[Newsbreak] This Opinion article is part of a Narcity Media series. The views expressed are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.There’s a saying here in the Southern U.S. that can be found on some t-shirts in rural areas in Georgia, as well as in surrounding states. It goes: "American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God."
That’s just one of the many sayings you’ll see and hear if you visit the Southern states.
While I am originally from Israel, by virtue of the naturalization process I am now American. On top of my U.S. citizenship, I consider myself first and foremost Southern, having lived here for over four decades.
I have had the opportunity to travel throughout the United States, various nations in Europe and South America, as well as in the Middle East. I’ve also been lucky enough to call a few states my residence, including California, New York, and Washington, D.C.
At times, the Georgian suburbs of Atlanta in which I was raised seemed provincial in comparison with other countries and more populated cities in the Northeast of the country.
But over the last several years, I have come to love — and even miss when I’m away — some of the customs, mannerisms, history and cultures that are unique to my region in the U.S.
Now, here are some of the Southern things that still surprise me as an Atlanta local.
