What are some things about the Northern United States that would come as a culture shock to a Southerner?

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 12:51:02 -0500

I found this question of Quora.com and decided to plagiarize it for us to have some fun with. To be fair, I've often heard the same question asked in reverse (What are some things in the South that might come as a culture shock to a Yankee?) Actually, this version sounds far more interesting.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jan 10 at 2017 12:52 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 12:52:47 -0500

This is a very true statement.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jan 10 at 2017 12:55 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 12:55:06 -0500

I cannot answer this question as I'm from the north, but I can answer some question the south has. But based on that image, I don't plan on moving south, maybe California.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jan 10 at 2017 1:00 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 13:00:38 -0500

Well I'm from the North, so the biggest thing is having 4 distinct seasons. They don't get the pittance of snow like we do down south, when they get snow, they really get snow. To top it off, you are still expected to go to work/school etc because the north has plows/salt trucks and sanders to make the roads drivable.

Another thing that would come to a shock is the general rudeness. One of the things I like about the south is southern hospitality is a real thing. You won't find an equivalent up north. People are kinder and friendlier down south.

With that being said, northern drivers are aggressive drivers. I've seen the occasional aggressive driving down here, but up north it's a daily occurrence.

Cost of living. What I pay for a 3 bedroom house with a yard down south would not be able to pay for a small studio apartment in the worst parts of town.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Jan 10 at 2017 1:05 PM

Maj Marty Hogan — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 13:05:21 -0500

Lived in both-
Manners- much better in the South; not that we don't have any up home...we just don't tend to utilize them towards others. Southwest- even worse (lived there for years too)

Genuine caring- appears the Southerner cares- Yankees actually do. Anything down South followed with Bless your heart is like using any statement ended with but- it negates everything that came before it.

Food- much better in the South. Festivals for all occasions- up home we fry the shit out of everything and call it good.

Driving in the snow- up home we drive with the windows down during a heavy snow storm to keep the wipers cleared...down south they simply drive crappy in the snow or dry roads...

Fishing- south has real sized fish and a bass is little at 2 or 3 pounds...up home a one pound bass is a whopper and we only see them a few months out of the year.

Religion- down south is fire and brimstone with flamboyant preachers and parishioners wailing and amening; up home fire and brimstone and sit there and shut up and listen.

Southern cooking- if you can catch it in a ditch, a trap, or on the road you skin in, clean it, and fry, boil, or sauté it; up home it must be from a food group and if it is hunted it is done in season only.

I have many more, but will read the rest. Enjoy and great question CPT Jack Durish

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2017 1:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 13:05:31 -0500

Well I live right on the line between the north and south, I love where I live because we have 4 equal season. But the culture shock to me is once I cross the Ohio River and get about 75 miles north they don't understand the concept of sweet tea, but when I go about 150 miles south the put too much sugar in their tea. Had a nice conversation with a waitress in Indy about how putting sugar in tea after the ice was already in it just doesn't work.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2017 1:12 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 13:12:18 -0500

When Southerners come to Nebraska and realize where that awesome sweet corn really comes from.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jan 10 at 2017 1:14 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 13:14:48 -0500

CPT Jack Durish I've always been from the North, so the only thing I can think about is keeping schools and businesses open during a less than inch of Snow! They seem to shut down completely when that happens! Old post, but still true today!

http://gokicker.com/2014/01/30/hey-northerners-this-is-why-a-little-snow-shut-the-south-down/

Hey Northerners, This Is Why a Little Snow Shut the South Down.

Rolling your eyes over #SnowedOutAtlanta? Let a girl from Tennessee explain to you why a snowpocalypse caused massive chaos in the South.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jan 10 at 2017 1:18 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 13:18:48 -0500

Great post Jack - filled with humor today! Here is another great post that I think RP Members & Connection will enjoy - no disrespect to my Souther Borther and Sisters!

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Jan 10 at 2017 1:23 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 13:23:09 -0500

How in the hell did they win the War of Northern Aggression?

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Jan 10 at 2017 1:35 PM

SPC Kevin Ford — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 13:35:45 -0500

In the spirit of this thread...

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Jan 10 at 2017 1:42 PM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 13:42:45 -0500

Yankees are rude. Perhaps its because they do things at a much faster pace. Its like they don't have time to say hello, please, thank you. etc. I find them rather loud and opinionated. Southern Culture pretty much dictates that when you meet someone you don't automatically jump into controversial topics at social gatherings, such as politics and religion.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2017 1:46 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 13:46:06 -0500

Some observations I've made being a transplant in the south from the north.

"Southern hospitality" is BS. More times than not the friendly is fake.

Racism and intolerance are much more prevalent in the north than the south. I've seen more interracial couples and openly gay people in Central AL in the 2 years that I've lived here than I did in 31 years living in MA.

Some people from the south might be surprised that in the northeast, if you drive 2-4 hours in any given direction you've either crossed multiple state lines, entered another country, or ended up in the middle of the ocean.

The general cost of things would likely be a surprise, especially things like rent, tobacco, and gas.

