For the longest time now, I have been fed up with people talking about how bad it is in Mississippi. People call Mississippians everything from racist, ignorant bigots to backwards hicks. The rest of the country constantly looks down on us. So, here’s my message to the rest of the world: QUIT HATING THE SOUTH!

Mississippi bears the burden of a tortured past, but that burden should not be ours to bear alone. The rest of the country wants to belittle us for our past, but I think its time to see how Mississippi’s history compares to the rest of the country.

First, let’s talk about the origins of this country. We hold the view that this country was settled by great patriots who came here to escape the tyranny of the English government. But if you look at it, the picture isn’t so pretty. The ones who came for so-called religious freedom were likely kicked out of England for being what we would call cults today. Others that came to America were prisoners who were too crazed or deadly to keep in England. And the largest majority of settlers were gold hunters and soldiers hired for protection.

Once these people were here, they began to subject the natives, forcing conversion, expulsion or death. From burning entire villages to smallpox blankets, entire indigenous populations were wiped out for little more than the prospect of riches. So to recap, we are the descendants of religious fanatics, criminals, treasure hunters, mercenaries and slaves that came to a foreign country to raid and pillage; people who performed a genocide on the indigenous people who had settled this land hundreds of years before. Sounds like pretty decent people, huh?

Oh, and let’s not forget about slavery. Mississippi, as with the rest of the South, stuck to the slavery system in the antebellum period, while the rest of the country “progressed.” But, let’s look at this progression. Besides there still being slavery in the Western territories, Northern states made life miserable for many. Many states would whip free blacks if they entered the states, and once the free blacks were there, legislation was in place to make their lives deplorable. Some states would not even allow blacks in at all. Many slaves chose to remain in bondage rather than escape to the North.

Let’s not forget the mistreatment of Irish immigrants in the North, as well as the mass murder of Native Americans in pursuit of Western land. Even the “Great Liberator,” Abraham Lincoln, is quoted to have said that he would allow slavery if it kept the Union together. Slavery was an American institution, not just a Southern one. And while Jim Crow blossomed here in those years following the Civil War, we cannot ignore that oppression existed all over the country. There were segregated communities and schools in the Northern states. Northern work unions deprived blacks of job opportunities.

And while everyone knows of the lynchings in the South, no one ever talks about the race riots and beatings in the North. And let’s not forget about the Japanese detainment camps during World War II. No one area of the country should hold the singular title of “villain.” Everyone has committed their crimes.

I could go on with a description of the terrible injustices perpetrated by the historical figures that we hold in such high regard, but my point has been proven.

This entire country has a history filled with turmoil, and no area is more guilty or despicable than any other area. No one wants to be held accountable for the actions of their father. So why do the people of Mississippi bear the burdens of the mistakes of our ancestors? We should not be bound by history’s missteps.

History is not black or white. No one talks about the positive contributions Mississippi has made. The 4H Club, which helps young people all over the world, was founded here. The first heart and lung transplants were made here.

Mississippi is the birthplace of many people who have changed the world. B.B. King, Oprah Winfrey, Brett Favre, Morgan Freeman and many other history-making individuals have their roots right here in the Magnolia State. My personal favorite is Jim Henson. Muppets are awesome! Sure, Mississippi has a past filled with injustice and strife, but like the prodigal son, we have repented from our old ways and only seek to better ourselves. We have embraced our tortured past and acknowledge those mistakes to make a brighter future for everyone whether they are black, white, pink or purple. It is time the rest of the nation and the world accepted us not as the black sheep, but as a brother. So please, quit hating the South because that judgmental door swings both ways.