What do ya'll think about Mississippi?

I sort of feel a kind of kinship with Mississippi, as I was almost born there. Almost, because before I was born, my father was the Jackson's zoo park superintendent for awhile, before he and my mother-to-be moved back to Missouri, where I was eventually born. I sort of wish that they had stayed in Jackson, from the way my mother told fine stories of their life there.

I was born in Mississippi, and most of my family still lives there. As far as why people think negative things about the state so much, I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that Mississippi has a horrible history of racism, lynching and violence. I mean, people still haven't forgotten what was done to Emmitt Till, and that was over 50 years ago. Obviously, things have gotten better, but that history is going to stay with the Mississippi for a while.

Also, there are a lot of current problems with the state as well. Lack of industry, rural unemployment, rampant violence in Jackson, and thousands of people, if not more, living in a state of depression and cyclical poverty.

Finally, there's the whole catastrophe with the confederate flag, a supreme symbol of racism which, to my knowledge, still hasn't been replaced.

People often put us down because of our history of racism and violence towards blacks. We haven't been given a second chance by those that believe Mississippi still operates the way it did 40 years ago.

We have a beautiful state with wonderful, giving people but we also have some of, if not the worst, health and economic figures in the US. Our rates of infant mortality, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and teenage pregnancy are higher than almost every other state. Until we can change some of these statistics, many will continue to look down on us....deservedly so in some cases.

I love Mississippi and tire of people looking down on us, but you have to admit...we've brought some of it on ourselves.

Most of the ones that put us down have never been here.

Mississippi is one of the most beautiful states.

I enjoyed the years I lived there. The people are

friendly and helpful, not like where I am now.

I love the beautiful gardens and the fishing is to

die for. The food is why I left. I like to ate myself to

death. Everything was so good. I have never had

such good catfish in my life. Everybody should go

there for a vacation and get to know it. Then they

would stop repeating old wives tales about it.

It's true what they say, about getting out of it, what

you put into it. If you are a negative bumpkin, then

that's what you see when you go visit somewhere.

Just think of how much they are missing out on, by

being depression pushers.

Would never want to live anywhere in the South (except maybe, mayyyybe NC or FL); I don't know about other peoples experiences, but mine have been very negative the few times I traveled down there.

Sorry.

Hey, I have relatives there and I love going to see them (Greenwood). Awesome food for one thing, plus they're a lot of fun, always joking and really warm.

being from Mississippi also i can't imagine why anyone wouldn't love it.

I think New Jersey is hated more.

Maybe because you are stereotyped has French hicks who marry cousins.

But Texas is fun :D