Response by SFC Dave Beran made Jan 10 at 2017 1:46 PM

SFC Dave Beran — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 13:46:09 -0500

Well in Nebraska it would have to be Cornfields in metro areas. You can still drive around inside city limits and find major agricultural areas. Also our acceptance of all people. We do not care who you are, orwhere your from. Be polite and respectful and we will accept you. I often get strange looks from people for asking how they are, and usually end the ensuing Convo with be safe, or God bless followed by brother or sister.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jan 10 at 2017 1:54 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 13:54:21 -0500

That nobody outside of the South likes Alabama football or the SEC.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jan 10 at 2017 2:18 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 14:18:18 -0500

Rudeness and coldness toward others is common in the north. People will cut you off just to be ahead of you in a line of traffic that isn’t even moving. But when living in Georgia and the Florida panhandle, strangers acted like relatives and went out of their way to be pleasant and helpful. The differences are stark.

Also, when I was growing up in Arizona, winter set in with a viciousness (below 60°) in mid-January, and sometimes it would drag on clear into February.

When I first moved to Pennsylvania, winter set in hard in September and the temperature kept dropping until it was -23°. I thought I had moved to the Arctic Circle. If three snowflakes landed within a foot of one another I could get stuck in them. I did not see how anyone could live there, much less why anyone would even want to try.

Response by SGT James Colwell made Jan 10 at 2017 2:18 PM

SGT James Colwell — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 14:18:52 -0500

Basements, snowblowers, what people call the soft fizzy drinks in the 12 oz cans, building cities above sea level, four seasons,...

Response by Sgt William Straub Jr. made Jan 10 at 2017 2:26 PM

Sgt William Straub Jr. — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 14:26:07 -0500

One thing that drives me nuts. Everyone in the South thinks all Northerners are Yankees. Not True! You are only a Yankee if you are from the New England States. CT, MA, NH, VT, ME, or RI. Outside of those states, you better be wearing Pinstripes and a Baseball Cap with the letter NY and play in the Bronx to be considered a Yankee.

Response by LTC Stephen B. made Jan 10 at 2017 2:26 PM

LTC Stephen B. — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 14:26:28 -0500

No Sweet Tea
Cream of Wheat as a substitute for Grits

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2017 2:28 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 14:28:38 -0500

I grew up in the Republic of Texas and while I have visited the frozen wastelands of the north, I have never lived there.

I live in South Texas for a reason, I don't own and no use for a snow shovel.

Response by SGT James Colwell made Jan 10 at 2017 2:29 PM

SGT James Colwell — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 14:29:31 -0500

Can we define "Up North"? North of the Mason-Dixon Line, North of the Red River? Some of the 'tweeners don't know if we are up north or down south!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2017 2:31 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 14:31:20 -0500

When Southerners come to Nebraska and discover the delicious awesomeness that is the Runza.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2017 2:53 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 14:53:59 -0500

I was born and raised in Southeast Texas. I've been to California, Nevada, Minnesota, Maryland, Washington D.C., Fort Campbell, Fort Bragg, Indiana, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Michigan, Maine, and Washington State. I was treated very good in all of those states. I've never had a problem with anyone in any state. I realized a long time ago if you treat everyone with respect, they will treat you the same way.
The only culture shock I had was in Washington, D.C. I had been to Providence proving grounds to watch my son graduate from ARMY AIT, and when I got back on 95 South, I was concerned about my speed. I didn't want to get a speeding ticket so I was going about 70 MPH., and people were honking and shooting the finger at me, as they passed me. I sped up to 80 MPH, and after a police car passed me going about 90, no lights no siren, I didn't worry anymore.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jan 10 at 2017 3:03 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 15:03:09 -0500

This is a touch one for me. If we're just talking the eastern US, to me there's New England, the rest of the north, and then the south.
- Hot dog buns. Apparently the ones we have here are different
- People have already said this but Snow. New England and update NY know what this is. Even though NJ is technically the north, to me they don't know about snow.
- Politeness/Manners. People always say the south is well mannered and I'd agree. But to me people in New England have always seemed more "neighborly" and genuine (but that might be because I'm from here).

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jan 10 at 2017 3:13 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 15:13:08 -0500

You don't like grits, hominy, beet greens, and chard? What planet did you grow up on? You must die sooner than we do. BTW nothing is better than crawdads on a pile of newspapers.

And I'd just visit the South being from New York and growing up in SOCAL. So much to appreciate about the South. Bourbon street with a tall 50/50 margarita/pina colada. Refill for the walk back. Life's good.

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Jan 10 at 2017 3:13 PM

GySgt William Hardy — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 15:13:59 -0500

Depends on the parameters. What do you call "Northern States"? I usually think of Maryland and northward and only those states East of the Mississippi, including Minnesota. Then you have California by itself. Washington and Oregon in the northwest, The Rocky Mountain States, the Desert Southwest, and the Plains States. Each region has it own characteristics. Except for the pockets of Progressive Liberals, I like all the various regions just fine. I was raised as a Military Brat so there is no culture shock so to speak. I was raised in many different parts of the country as well as overseas. I lived and went to school just north of San Francisco. I couldn't have asked for a better place to spend my early elementary years. As were my years in New Mexico and Florida. I choose to live in the South when I left active duty. Why? Besides family, I like the slower paced life here. Not rushed. I have done many a deal on a handshake. On my first visit to New York City many years ago, I was a witness to a guy committing a robbery. On the other hand, the People of Bangor, Maine were the most supportive group for outgoing and incoming veterans I have ever seen. Thank you Bangor! I prefer the Southern climate to that of the North. I like the overall friendliness of Southerns over Northerners. I can also state from experience that Yuma, Arizona was a very friendly place as well. Back in the 60s my friends and I got stranded when my car blew a rod. The good people there fed us, got us a motel room for the night, and put us a Greyhound the next morning. Good people all over.

