Those who don’t live in The Natural State will never fully understand what living in Arkansas is really like. However, that hasn’t stopped outsiders from conjuring up an array of stereotypes about Arkansasans. It turns out, though, that some of the purported stereotypes about Arkansasans are not stereotypes at all. Instead, they are very true observations. Not so sure? Read on for some true stereotypes about Arkansasans that we should all just accept as fact.
- Most Arkansasans’ first words are, “Go hogs.”
Thomas Hawk/Flickr Hey, it’s never too early to proclaim allegiance to the almighty Razorbacks.
- Don’t assume Arkansasans’ hospitality for weakness. Folks in Arkansas are tough as nails.
Eric Friedbach/Flickr The Natural State has one of the highest poverty rates in the U.S.; however, things are looking up, as Arkansas is home to several Fortune 500 Companies. And though Arkansasans, like most southerners, are often labeled as “uneducated hicks,” that couldn’t be further from the truth. Great strides have been made to improve public education in Arkansas, earning the state school system high praise from national education associations.
- Arkansasans do, in fact, celebrate the first day of deer season.
M&R Glasgow/Flickr Sure, deer isn’t the only game in town. However, there’s no denying that the first day of deer season is a huge, much-anticipated annual milestone for many.
- Everyone in Arkansas works for Wal-Mart.
Walmart/Flickr Ok, so this might be a bit of an exaggeration. However, a lot of residents do work for the mega retailer. In fact, it’s one of the state’s largest employers.
- Overalls are appropriate for any occasion.
galyce/Flickr The one-piece garment is a staple in Arkansas. Most even have a go-to brand. Dickies, Big Smith, and Carhartt’s are some of the most well-known names.
- Arkansas has three main food groups: catfish, BBQ, and sweet tea.
Jeff/Flickr As a southern state, it should come as no surprise that Arkansasans like their catfish fried, their BBQ tender, and their tea sweet.
- As far as condiments go, ranch dressing reigns supreme.
Mike Mozart/Flickr In some states, ranch is reserved for salads. Luckily, Arkansas isn’t one of those states. The creamy dressing is used on everything from pizza to fried pickles.
- Arkansasans have their very own language.
United States Armed Forces/Wikimedia Anyone who’s lived in The Natural State long enough is definitely familiar with Arkansasisms – you know, the colorful sayings that gained national attention when Bill Clinton was president, such as, “You gotta throw the corn where the hogs can get to it."
- All Arkansasans are moonshiners and rum runners.
Rod Waddington/Flickr Just kidding; however, most have relatives who once participated in the illegal production or transportation of booze, making for some good stories at family gatherings.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
Hey, it’s never too early to proclaim allegiance to the almighty Razorbacks.
Eric Friedbach/Flickr
The Natural State has one of the highest poverty rates in the U.S.; however, things are looking up, as Arkansas is home to several Fortune 500 Companies. And though Arkansasans, like most southerners, are often labeled as “uneducated hicks,” that couldn’t be further from the truth. Great strides have been made to improve public education in Arkansas, earning the state school system high praise from national education associations.
M&R Glasgow/Flickr
Sure, deer isn’t the only game in town. However, there’s no denying that the first day of deer season is a huge, much-anticipated annual milestone for many.
Walmart/Flickr
Ok, so this might be a bit of an exaggeration. However, a lot of residents do work for the mega retailer. In fact, it’s one of the state’s largest employers.
galyce/Flickr
The one-piece garment is a staple in Arkansas. Most even have a go-to brand. Dickies, Big Smith, and Carhartt’s are some of the most well-known names.
Jeff/Flickr
As a southern state, it should come as no surprise that Arkansasans like their catfish fried, their BBQ tender, and their tea sweet.
Mike Mozart/Flickr
In some states, ranch is reserved for salads. Luckily, Arkansas isn’t one of those states. The creamy dressing is used on everything from pizza to fried pickles.
United States Armed Forces/Wikimedia
Anyone who’s lived in The Natural State long enough is definitely familiar with Arkansasisms – you know, the colorful sayings that gained national attention when Bill Clinton was president, such as, “You gotta throw the corn where the hogs can get to it."
Rod Waddington/Flickr
Just kidding; however, most have relatives who once participated in the illegal production or transportation of booze, making for some good stories at family gatherings.
So, do you agree? Should Arkansasans just accept these stereotypes as fact? What are some other stereotypes about people in Arkansas? Tell us!
Can’t get enough Arkansas? Then you’ll want to check out these strange food combinations that only people in Arkansas love.
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