heliocentric
Registered Senior Member
In this brilliantly argued book, Professor Nisbett and coauthor Cohen explore the reasons behind the higher rate for homicides among whites in the southern United States. They discover that it isn't socioeconomic class, population density, the legacy of slavery, or the heat of the South; it is the traditional "culture of honor"—in which a man's reputation is seen as central to his economic survival—that makes the difference.In this culture, insult more easily leads to aggressive defense of honor, and the agression more often leads to violence.
The reason? A "culture of honor." Unlike the North, which was settled by farmers from England, Holland, and Germany, the South was settled by herdsmen from the fringes of Britain. Herdsmen the world over tend to be capable of great aggressiveness and violence because their wealth, their primary economic resource—animals—are so easily stolen. And because the South's low population densities have always meant that the state was less able to enforce compliance with the law and citizens have had to create their own system of order. Finally, unchallenged insults give the impression that you can't protect your family or property.
http://leighbureau.com/speaker_documents.asp?view=book&id=331
Its an interesting book, ive not read all of it but what i have read is backed up by empirical research and makes a hell of alot of sense.
The central premise (if you hadnt already guessed) is that southern states still carry with them a strong 'herdsmen' mentality, where swift judgements and violent punishment is a necessity of life.
The problem is, herding communities within the south are now comparitively sparse, but the old 'no nosense' attitude seems to have stuck around despite of this.
Will future generations carry the same attitude with them do you think? Would be interesting to hear some southern peeps views on this.
The reason? A "culture of honor." Unlike the North, which was settled by farmers from England, Holland, and Germany, the South was settled by herdsmen from the fringes of Britain. Herdsmen the world over tend to be capable of great aggressiveness and violence because their wealth, their primary economic resource—animals—are so easily stolen. And because the South's low population densities have always meant that the state was less able to enforce compliance with the law and citizens have had to create their own system of order. Finally, unchallenged insults give the impression that you can't protect your family or property.
http://leighbureau.com/speaker_documents.asp?view=book&id=331
Its an interesting book, ive not read all of it but what i have read is backed up by empirical research and makes a hell of alot of sense.
The central premise (if you hadnt already guessed) is that southern states still carry with them a strong 'herdsmen' mentality, where swift judgements and violent punishment is a necessity of life.
The problem is, herding communities within the south are now comparitively sparse, but the old 'no nosense' attitude seems to have stuck around despite of this.
Will future generations carry the same attitude with them do you think? Would be interesting to hear some southern peeps views on this.
