Stereotypes of Appalachian Women: Communication of Stereotypes Through Literature

• In Event: ICA Interactive Paper/Poster Session II
  In Interactive Poster Session: Feminist Scholarship Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

The stereotype of Appalachian women can hinder their communication abilities through fear of confirming behaviors, traits, or attitudes associated with that stereotype. These stereotypes are continually communicated to various audiences through different media channels, including works written by women of the area. The continued representation becomes problematic as the women of the region internalize the stereotype, which leads to the appearance in their works even if they do not agree with that representation. The worst of these stereotypes allow women of the area to be dehumanized and essentially become a caricature to be referenced as hillbilly or mountain women. Using a literary analysis of three short stories produced by recognizable female authors of the region, the stereotype is identified within their works and leads to the discussion of the potential consequences for communication, as well as what the appearance of this stereotype means for the women themselves.

Author

• Mikhail Renee Smith, The Ohio State University