Appalachian Studies Conference to be Held in W.Va.
Written by Jason Keeling on February 28, 2008
The 31st annual Appalachian Studies Conference will be held March 28-30 on the campus of Marshall University. Scholars and citizens from across the region will discuss activism, arts, diversity, economy & power, education, film, identity, and history.
The conference program features over 100 concurrent sessions, such as “Appalachian Identity: Existence, History & Communications,” “Women & Appalachia,” and “Appalachian Culture: Beyond the Beverly Hillbillies.” The Appalachian Studies Association was founded “to foster quality of life, democratic participation and appreciation of Appalachian experiences regionally, nationally and internationally.”
The importance of having further such discussions was illustrated this week, when Hollywood casting agent Donna Belajac requested extras for the upcoming horror film “Shelter,” which features a “West Virginia holler” setting. “Some of these ‘holler’ people — because they are insular and clannish, and they don’t leave their area — there is literally inbreeding, and the people there often have a different kind of look. That’s what we’re trying to get,” said Belajac.
Those who seek to portray a worthwhile Appalachian image face a continual battle, but venues such as the Appalachian Studies Conference provide an excellent place to learn strategies and gain perspective.
Posted in Culture, Education, Media, West Virginia
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February 28th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
It’s funny because I live in West Virginia, but I’ve never seen these so-called ‘holler’ people. I have a feeling they exist in the minds of everyone, permeated through visions of Jesco White the “Dancin’ Outlaw,” “Deliverance,” “Silent Hill” and–coming soon to a theater near you–”Shelter.”
Theater defines culture, as does music, painting, clothing, agriculture…you get the point. Unfortunately, it seems like theater has not been kind to West Virginia’s culture. Sure, there are great movies connected to our great state: “Matewan,” “October Sky,” “A Beautiful Mind,” “Patch Adams,” the list goes on…but, the movies West Virginians are most remembered for are the ones they would like people to forget. I think the saying, “you’re remembered more for your mistakes than for your successes” holds true. We as West Virginians are being held responsible for the incestuous activity amongst uneducated, impoverished hillbillies of Appalachian history. However, this treatment is unfair, inaccurate, and reflects the immaturity and lack of educational presence that exists in today’s filming industry and abroad. We are a nation of pop songs, chick flicks, shock jocks, and reality TV. We thrive off fear, sex, and consumerism. We encourage stereotypes. We encourage lies.
Ahhh…so how do we fix this problem? Simple. Open the doors. We have to do what we can as West Virginians to spread the word that we are educated, driven, and foreign to any incestuous activity…lol. “We are not Hillbillies! See. Our state is beautiful, and our residents…normal.”
wvtourism.com has a list of movies connected to WV.
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April 1st, 2008 at 6:43 am
I hope to read a follow up report on the Appalachian Studies Conference. Wish I could have attended. At least provide a link if photos and summaries are available. Thanks.