I have an Air Force friend who was from Maine. He retired to Florida after spending over 20 years in the Air Force. He wanted a summer retirement home so he build a small house on the Tennessee River in Tennessee. He did move back to Maine for a short time, but he said it was too cold and it wasn't home anymore . . . too many changes.

Culture shocks . . . None, just little differences.

Response by LTC Orlando Illi made Jan 10 at 2017 3:31 PM

LTC Orlando Illi — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 15:31:56 -0500

No Grits in Central NY. I grew up in Central NY. In 1977 - when I was in the 3rd week of OCS at Ft. Benning, GA I had Dining Room Server Duty. I had what appeared to be two serving pans of Cream of Wheat in front of me. However, as I learned to my everlasting dismay, one of them contained GRITS. I mistakenly gave a TAC Officer from VMI some Cream of Wheat (being from NY I had never seen a GRIT before) instead of Grits. He waited until I emerged from the dining room and pounced. All the other TACS were eating breakfast and just watched as did the rest of my Company. He immediately accused me of being a Damn Yankee and still fighting the Civil War by trying to poison him. He made me eat my breakfast in the Front Leaning Rest position and dogged me for weeks afterwards. He was not even my Platoon TAC - but had it in for this Yankee that did not know what a Grit was. After OCS he was said that he was just having some fun at my expense. Nevertheless, the damage was done. I will never eat Grits.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2017 3:32 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 15:32:31 -0500

We hit a crisp -11 below 0 today (yeah, it was freakin' freezing)!!

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Jan 10 at 2017 3:39 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 15:39:15 -0500

That we drive out on the lake in our pickups, cut holes in the ice and move into lavish fish houses to fish in the winter time!

Response by SGT David T. made Jan 10 at 2017 3:50 PM

SGT David T. — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 15:50:45 -0500

Probably the way we talk to each other. Dropping F bombs every other word and when speaking to our parents tends to throw them off. Also, real New England seafood. Not that crap you get at Red Lobster. And last but not least...unsweet tea lol.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Jan 10 at 2017 4:30 PM

SFC William Farrell — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 16:30:53 -0500

Thats pretty good CPT Jack Durish and mostly true. I do like Quora but they do have some odd questions from time to time!

Response by MAJ James Woods made Jan 10 at 2017 4:58 PM

MAJ James Woods — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 16:58:05 -0500

Hmmm four seasons (Southerners are in awe of snow); hot sauce doesn't go on everything; most speed limits do not go over 65; and we're not obsessed about looking good all year long.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Jan 10 at 2017 5:08 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 17:08:40 -0500

I am southern born and southern bred and when I die I will be Southern Dead!!! During my time in the service I had the pleasure of being stationed all over the great US. What I have found is that people really aren't that different. I am a farmboy and when I was up North most people in the cities were fast paced, rude, arrogant..that's just who they are...guess what...go to Atlanta/Birmingham/Memphis and you will get the same thing. Go about 5 miles out of the city into the farmlands and I could take a southerner and transplant and vice versa and the only way you could tell them apart is the accent. Good people are good people wherever they are.

What I did see was that acceptance and tolerance up North of minorities was nonexistent. I saw racism and bigotry at a lot of levels. As a matter of fact I had a recruit come into one of my recruiters offices asking for SSgt X (who was black). The SSgt said I am him what can I do for you? The kid stopped, and said that he was going to join the AF until he realized he would have to work for "someone like him". My NCO gathered all the other service recruiters in the area and they all told him to take hike because we didn't need him. Come to find out that area had the HQ for a major hate group and many other hate groups as well.

Another shocker...what the heck is Cream of Wheat? Might as well be eating sand...that was a shocker along with a 14 day continuous snowstorm and having to go to school and work...down south we would buy up every loaf of bread and gallon of milk with the threat of it even coming our way and stay at home. It is also hard to find good greens and ham hocks (BTW they are called smoked pork sections up North) for New Years!!!

Remember...if you don't like the South...Delta is ready when you are!!!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2017 5:21 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 17:21:10 -0500

That what southerners call north, is what the rest of us call "out east." We don't like out east culture anymore than the south does, and quite deeply resent being lumped in with them. I've experienced "southern hospitality," and have absolutely no complaints, but don't think it was much different or better than that of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, or North Dakota.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2017 5:30 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 17:30:31 -0500

Most Yankees haven't had true sweet tea. As it is different in Alabama as it is in Georgia and Texas as it is in South Carolina, I believe that they would be mind-blown that most northerners haven't tried it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2017 5:55 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 17:55:18 -0500

Higher IQs, Ruder people (especially Northeast Clinton Country), Not knowing your neighbor even though they live 20 feet away.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2017 6:12 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 18:12:09 -0500

Being from TX, anything north of there is considered "up north" and Yankee is applied very liberally as well.

