De-mystifying Appalachia Discussion Board by Cindy Jong https://padlet.com/cindymjong/l45r2mx832qx A space to post your thoughts, questions, and (respectfully) engage. en-us 2019-01-23 17:58:18 UTC 2025-10-22 16:42:08 UTC hello@padlet.com I remember seeing that CBS news clip on Berea when it aired and was thrilled that Kentucky was being shown in a positive light on a national level, for a change. cindymjong https://padlet.com/cindymjong/l45r2mx832qx/wish/327337671 2019-02-04 15:11:26 UTC https://padlet.com/cindymjong/l45r2mx832qx/wish/327337671 Yes, the coverage is generally unflattering. There are wonderful examples to be found of schools getting it right. https://padlet.com/cindymjong/l45r2mx832qx/wish/328991965 2019-02-07 21:18:55 UTC https://padlet.com/cindymjong/l45r2mx832qx/wish/328991965 https://padlet.com/cindymjong/l45r2mx832qx/wish/329070573 Most of the documentaries I have seen capitalize on the severest poverty they can find. I think this is misleading because although Appalachia struggles somewhat economically in places, the real image is not the voyeuristic shot of the "worst" places found while searching.]]> 2019-02-08 04:26:53 UTC https://padlet.com/cindymjong/l45r2mx832qx/wish/329070573 I agree – I remember being shocked and embarrassed upon seeing the "48 Hours" episode focusing on poverty in Appalachia. Poverty exists, but it is not the whole picture. My childhood and teenage years in southeast Kentucky were, I believe, a fairly unremarkable middle class existence. My mother was a teacher, father was a social worker. We weren't wealthy, but lived comfortably – our needs were met, and some of our wants. My best friend's father owned a successful business. Another close friend's father was an architect. Another's mom was an attorney. I also had friends whose families struggled. But we were all part of the region, which is often painted with one broad, rugged brush. https://padlet.com/cindymjong/l45r2mx832qx/wish/329247664 2019-02-08 15:36:33 UTC https://padlet.com/cindymjong/l45r2mx832qx/wish/329247664 It is concerning to see the rapid decline of communities whose economies were built around the coal industry. The shock waves from the precipitous loss of mining-related jobs have been jarring. Coal cannot last forever, and local economies must change, but it will not be a rapid change, as so much depends on available infrastructure. The communities deepest in the heart of coal country -- in the tallest mountains -- may also be the most costly in which to build that infrastructure (transportation, communication technology, and other support systems). It is good to see groups focusing on diversifying and building economies from the inside out -- but it will take time, and in the meantime it is understandable why there is a desire to hold onto mining jobs as long as possible. https://padlet.com/cindymjong/l45r2mx832qx/wish/329293021 2019-02-08 16:52:42 UTC https://padlet.com/cindymjong/l45r2mx832qx/wish/329293021