I'm not picking on you... but this is a great example of what I'm talking about. The exact thing you said is true of rural areas in any state, but because it's Alabama (or Kentucky, or whatever state you want to pick where perception is reality), people don't find it hard to believe.

I just got back from California... spent almost a week in the central valley. It's redder than red. But because of LA, SF, SD, the perception is the whole state is blue. In fact, the vast majority of rural residents of CA resent—even despise—the coastal cities and their voting propensities. In fact, I've never been more uncomfortable than when I traveled last year to rural Minnesota; my borrowed car had an Obama sticker on the back and more often than not I was not just asked, but confronted about it. I've never had that happen in Alabama.

This country is a very homogeneous culture... it's the same all over. The real divide is urban and rural, and it's true no matter where you are.

I'm from rural part of Georgia, and despite it being similiar to rural Bama, folks here are kinda open minded. Now we so gossip and you learn whats going on round town by going church.

That's true.

i always root for the crimson tide :thumbsup::nod:

I definitely don't feel like you are picking on me. :) I have been to a lot of states in the U.S. and I can agree (mostly) that people in rural areas tend to have a more narrow mindset.

Still, when I lived in KY, I knew plenty of people from rural areas and plenty of people who were Christians. It just seems that the people here in rural AL take Christianity Extremely Seriously. People expect everyone to be in a church every time the doors are opened. They can act very scary toward people who don't see religion the way they do.

We have that in common!

Totally agree with all of that...no question.

I'm really lucky in that I have lived in Birmingham for most of my life now, and while I am a Christian, I have a great, inclusive church. We even have used some Fleetwood Mac music from time to time (Don't Stop a lot, Landslide a couple of times).

Birmingham overall is a great town, having emerged from is racially divided past in a way that many notorious northern towns (Chicago and Boston come to mind) have yet to do. Like anywhere, we're not satisfied with where we are culturally, but we are close.

And really, besides all the BN connections here (and the relative ease of finding a copy of the album)... Birmingham is worth a visit just to eat. Some of the finest restaurants in the world here, from low-priced barbecue to fine dining. I've seen lists that put the city as the best or one of the best places to eat anywhere.

You have an interesting church with accepting members ! It's definitely a major difference from when my (now passed on) very religious mother in law complained to my mother over the phone that I had a picture of 'that witch' on my wall. The picture of 'that witch' was my poster from The Dance!! :lol:

I have only had the chance to visit Birmingham once, but it definitely looks like somewhere that I'd want to see more of!

A quick glance at the thread title made me think of the country super group Alabama .

As I remember Birmingham loved Stevie and Lindsey while they were there.

That's one of the few country bands I really like.

My mom is a Mega Fan of Alabama (music group). Lucky for her, I ended up living not far from their fan club and not far from where some of the band members live!

Now.....if only I could get my mom to move close to where Lindsey lives! :nod:

I only visited Birmingham, but that's where I learned that it's ok to insult anyone at all as long as you follow it with "Bless his heart" or "Bless her heart".