Response by Cpl Rebecca Nicholson made Jan 10 at 2017 8:13 PM

Cpl Rebecca Nicholson — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 20:13:09 -0500

The first time I ever went down south I was floored at how nice everyone was! Oh.... and the BBQ, good Lord... the BBQ!!!!

Response by Maj William W. 'Bill' Price made Jan 10 at 2017 8:45 PM

Maj William W. 'Bill' Price — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 20:45:15 -0500

CPT Jack Durish: I did a double take when TDY in Northern climes and was asked if I wanted some "Jimmies" (candy sprinkles) on ice cream. My first reply was that I didn't want any Jimmies or Sharons on my ice cream. I also enjoyed when hosting a Northern guest and they asked for some bagels at a local grocery store. The reply? "Sir, this is a grocery store. But bagel puppies shore are cute. If you'd like one, the Humane Society is down the street two blocks."

Response by PO1 Francis Coarr made Jan 10 at 2017 9:17 PM

PO1 Francis Coarr — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 21:17:50 -0500

How self righteous, arrogant and entitled they act compared to the easygoing, take things as they come, and truly Humble attitude of Southerners....

Response by LCDR Thomas Doherty (USNR-R Ret) made Jan 10 at 2017 10:17 PM

LCDR Thomas Doherty (USNR-R Ret) — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 22:17:20 -0500

Women are tougher and bitchier in the North. Women in the South are easier. Give me a country and western dancehall in the South over a NYC club any night. I don't care how many churches are around or how much they pray, it's just easier in the South.

Response by CPT Jim Schwebach made Jan 11 at 2017 1:02 AM

CPT Jim Schwebach — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 01:02:20 -0500

Took my red-headed Texas born bride to a family reunion in a small town about a hundred miles north of Green Bay a couple of years ago. Late summer. Rural Texas to rural Wisconsin. She was amazed at how green everything was and how clean everyone kept their places. And how people actually kept in their lanes and, on country roads, waved to one another. She was also surprised that the mosquitos had landing lights. And that the deer came up to the houses at night and that there really were bears in the woods. She wanted to stay - I wanted to leave because I knew winter was only a week or two away.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Jan 11 at 2017 4:22 AM

SrA Matthew Knight — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 04:22:41 -0500

From North Dakota/Minnesota I think the friendliness. I know some others have talked about Southern hospitality and the rudeness in the New England states but the Midwest is full of kind hearts. You can be walking through a store and someone who doesn't even work there will ask if you need help with anything and strike up a conversation. Most people greet each other in passing, even in vehicles. It's not uncommon to see someone in a passing vehicle wave even if you have no idea who they are.

In regards to winters, nothing closes down like you'd think. When I was in school for us to even be 2 hour delayed for weather the roads had to be fairly slick from ice. Shutdowns typically didn't occur unless the busses couldn't run which was usually only in blizzard conditions, I.E. heavy snow and strong winds. Despite the thought that it's "always cold" it actually isn't. We get every beautiful season and summers in particular can actually get to be quite hot.

Also, and I think this may be more of a North Dakota thing (especially since we have the most churches per capita of any state) churches......churches everywhere. Even the smallest towns of 100 or so people will likely have 3 or 4 churches and a good majority of residents will attend even if they aren't real big into faith. It's a great way for communities to come together and pot lucks are usually awesome because almost everyone will have their secret special recipe they'll make up to bring in.

Bars are also everywhere with some towns having almost as many bars as they have churches. Some people even say that a community isn't technically a town without a bar. ND is also known to be a fairly alcoholic state (which is unfortunate in my opinion) and does have a fair share of DUIs but most drunks aren't violent drunks, more like Otis from Andy Griffith drunks.

Low crime as compared to many other places is also something that may be surprising. Petty stuff happens such as minor vandalism and maybe petty theft here and there and drug use is common but big level crimes like rape and murder are rare. In fact, in some areas crime and emergencies in general are so uncommon that the sound of sirens will bring many people out on their porches to see what's going on.

I'm sure there's a plethora more of things I couldn't even think of.

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Jan 11 at 2017 9:12 AM

MSgt Mark Bucher — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 09:12:30 -0500

I live up here by choice. We have real lakes, ice fishing rocks. People can be understood when they speak, don't need a local translator depending on where you're at in the south.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jan 11 at 2017 12:01 PM

SFC Pete Kain — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 12:01:42 -0500

Keeping with the humor.......Indoor plumbing, floors and electricity.
Y'all Yankees feel better now?
On the serious side....the intellectual superiority/smugness and general rudeness.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2017 1:10 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 13:10:20 -0500

Born and Raised in the Greater Boston area, first time in the south was at 17yo when I discovered I was a Yankee, (stupid me I thought the war was over) I learned to hate being called one, after all I didn't call southerners assholes, (I figure its about the same). Our manners are different, when walking down town Boston and I bump someone there is no need to stop and apologize, we understand it wasn't malicious, as a PVT at Ft Stewart I was called rude for not profusely apologizing, (I figure he hit me also). Yes I tend to talk fast just as y'all tend to talk slow (but I don't complain). I now live in Fl. retired here where I can afford to live decently. We have some of the rudest drivers I've eveah seen, I've often been told that Boston drivers are bad, HA let e tell ya try to merge into traffic, no one will give an inch down here. Let someone into traffic, no wave to say thank you down here. Just the opposite from up north. I could go on but to get to the point, depending where you grow up the social norms are different. that doesn't make us assholes....

