Meandering Thoughts of a Psychologist

My Facebook has been evenly divided regarding controversy over the confederate flag. I see the same arguments posted over and over again: Arguments that the flag is about states rights and Southern pride and alternatively that the flag represents hatred and racism. My view is that both are correct.  I had a really hard time in graduate school when I took my social psychology course. People in my class spoke of the South in such a negative way that I shut down completely and refused to even participate in the conversation. Someone spoke about attending a wedding in the South and leaving early because Dixieland Delight was played at the reception. They spoke about rednecks and uneducated people, and I could not understand how an educated group of people who are suppose to "appreciate diversity" could stereotype and judge an entire geographical region. The South to me represents a lot of things: fried chicken, sweet tea, church on Sunday, sun dresses, monogrammed bags, Southe...

When I was about 12 years old, I voiced in a Sunday school class that I never wanted to have children. At this point, I do not remember exactly my intention behind this comment, but the reply will stay with me forever. I was told that I was “selfish” and asked the question “what if my parents made that decision.” For a few moments, I thought this was a rhetorical question, but I soon realized my Sunday school classmates and the teacher were waiting on a reply. I think my eyes swelled a little with tears, and I just looked away. It was clear that within my faith and within my community, this was an unacceptable comment. My parents, however, gave me different feedback at home when I told them about the discussion. They both replied that parenthood, although wonderful is also very challenging, and that individuals should be absolutely certain that they want children before bringing them in this world. Despite their small town upbringing and the religious influence of our Southern Baptist ...