A return to our introduction …

Is Appalachia’s label as “Trump Country” accurate or is it an overgeneralization? Who actually voted for Trump? Why might this have made sense to them? Do their exist ‘Trump Country’ claims that are true (after all, stereotypes often times do come from foundations of reality), or are they all oversights?

Appalachia is more complex than its prevailing portrayal in media …

The Appalachian region is just like any other part of the country: composed of a diverse voter population. While their economic needs lean left, they veer right for prioritized social agendas and the need for proper representation.

Unfortunately for many Appalachians, the portrayals of them in the media is far from kind. The people who live in the region are often associated with lack of education and overly traditional values. However, it is important to realize that the population has been fighting for fair representation for almost half a century. More often than not, the people who live in Appalachia are seen as the forgotten Americans that are holding society back.

Yet, this oversimplification of their viewpoints and opinions are the very reasons that the region tends to sway to the right. When liberal elites look down on the people of Appalachia, a cycle ensues in which one side feels they are being talked down to and the other side believes that the viewpoints of their counterparts are not acceptable. Breaking the barrier between the two sides is an important step to truly understanding how the people in Appalachia feel and to break the mold of voicelessness that the people resent.