I was bred in, born in, and have lived all my life in the South. I am generally proud to be a Southerner, though there certainly have been (and still are) occasions when the behaviors and definitions here are deeply embarrassing There are Southerners who are crass, loud, unwilling to move off their opinions and experiences. There are Southerners who are kind, friendly, truly willing to learn and change if they should. There are Southerners consumed by the gentility of their forebears, and with letting everyone else know that. There are Southerners who are moneyed. Some of that money is old, some of it recent. There are people who say, and honestly mean, "Bless your heart." There is snobbery and people who say, "Bless your heart" with a force and a tone that comes from way-too-far-on-high. There are Southerners who are educated, and let you know that. There are Southerners who are educated and never bring it up. There are ...