality is fake and say, “They’ll be nice to you in person but bad-mouth you behind your back.”
While I understand their point of view as much as anyone and object to dishonesty, hospitality does not mean the absence of gossip, dislike of others, or the absence of arguments in the community. It just makes people appreciate the manners and attitude that Southerners consistently have towards everyone they meet, no matter how they feel about you personally.
Some people think Southern hospitality is outdated, and I understand that. It’s okay to drive progress and change our expectations of social behavior. I believe there are objective benefits to easing the social pressures of outdated communication methods.
But warmth, politeness, and small talk are traditional talents that I don’t think should be excluded from modern culture. There is room for conversational etiquette and progress to coexist.
Experiencing Southern hospitality in real life has dramatically changed the way I think about connecting with others. We live in a world centered on connection, but are repelled by the idea of intimate conversations.The modern social media era has Seriously damaging our ability to Chat casually with each other. Our possibilities for “conversation” – that is, sitting down, meeting, sharing, listening and learning – diminish with each passing year. This struggle is combated, in part, by the culture I am privileged to experience every day at UNC and greater North Carolina.
Now, I find myself imitating it. My travels back to the West revealed unique parts of Southern culture that have become ingrained into my daily life and habits. I said “Yes, ma’am” and “Yes, sir” while having a sincere chat with the cashier at the grocery store. I started a conversation with my Uber driver. Sometimes, I even find myself pulling out the vowels while copying a Southern accent.
Having said all that, I want to say that I love it here.
In a world that so blatantly struggles with communication, it’s hard to believe that a person from 2,379 When I was miles away saying: North Carolina, you did the right thing.
@dthopinion | comments@dailytarheel.comsou
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