You are seeking an understanding by asking questions which are totally irrelevant. Those things do not matter.
Its a simple matter of the idea-- If you do not understand it, I cannot explain it. That means its a learned understanding not an explainable idea.
Simply put, as a yankee yourself, you completely lack the basic Southern memory, culture, and respect for what it means to be Southern.
Move to the south and live here for 25 years with some level of willingness to learn. Despite you being a yankee that might let you learn and earn a glimmer of understanding.
And be sure to move to a place truly southern. Fairfax Va or Atlanta Ga and similar areas have been way too much yankafied. Try a place like Fitzgerald Ga or Alta Vista Va.
Nemo
BS flag thrown!!
what righteous crap is being flung...Lordy, do get over your high and mighty self boy, your attitude shows you are no where near a southern gent or you wouldn't be spouting off like you are, in public no less!!
nemo, et al., you are no more belonging to the "southern" cohort living in the heart of Dixie (where in the world that is) than immigrant from any country you pick who has lived here 25 years who considers themselves an heritage American!
WANTA-BE maybe, sure you can pick up the drawl, easy going life style, the hand flick wave as you pass others on the country roads...and while wishing all your might...won't make you a southerner!
you can empathize all you want to the stories regaled, rite good tell'n mind ya, as handed down bout uncle harry, aunt bertha, or poor cousin jacob who done lived for 2 years after the 'WAR' w/o his arm and half a leg and was in might bit of pain till he passed!
so get over trying to resurrect and sling your perception of what the south was and such, cuz like everything else, our life and such move on.
next ya will be regaling stories from your adventures the great civil rights crusade(s) where you were marching hand in hand with King, Abernathy, and the likes.