Response by CW4 Keith Dolliver made Jan 11 at 2017 1:59 PM

CW4 Keith Dolliver — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 13:59:26 -0500

That southerners have no idea what a "grinder" is... I sometimes use the word without realizing it and people in the know automatically know I'm from Connecticut.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jan 11 at 2017 7:33 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 19:33:48 -0500

I think the differences are becoming fewer and fewer as our population becomes more mobile. For example, I'm from New England and was stationed in New Hampshire in the 70s & 80s. Since I went through flight training in Texas and then California I got introduced to BBQ and Mexican food and loved it. Try finding BBQ or Mexican food in New England in the 70s & 80s. To be fair there was some Mexican chain that moved into Boston area in early 80s, it became a family outing to head down for a taco. But now you can find this type of food just about anywhere in the Northeast.
I agree with the comments about a more friendly laid back lifestyle in the south, so the fast paced arrogant attitude of northerners is probably the biggest thing that southerners have to deal with.

Response by MSgt Richard Randall made Jan 11 at 2017 8:26 PM

MSgt Richard Randall — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 20:26:24 -0500

Eating lutefisk. It's a cross between boiled inner tube from a 1943 Willys Jeep and gelatinous bovine liver. Gotta love North Dakota and their Scandinavian Heritage.

Response by PO3 John Wagner made Jan 13 at 2017 11:34 AM

PO3 John Wagner — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 11:34:57 -0500

The fact that when the state of North Dakota is shut down completely for several days following a blizzard that
1. We don't apply for national emergency assistance
2. Everyone is happier than hell to have an excuse for three days off.
3. People look out for each other and keep in touch with anyone who might ACTUALLY have
A real health crisi or emergency during such a time.
4. That many with a snowblower do and really enjoy contributing without notice for the most
part blowing out sidewalks and driveways all around their neighborhood. Especially
focusing on the elderly or anyone else who might have difficulty removing snow...even if said individuals never in all the years that people do it for them ever offer even a word of thanks..or a couple of dollars for gas (cheap bastards)

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Jan 13 at 2017 5:47 PM

GySgt William Hardy — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 17:47:56 -0500

PS - Did those of you that were stationed in Germany notice the similarity in Northern and Southern Germany? Southern Germans were much more friendly to me during my years there. I found Northern Germans to be terse and very uppity. Southern Germans were down to earth and about as friendly as American Southerners.

Response by LTC Tom Jones made Jan 13 at 2017 6:38 PM

LTC Tom Jones — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 18:38:53 -0500

The realization that "hill" and "heel" are not synonyms.

Response by SSG Waldo Yamada made Jan 13 at 2017 10:57 PM

SSG Waldo Yamada — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 22:57:03 -0500

Knowing that the Bible Belt is sorta going along the mason-dixon you have to be careful not to impose on a Yankee's beliefs. Like having multiple gods.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2017 9:03 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 09:03:15 -0500

I was originally raised in Northwest Florida (aka Lower Alabama). I now live in Northern Maine. Do Southerners know what a fiddlehead is? Northern Mainers (and well into Massachusetts) eat fiddleheads. Which happens to be a fern before it is fully open.

Response by COL David Turk made Jan 18 at 2017 9:54 AM

COL David Turk — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 09:54:33 -0500

The civil war. While still discussed with reverence (personal) in the South, it's a non-topic in the north (other than historical significance).

Response by Sgt Jason Edwards made Jan 18 at 2017 10:10 AM

Sgt Jason Edwards — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 10:10:20 -0500

I'm from the Northwest, so the weather will be a major change. The cost of living will be a huge culture shock and the amount of traffic, will definitely drive you nuts! But on the good side, if you enjoy the outdoors, there are so many places to go and things to do.

Response by SFC Michael Smith made Jan 18 at 2017 10:50 AM

SFC Michael Smith — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 10:50:37 -0500

Ice fishing will test the fears of most southerners.

Response by SFC Michael Smith made Jan 18 at 2017 10:55 AM

SFC Michael Smith — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 10:55:27 -0500

How about the 100 degree temperature difference when you walk out the door to go to school or work!

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Jan 18 at 2017 12:51 PM

SPC Douglas Bolton — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 12:51:46 -0500

Snow, snow white legs, heavy coats, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Response by CWO4 Mark Locklear made Jan 18 at 2017 2:57 PM

CWO4 Mark Locklear — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 14:57:03 -0500

I spent 13 years in the Great Lakes region as a Coastguardsman and found the Midwestern Northerners to be very fine people, and I am a native Texan. I did a total of nine years in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and four in Toledo, OH. In Toledo, people will give way and motion you into busy traffic. In upper Michigan I felt like the people were as nice and hospitable as in my home state of Texas, just with a different accent. Upper Michigan gets a lot of snow, but if you love the outdoors, there are thousands of acres of public land to hunt, fish, four-wheel, snowshoe, cross country ski, and camp on, no permission needed. I loved it. I think I would have retired up there but the wife couldn't take the cold anymore, so we finished up in Texas. Oh yeah, the restaurant food up north can't compare to Texas or other parts of the south.

