Mahlon, I thank you for trying to get some truth across in your teaching. I know how difficult it is to get past the instilled messages students have heard. As for name calling, it isn't personal. WE try to take that into account when our heritage is attacked but we still get labeled. The same Northern people who assume all Southern folk are ignorant slackers with a wad of chaw don't get it when they lump us. Most of us learned from our elders that damnYankee was one word. That is just how it is. We all know fine people who happen to be Yankee's but in general conversation don't remove them from the statement. Something we may need to correct but old habits die hard when talking to people who are, for the most part, in the same general designated 'Redneck' catagory as any other Southern born. Two way street here. May need a passing lane for some folks.
Pam