What would you like the world to know about the REAL Appalachia?

If possible, what one thing would your want the world to know about the REAL Appalachia as opposed to what the media chooses to portray about the area?

I would like everyone to know that having a slow, southern Appalachian accent does not mean the speaker is automatically ignorant or uneducated. Making fun of the way I speak is a surefire way of getting my dander up. I don't think there is many things more beautiful than hearing an educated southerner speak.

What would you like the world to know? Please let me know in the comment section below. I'm working on a future blog post and would love to share some of your responses!