Response by SPC Kathleen Dodd made Jan 18 at 2017 9:34 PM

SPC Kathleen Dodd — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 21:34:11 -0500

When I moved from Texas to New York I was so surprised about how 'angry' people were. Everyone seemed angry and in a very big hurry. Plus no one says 'hi' to each other up north.

Response by SGT Linda Burgess made Jan 19 at 2017 12:17 AM

SGT Linda Burgess — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 00:17:57 -0500

Ice tea with 2ice cubes, no fried okra, people don't say hello back on the street, (that's in the city and city burbs), stop signs are suggestions, street lights(?) are ignored, everyone is in a hurry to go someplace (that they don't really want to be), status and self importance runs rampant (mostly in cities and DC area).

Response by SFC Zachary Palacios made Jan 19 at 2017 1:51 AM

SFC Zachary Palacios — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 01:51:48 -0500

Well I am neither a northerner or a southerner. I am from Guam but now living in Minnesota... it is very diverse, however a dedicate culture shock going witnessing the different European and Nordic cultures. It's very cold up north! Lol

Response by PO2 Weaver Brian made Jan 19 at 2017 1:55 AM

PO2 Weaver Brian — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 01:55:16 -0500

Turkey with BREAD dressing. It's like eating paste. Haven't y'all ever heard of cornbread?

Response by SGT Virginia Schmidt made Jan 19 at 2017 12:20 PM

SGT Virginia Schmidt — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 12:20:21 -0500

I've also lived in both, north and south, but I'm from the north.
It's true we have long, often cold, winters and we do get a bunch of snow. However, when it comes to how kind people are I'm sure depends on what portion of the vast north you come from. I live in North Dakota and find people very friendly around here. Most of our state is quite rural and in those areas you couldn't find nicer, more helpful people.
As far as the church services, it's true this part of the country is a bit more stoic, but though many may not jump and shout "hallelujah" doesn't mean they don't live the Lord just as much.
Now the food, I'm not sure where the person who said they fry every and call if good is from but that isn't really the case here. I've seen that more prople use their ovens more and many use the grill almost exclusively during the spring, summer, and fall months. And yes, we have four distinctive seasons.
Each of our seasons, as I said, are very distinctive. There are activities for each season: winter-snow skiing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing with some pretty good sized fish, sledding, making snowmen and or ice sculptures, and many more; spring - once the temps are about 50 most people wear just a jacket or sweater because it feels like a heat wave after enduring below zero temps

Response by 1LT James Teener made Jan 19 at 2017 1:17 PM

1LT James Teener — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 13:17:07 -0500

1) How cold it can get, and how long the cold lasts. When living in SW Michigan in the '70s, the high daily temperature would regularly drop below freezing in late November - early December, and would not be consistently above freezing until March. There was a constant freeze - melt (slightly) - refreeze cycle
2) The amount of snow and ice. Six inches to a foot or more per snowstorm. Worse on the east side of each of the Great Lakes.
3) Lakes and rivers freezing to a depth of six inches to two or three feet (more in upper Michigan, Northern parts of MN, WI, VT, NH, NY, all of Main.
4) Blizzards and white-outs
5) The popularity of winter sports, like skiing, skating, ice fishing, hockey.
6) TRUE football weather, during football season. The best autumns, brisk and colorful.
7) Formality at work. This has largely disappeared, except in the financial sector, but I (a registered engineer working in the power industry) wore dress shirts, ties, and jackets to work thru the late '90s.
8) Pride in fine craftsmanship. This is an outgrowth of industry which made the "Made in the USA" a benchmark of quality for years.
9) Ethnic foods - Polish, Italian, German, being the best known and most often seen, but Greek, Spanish (NOT Mexican, altho' there is a lot of that, too), French, Jewish (especially delis), Norwegian/Scandinavian, and Portuguese. We have Soul food, as well, just with a Northern accent.
10) An emphasis on potatoes and pasta, instead of the South's rice and cornmeal.
A couple of things to note is that the US culture is becoming more and more homogenized, especially in cities and urban areas, and that culture is becoming much more socially tolerant and relaxed. The Southern drawl is not heard to the degree it was when I was growing up (I'm almost 70), nor is the very clipped speech of upper New England. "Accentless" American English tends toward the traditional speech patterns of the upper Midwest as that was the preferred, easiest to understand by all, that the big three communications networks liked to use.

Response by LTC Joe Likar made Jan 19 at 2017 5:46 PM

LTC Joe Likar — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 17:46:01 -0500

I guess the big thing is not learning about all your relatives, illnesses and job while waiting for the check out person to complete your order and having you rush out of the place without carrying on an extended conversation. You'd be thought of as very rude.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2017 2:04 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 14:04:01 -0500

Well my cat has more miles and has been to more states than most Vermonters I know, and she rides better in the car. Vermonters are special people, they do not normally leave their state, and are quite content. I love the fact that Vermont is still rural, I do not love the fact that liberals run everything...Maple syrup goes on sausage, and well just about everything up here, no one can make good BBQ, or fried chicken....We have more seasons than other states, two of them are Mud...spring and fall mud seasons.

