Mountaineer

After finding out how to upload my word document to gmail, I am confused about how to make my post to where I can have "For my Mountaineer reflection, click HERE." I looked at my previous posts from Instruct Tech, but I can't seem to figure it out. This will have to do for now.


Reflection- “Mountaineer”
While watching the “Mountaineer,” I found several reasons why I was connected to the movie. Both of the parents grew up in West Virginia, and like them, I have lived here all my life as well. I’ve had family reunions just like the one that was in the video. Cars parked everywhere, people walking all over the place greeting people with hugs, and my great uncles playing the banjos in the background. A couple people stated in the video that they loved the mountains and WV so much, that they wouldn’t be comfortable anywhere else. I do love the mountains and WV, but I think
I am uncomfortable when I go other places I haven’t been before due to other reasons. Especially if I happen to be driving! I was the third daughter and the baby of the family. I have no idea how I became such a tom boy, but by the age of 5-6 years old, I wanted absolutely nothing to do with doll babies or babies, all I wanted to do was watch Davy Crocket. (And also Dances With Wolves was my favorite to!) So, needless to say, when the video started talking about the movies that show mountain living, I got a pretty good giggle thinking back on those times of my life.

Q. Do you think West Virginia has been able to hang onto our traditions and way of life to a greater degree than other states? If so, why?
A. Yes, WV people have and still are able to hang onto their traditions and ways of life to a greater degree than other states. One cause of this would be the lack of family orientated families that live in bigger and/or states. WV people are very family orientated and hold true to their values, beliefs, and traditions. Traditions are passed down through generations of people/families. Those living in other states may have a higher divorce rate. This would cause a family to lose sight of such traditions if their family was to go through a divorce. Also, WV people live a “simple” way of life. Not dumb, “simple.” As it was described in the movie, “food on the table, clothing on back and shelter over head.” Those living in some places outside of WV are always wanting and needing something more. It seems as if they are never satisfied. It would be hard to have traditions and/or ways of life, much less hang onto and pass them down to generations.
Q.Many West Virginians have strong feelings about TV caricatures of mountain people—some love these fictious characters. Explore the reasons for liking these characters. Are there aspects of these characters that ring true, or is the absurdity that you enjoy?
A. First, the obvious answer, why wouldn’t people in WV want to watch people who share the same similarities? the same way of life? Small town they live in?: etc. My grandparents and father love the Andy Griffith Show. For as long as I can remember they have watched the comedic Barney and Andy. These shows display the kind of humor that WV people find funny. Of course, someone coming straight out of Beverly Hills is not going to enjoy watching Andy Griffith, but to people living in WV, these characters ring true.