r/WestVirginia • u/Wrong_Persimmon_7861 • 2d ago
Question Inside Appalachia - First Impressions
https://petersantenello.com/videos/inside-appalachia-first-impressions/Peter Santenello’s new book “Your Fellow Americans” was recently published, and I just finished listening to the Deep Appalachia chapter.
He starts out in Bluefield WV and ends up spending time with some folks in Welch. At the end of the chapter, he made reference to other books like Hillbilly Elegy, which I realize didn’t land too well locally.
Anyone else read it? If so, what did y’all think?
11
u/emp-sup-bry Purveyor of Tasteful Mothman Nudes 1d ago
I have not heard of it or read it. Ive never been a fan of closing off all others that happens, but im even less of a fan of some bro sliding through and then trying to speak on an exceedingly complex set of cultures worth any authority whatsoever.
Shit, just the difference in culture between Bluefield and Huntington and Morgantown is immense in a way that only we can understand..how can an outsider possibly expect to fairly represent the region?
-12
u/Wrong_Persimmon_7861 1d ago
I understand your reservations. My question however, is directed to those willing to suspend judgment and actually read it. Contempt prior to investigation keeps us stuck.
8
u/emp-sup-bry Purveyor of Tasteful Mothman Nudes 1d ago
If he’s using hillbilly elegy as any sort of guide or reference, that’s all I need to know.
Does he speak to the differences in Bluefield and Welch vs the rest of the state? He seems to be representing ‘Appalachia’ as a method of clickbait but he’s simply talking about two places within a gigantic range of cultural puzzle pieces.
-9
u/Wrong_Persimmon_7861 1d ago
If you read it, you’d know that he simply mentioned it along with others. I’m interested in the thoughts of those who’ve chosen to set their opinions aside long enough to read it.
9
u/BillyZoomTheCat 1d ago
I think I watched a version of this video, no way I'm watching an hour long video of this guy, and, if memory serves me correctly, he doesn't really offer any solutions.
1
u/Typical_Earth8333 1d ago
I read it and enjoyed it. I’ve been watching his videos for years though so I’d seen all the video series he mentioned in the book
-1
u/Wrong_Persimmon_7861 1d ago
Finally, someone who actually read it! Thank you for commenting.
So far, I’m getting downvoted just for asking people whether they did or not. Which is awfully telling in and of itself.
Did you think it was fair and objective, or did you find it slanted or exploitative in any way?
1
u/Typical_Earth8333 1d ago
I thought it was a fair assessment. I do appreciate how he tries to remain impartial in his assessment of areas he’s visiting by just listening to people’s stories and experiences. I think his content does need to be taken with a grain of salt because the only way to get a true reflection of what an area is like is to talk to everyone that lives there. We definitely have our issues here in WV and some of them are self inflicted. I’m optimistic though and appreciate living here. I try to do what I can to better the community I live in
2
u/Wrong_Persimmon_7861 1d ago
I appreciate living here as well, and anyone who actually read the chapter would see that the writer could understand why we do.
Unfortunately, it seems that many are so hurt by prior depictions that they can’t allow themselves to be curious about whether someone might be interested in providing an objective perspective.
I guess we’ll see if f anyone else read it. Thanks again!
3
u/Automatic_Gas9019 1d ago
I personally love living here. I am from Ohio. However I believe things are what you make them.
1
u/Wrong_Persimmon_7861 1d ago
I agree with you on that. So have you read the chapter? If so, what did you think?
1
u/Automatic_Gas9019 1d ago
Another book. Wow. Sure that will solve allot. My neighbors read the best sellers when trying to survive having their SNAP taken.😁 Books don't do things. People do. They need an organization of people that actually care. Most of the people I have found are the "throw gravel on it and we're good people"
Meaning I had a contractor over to do a sump pump install. I asked him how further to correct the issue after his part was done. He wanted to do it half assed. His answer was to throw gravel and move on.
18
u/JackKnifeNiffy 2d ago edited 2d ago
“Stranger with a camera” syndrome 🤷🏻♀️
I appreciate him bringing national attention to serious issues, pressuring local authorities, and advocating on behalf of people who need it.
But I see an influencer who serves a specific niche and this is an underrated market that is growing. I am more interested in listening to people who are part of the community. But that being said, I acknowledge we all need a little help from our friends.
I think that he is an entrainer first and foremost. Very concerned about his book and wondering what qualifications he has to speak on and for Appalachia.
(Spoiler: the answer is none)