Response by SSgt Autum Pylant, NCC made Jan 24 at 2017 10:06 AM

SSgt Autum Pylant, NCC — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 10:06:48 -0500

As a displaced Texan now living in Massachusetts, the need for an AWD or FWD car is a necessity; I've learned this the hard way as I'm making do in my RWD Camaro on the frozen tundra! :)

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Jan 27 at 2017 11:54 AM

SFC Dennis A. — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 11:54:39 -0500

Standing on the back deck in the middle of December/January in 4 foot of snow, -20 degrees grilling burgers. My cousins from the South (Alabama & Florida) just can't figure out why someone would do that.

Response by SSG Bryan McDougal made Jan 30 at 2017 6:10 PM

SSG Bryan McDougal — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 18:10:05 -0500

Availability of alcohol and the attitude surrounding it.

Response by SGT Linda Moss made Feb 14 at 2017 11:38 AM

SGT Linda Moss — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 11:38:32 -0500

we don't hide our crazy relatives .. we put them on the front porch for every one to enjoy .. not pulling over to side of road for funerals, no sweet tea, no real fried chicken and biscuits .. no one doing that little nod and to say hi to people .

Response by PO1 Bill O made Feb 14 at 2017 7:17 PM

PO1 Bill O — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 19:17:47 -0500

Remove the word NORTH" gives you a whole new topic to discuss!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 17 at 2017 11:06 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 11:06:28 -0500

I was stationed in the Old South a couple of times and have kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids in the South. Here's what I think they find strange about Yankees (anybody living North of Memphis):
-Our accented English involving clipped words and rapid speech--lack of the pronoun, "Y'-all"
-Tea without sweetener
-Breakfast with hash browns instead of grits
-Snow and winter sports
-Rapid pace of life in general. Yankees walk fast, talk fast, drive fast.
-Lack of courtesy in public and private discourse (this is more prevalent in large cities) where even service workers (think Burger King) don't often say "thank you" with a smile except in response to corporate policy to do so
-No hunting or fishing to speak of until you get way up north, like Minnesota
-Very white, white people due to lack of sun exposure in winter

Response by SFC George Smith made Feb 17 at 2017 11:01 PM

SFC George Smith — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 23:01:25 -0500

Iced Tea is not Sweetened... and they have No Idea what Grits are... and they have No Idea what Ham Hocks are for...

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Feb 18 at 2017 7:20 AM

MSgt John McGowan — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 07:20:42 -0500

First off, they don't speak proper English. Then they talk about you and your English. That a big shock.

Response by MSG Carl Leffel made Feb 23 at 2017 12:24 PM

MSG Carl Leffel — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 12:24:37 -0500

Driving in the snow. Here in Tennessee, when they forecast on Monday for a dusting of snow on Friday, by Tuesday you can't find a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk. Also they start salting the roads a folks start having their accidents 4 days early.

Response by SGM Joel Cook made Feb 23 at 2017 11:05 PM

SGM Joel Cook — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 23:05:23 -0500

I am originally from Itasca County, Minnesota about 75 miles from Canada. That county is larger than Rhode Island or Connecticut. I come from many generations of conservative democrats. In that area now the conservative democrats are almost extinct. It seems most of us moved away to more acceptable conservative areas. The few left are over 60 years old. Minnesota seems second only to California when it comes to Liberal Democratic ideas. It is difficult for me to interact with my schoolmates and most of my cousins about politics, economics, and many more social ideals. Most of the time I talk about outdoor activities and try to leave politics alone.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Feb 24 at 2017 12:03 AM

SPC Byron Skinner — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 00:03:29 -0500

Sp4 Byron Skinner The regional difference issue was not north south but California v. the rest of the country. In the conscripted Army a disproportionate of draftees came from California and there was a lot of regional harassment by both fellow trainees and the Cadre. Fights at the beer gardens which wet available after week five between Californians and New Yorkers or Southern Trainees. The guys from California were in better shape, just being out of High School and participating in Varsity Sports usual prevailed. No serious injuries, some bloody noises, black eye and ripped uniforms and a Strawberry of the knee or the side of the face. The next day at Morning formation the Cadre had fun with the "wounds" incurred in a fight. A lot of words no longer allowed in Basic Training was exchanged by both Cadre and the combatants. I personally after now over 50 years letting the trainees have some alcohol after week five was part go the training. It diid release tensions and it gave the trainees a taste of the real Army where bonding in a Platoon often relayed on the threat of violence and in some cases going to skins in the back of the motor pool. Less well bonded Platoon usual went to the blanket party in the latrine. Some guys got mulled pretty good. The victim was usually transferred out of the Troop or Company the next morning. One of the recipients of a blanket party was the guy who bunked under me. His name was Warner and he had a habit of expressing anti war sentiments to other members of the Platoon. Personally I like the gutty and warned him a couple of time to knock jot off, but he was determined not to he to Vietnam, he was a rifleman, who flunked every exercise but they kept him on. By noon the next his duffle bag was packed and he was gone. The Platoon had a no nonsense Platoon Leader and Platoon Sergeant It was to late to replace him so the rifle squad deployed a man short. Platoons need to get bloodied but not in CONUS. When a Platoon gets down to 60-75% casualties they get better, they have seen their buddies blood and it makes 'em mad.

