system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
I can't shake the stereotype that the American South is still filled with racism and backwardness. CMV

First off, I absolutely know this view is wrong; I have visited a few places in the south, have relatives who live there, friends from that region I love and appreciate, etc, and I do NOT mean to offend anyone or slam anyone, so I'm sorry if I have, but I can't help that every time I think of the south I associate it with racism, homophobia, extreme conservatism, and general backwardness and lack of education. Heck, I almost offend myself with how this stereotype still pops up in my head. I think it is a result of how negatively the south has been portrayed in history (Civil War, reconstruction, Jim Crow, etc.). Logically, I know it's wrong, but I'm looking for some people to help me change my gut reaction to the south. Thanks in advance!
gpt
Stop thinking North vs South and start thinking Urban vs Rural. Major urban centers are generally more progressive in every way than rural areas. It's just when you think of the north you think of NYC, and when you think of the south you think rolling Alabama cornfields. Think of Atlanta instead.