Appalachian Blues (AKA Southern Girl Rambles)

30 Nov, 2025

Hi, it's Mari. I wanted to talk a bit about what being a southerner means to me, especially as a not-entirely-white person. I'm born and raised in Appalachia, haven't left the south in my whole life. I'm also a Hawaiian woman. You can see why people from my hometown aren't always the kindest to me, right? Regardless, I am a southerner. I'm an Appalachian. I'm Hawaiian. None of this is contradictory– they all make up parts of who I am. (Though some would beg to disagree.)

I dunno! I just have always been like this. I don't get why people don't see me as a southerner– I have a tan, I spent most of my childhood in the woods and fields, all that stereotypical stuff. What makes me so different from everyone else? The fact I'm not completely irish or something?

I love Appalachia. She will always be home to me, regardless of how her people treat me. I just wish maybe we could all be a little nicer to one another. I wish the world was kinder, not just to me. But, sometimes, all you can do is your part, and I'm doing mine. I try to always be kind and smile to those passing me on the street, or to the barista that makes my latte in the morning, or my little sister after she gets back from school. It doesn't hurt to try and be kind, yeah?

Guess this was just a ramble rather than an actual important post. Nonetheless, I wanted to write something about it. Hope you all are well, and have a good week.
– Marina