The American South: A Burgeoning Economy

America’s southern states throughout history have been associated with images of violence, backwardness, and racism. However, the picture of this region today is dramatically different as discussed in The Economist’s recent article “Goodbye to the Blues.” In this special report, the author traverses the history of the American South and delineates the Civil War as the pivot of the region’s dramatic change.

Before this conflict, the south was plagued by low average incomes, few industries besides agriculture, and slavery. After the conflict, none of these problems immediately disappeared. However, slavery was eventually abolished, new industries grew, and incomes began to rise into the twentieth century. Throughout this entire time period, violence was ever present. However, what the past has taught is that

“non-violence works, both in that narrow sense and in a broader one. An economic system based on free labor and free exchange is far more dynamic and adaptable than a system based on coercion. And a political system that heeds all voices is far more stable than one that heeds some and seeks to silence the rest.”

The article’s examples of individuals who have profited from the fruits of this new economy are particularly interesting. Their voices are positive and give hope to the future of these southern states.

“Last May, Matthews's granddaughter, Katrice Mines, joined the southward surge of young black professionals and moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Over a lunch of chicken with peaches, crushed walnuts and snap peas, Ms Mines admits that, before she moved, she was somewhat afraid of the South. But she quickly found a job, as an associate editor of the Atlanta Tribune, a black business magazine. Up north in Sandusky, Ohio, she had felt her talents were untapped. Down South, she feels more optimistic. Atlanta is majority-black. It is also rich, with more Fortune 500 headquarters than any other American city bar New York and Houston. “There are so many African-Americans in powerful positions,” says Ms Mines. “You can get your foot in the door.”

While Hurricane Katrina focused national attention on the many problems in New Orleans, one needs not look very far to see a renaissance of sorts occurring throughout the rest of the state and its border states. How the South’s success affects its culture, politics, and economy should thus prove to be very fascinating.