Americas Forgotten People

Appalachia, Americas Forgotten People

Abstract

The content of this paper doesn’t represent the entire Appalachian population. However it does expose an overwhelming epidemic of poverty and substance abuse that has plagued this region and needs to be addressed. The documentary I gathered my information from was a 20/20 episode conducted by correspondent Diane Sawyer who is a native of Kentucky. There was some controversy from the region of Appalachia from the residents proclaiming that they were being stereotyped, not all residents live like the ones depicted in the documentary. That is true however it is and has been a part of their culture; some are more dramatically impacted than others. The second part of the paper describes what made me who I am today, the choices that determine that and the environment and culture that was a part of. The Appalachian culture is fascinating to me because there is little distance separating Richmond from the mountains of Eastern Kentucky however the contrast is significant.

I chose the people of Appalachia because it is a culture that exists in the State where I reside however for such a short distance that separates us there is such a vast difference in the way we live. I watched a documentary called A Hidden America, hosted by Diane Sawyer and I was shocked at what I saw. I knew they faced more adversities than the Western side of the state but not to the degree that I discovered. So many different emotions were felt while viewing this film. Anger because these conditions exists, sorrow for the children that suffer from no fault of their own, frustration towards the parents addictions and pity for those that don’t seem to know any better. The stereotypes that exists for this region of the country are somewhat validated. Although poverty and drugs span throughout the entire country, the Appalachian area seems to be in despair with no hope or...