Living in Sydney with an American accent gets the question “where are you from?” asked of me quite often.  Oh, if only I had a nickel for every blank stare I got with “South Carolina” as my response and another dime for every time someone asks “is that near New York?”  Anyway, nevermind.  Since about 1860 or so, SC has managed to stay out of the news and under the radar.  Other than Strom Thurmond with that whole “Dixiecrat” thing and the occassional West Wing reference, ¹ South Carolina is quite solidly one of the most obscure states in the continental U.S. 

Though recently, my native folk seem to be cropping up a bit more often.  I mean, if we’re getting the news down here, it has to be pretty big deal.  You may remember that guy who asked for directions after knocking over a bank, but most certainly you remember Miss Teen South Carolina.  ”Uh, some Americans don’t have maps?”

Congrats SC, you’ve done it again.  This time with First Family connections.  In a “shocking” article it reveals that Michelle Obama can trace her ancestery back to slavery.   Though, really, is it that much of a shock.  Can’t most of African-American’s do that?  It was sorta popular, back in the day.  Yet, of course, because South Carolina just can’t catch a break, of course the Pre-bama, came from a plantation owned from some hillbilly from the first state out to say “I’m outta here” when it came time to give up said slave.  That’s right.  My old stomping grounds, and when I mention this to people, it’s like I held Michelle Obama, wife of the man who will save the world, personally in the chains of slavery.

I think it’s cool that Mrs. President has roots in my home state.  At least someone besides me does, however it seems a bit arbitrary at this point to bring up the slave thing.  Before I get carried off in the heat of racism or something, I want to make clear that I’m not flippant about slavery and the past, it’s a part of our history and is definitely something that still effects the lives of  so many Americans.   So.  Is it because it’s Black History month?  Is it an awareness thing?  Does the fact that Michelle Obama visited her family’s former plantation matter?  Does it have any bearing on anything relevent?  Is it just a stunt?  Or is it a conspiracy to keep the great state of South Carolina in it’s place?

I don’t know.  I just don’t.  You tell me. 

But until then:

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