Response by SPC Robert Brooks made Feb 24 at 2017 2:53 PM

SPC Robert Brooks — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 14:53:02 -0500

The unconditional kindness makes Northerners Suspicious, as well as the huge difference in climates, But I feel both the Northern States and Southern have there own unique offerings.

Response by SFC William H. made Feb 24 at 2017 3:33 PM

SFC William H. — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 15:33:24 -0500

I found that in the southeast areas (states) I am addressed as Mister Bud and my wife is Miss Tricia. I actually liked it, informal but respectful. We still smile about it.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Mar 12 at 2017 7:11 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 19:11:56 -0400

Interesting post that I just came across in early March 2017 CPT Jack Durish. I was born and raised in the Philadelphia, PA area but served mainly in the southern states and in southern Germany for that matter.
I personally resolved never to live where alligators live after swimming and wading with them too many times, etc. That keeps my retirement plans for North Carolina and north.
Thanks fro mention me COL Mikel J. Burroughs
The northern states tend to be colder in the winter and urban areas in the north tend to be cold in terms of welcoming outsiders.
I have found that rural areas in the north tend to be friendlier to outsiders than southern areas since 9-11-2001 during the occasions when I traveled to various areas of the nation.
If you have not yet responded, [lease consider responding to this question:
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL LTC Stephen C. Capt Christopher Mueller SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SSgt Private RallyPoint Member] SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT John " Mac " McConnell SGT Robert George SrA Christopher Wright SP5 Robert Ruck CPT Private RallyPoint Member SCPO Morris Ramsey CPL Eric Escasio PO2 Tom Belcher CPT Joshua Dumont SPC William Weedman LTC Wayne Brandon CPT Gary Jugenheimer

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 12 at 2017 9:31 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 21:31:09 -0400

- coffee regular.
- lunch rush food ordering. You need to know exactly what you are getting and order it in menu order in a single breath at risk of catching a beat down from the rest of the line.
- parlor and tonic
- tea comes in other varieties than sweet.
- Krispie Kremes are the donut equivalent to apostates.
- there are no buggies in the grocery store, they are carriages
- bubbla is where you get water from in a public building
- just because there is ice and snow either falling or already on the ground, the world doesn't come to a screeching halt. It is not a sign of the end times, it is Tuesday.
- do not mistake urgency for rudeness
- gravy, you'll miss that.
- no one parks the car in Harvard yard and you will get your ass kicked for asking it.
- 80% of Maine lobster comes out of Boston Harbor. bon appetite
- yes everyone is named Sully or Whitey
- Chinese Food turns to unfetered shit once you leave the I-495 loop around metro Boston.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 13 at 2017 12:40 AM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 00:40:09 -0400

CPT Jack Durish well... if you are from NJ you consider everyone from south of NJ a redneck, and everyone who displays the stars and bars a bigot.

Response by CPT Joshua Dumont made Mar 14 at 2017 1:48 PM

CPT Joshua Dumont — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 13:48:55 -0400

If example is NYC then: Rapid speech, different (not better) food, different policing methods.

Response by SFC Bill Snyder made Mar 14 at 2017 2:08 PM

SFC Bill Snyder — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 14:08:06 -0400

Manners. When a Southerner goes up north, he can't get over by the rudeness exhibited in everyday life, in public and private. It's a way of life up north. Its just that way. No good morning, excuse me, hold a door for lady, give up a seat on the subway/bus to the elderly or infirm. Say "thank you" and they look at you like you came from outer space. It's their way, or no way. The bad part is they move south and bring their rudeness with them. I wish they would just stay home.

Response by FN George Woodruff made Mar 30 at 2017 12:59 PM

FN George Woodruff — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 12:59:51 -0400

No grits!

Response by PFC Agostino Miraglia made Mar 30 at 2017 3:03 PM

PFC Agostino Miraglia — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 15:03:53 -0400

Having lived in many areas, usually true of Army soldiers and officers (although real soldiers always go through Ft. Benning), crystal burgers vs. white caste; publix/winn dixie vs. pathmark/kroger; Florida vs. New york. Need I say more? I'll always love New York, but my home is in Florida.

Response by SPC Michael King made Mar 30 at 2017 3:26 PM

SPC Michael King — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 15:26:58 -0400

That they live there intentionally.

Response by MAJ Bill Maynard made Mar 30 at 2017 5:22 PM

MAJ Bill Maynard — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 17:22:42 -0400

Actually, New Hampshire has the highest per capita population of veterans...

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Dec 31 at 2017 1:52 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 13:52:12 -0500

I moved to Arizona because I couldn't afford California. I can't think of a place in the south I could be comfortable in. In 1962, during the Cuban Crises I was sent to Ft Bragg. I tried to go visit my grandfather, who lived 60 miles away. What I had was a phone number. I tried to find out how to get there and couldn't understand a word he was saying. Uncle Sam had other plans, I never got there

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Dec 31 at 2017 2:39 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 14:39:44 -0500

inter racial Marriage and being in the south, even today, is a struggle

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 1 at 2019 4:45 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 01 May 2019 16:45:48 -0400

The accent folks in Minnesota have.