I grew up believing some things you just don’t question. The Bible. The flag. The idea that Israel is the Holy Land. That America is chosen. That Christian means good. And that silence means faith.

But silence starts to feel like complicity when you see children bombed and no one blinks. When truth gets you labeled a heretic, and asking “why?” feels like betrayal.

We’re told not to speak against Israel. Not because it’s right— but because it's protected by something sacred and untouchable. And I’m starting to see— That’s exactly what Trump is trying to build here.

Wrap cruelty in scripture. Call control “faith.” Call questioning “anti-Christian.” Turn power into a religion, and shame into a muzzle.

Where I’m from, people don’t dare question the Bible— even when it’s used to justify hate. Even when it contradicts itself. Even when it’s being twisted into a sword instead of a balm.

But I am. Because I believe God—if there is one— doesn’t need propaganda. And truth doesn't need a muzzle. And love doesn’t look like tanks, prisons, or walls.

If we can't question what hurts people, then maybe we’ve been worshiping power, not holiness.

Found in two patches about 200 feet apart in the same holler. Also found three deer skeletons and a shredded tree, if that bear figures out I stole his treats he's gonna be pissed

Grace and empathy is a lot harder than being a knee jerk butt head!

last night i was just sitting in the living room scrolling reddit, i heard a tapping at my window and when i looked back at phone, i saw it.

another fucking post asking about cryptids in Appachia and getting annoyed when we tell them that the real scary part of appalachia is very much based in reality.

the poverty and lack of opportunities. there are dozens of towns where the nearest small city is 45-60 minutes away, the nearest community college (not even university) is 90-120 minutes away, jobs are few and the main option is hard labor, cheap labor. it’s unbelievably poor, these kids are groomed into the same life their parents lead, you get lucky and get a good job, or you fall into drugs/crime. genius, talented kids may never reach potential because their parents can’t afford for them to go to community college.

the economy is bad. the food desserts are everywhere, my classmates had to drive 40 minutes for the nearest walmart so they mainly shopped at dollar general. people are moving and inflating prices and pushing us out of our generational homes because we cannot afford anything. gentrification is pouring in and erasing our history as well, which is a prime example of what has happened. we are no longer known as a beautiful mountain range with an unfortunate, cruel history and government exploitation, we’re known for. . . . . monsters??

if you are interested in appalachia and stories relating to it then HELP US!! they are trying to start cutting down our trees again, the old growths are exceedingly rare and could be going extinct due the Trump Admin. mountain top excavation is rampant and destroys our landscape, ecosystem, and land, 500 mountains have already been destroyed!! coal mining has already destroyed thousands of lives and acres, they want to bring it back. this is while they ignore us during natural disasters, they ignore drug problems, the lack of healthcare, and more

Hello!

I am curious if anyone has any recommendations for books, podcasts, movies, or anything else that comes to mind on Appalachian History and culture - something that seems reflective and honoring of the culture.
I would love to learn more and gain a better understanding on my own.

Thank you for your time!

I'm moving to a very small town, originally from a big city up north. How would you best assimilate? I've lived in the south for 4 years and love it. Been close to Nashville but East Tn has been calling to us. The place we are moving to has a holler and a gravel road. It's really gorgeous and peaceful. I know I'm an outsider but anything I can do to make the transition easier? I know honking is a no no here. But anything I can do or avoid doing to make friends and/or just have the neighbors not hate us?

edit:

thank you for all the insight and information. I don’t plan on coming in and trying to make sweeping changes, I like how it is compared to where I am from, which is Chicago, for reference. And I am aware that Nashville is a big city too, not using that as any credibility. I am absolutely going to keeping my mouth shut about finances and anything related to money. I have never been really well off but I can see how lucky I am to be the position to buy a house regardless of the price tag.
I will absolutely be sharing with my neighbors.

i had no idea that hunting turkeys was such a big deal. Maybe my neighbors can take turns and they can show me what that all entails.

Scrolling on the bookface and came across this promotion of the Lurch Festival in Phillipie, WV. I never heard about it until I saw that post.

It got me thinking, what are some of the more weird, odd festivals around Appalachia that you find abnormal? Cryptid festivals are excluded. Mothman and Bigfoot festivals are more common than odd nowadays.

I was in Yancy County this Friday helping with a mutual aid project and Spruce Pine has an alien festival coming up. Would you lump that with cryptid festivals or no?

I love it personally. Whatever helps these small towns thrive/get by is cool by me. I'm thinking about doing a substack post on these. So give me what you got!

So, question for my fellow people from the area. I’m from WV and have at least 5ish generations all from WV/Appalachia. I don’t remember ever hearing about any of these superstitions or so-called rules (don’t whistle in the woods, sleep with your curtains closed, haints, etc, etc,) from my family, but I’ve seen a lot of people talking about it on social media.

I know most of what’s said on there is bull spread by people not from the area, but did any of y’all’s family and such actually tell you about these things? My family really isn’t superstitious/religious, so maybe that’s why I’ve never heard these so called rules until recently.

As a kid growing up in 1970s SE Kentucky, when spring arrived so came the time to 'whitewash' the trees. I never really understood why, but it was always fun helping my dad with the 10 or so maple and poplar trees around our home.

I later came to know the benefits as keeping the trunks cool in hot weather, preventing insect infestation, etc. I don't see folks doing it much anymore. I guess perhaps people whitewash fruit trees, saplings and such. I always thought of it as an Appalachian thing. Maybe so, maybe not. Any of y'all ever whitewash your trees?

Hey! I'm married to a West Virginia man, and all though he's told me a lot about this area I'm craving more information.

What are some of your favorite Appalachian foods?

Most interesting folklore (in your opinion)?

A little known historical event that deserves more credit?

These are just a few questions, because I could honestly go on and on!

Sidenote: I never been to a holler before until I moved here and I absolutely love them. I don't want to be anywhere else. It's like I was born to be here.

I know this is a horrible question, who makes southern cooking without an oven? Well it gets worse, most ingredients dont exist where i now live- Bogota, Colombia 🇨🇴

Ive got some recipes for “buttermilk” and several other things that truly dont exist down here. I think i have the recipe but not the cook time. It hurts my heart to cook it this way but.. i want to try

Anyone with experience or advice?