Filmmakers Interview Southerners In The Car! 1960s Southern Lifestyles Explored

This type of filmmaking where you introduce the crew who is behind the camera to the viewing TV audience was amazingly creative television back in 1964 when this was made. As a veteran doc filmmaker this clip made me smile because in 1964, I was making my early documentaries and stuck myself in them, which was seen at the time is unacceptable. The documentary filmmaker was supposed to be nonexistent but in fact, we all knew that the crews behind the cameras influenced what happened in front of them. These filmmakers presented it more like it really was. As for southern lifestyle, the Southern United States was and still is known for its culture, customs and ways of life. The common themes associated with the term “Southern Culture“ back in the 1960s and today include: Southern Hospitality: This refers to the tradition of warm, welcoming and generous behavior towards guests or strangers. It was seen in everything from inviting new neighbors over for dinner to the helpfulness locals might show to visitors. Southern hospitality extends to manners and etiquette as well with an emphasis on politeness, respect for elders and graciousness. Food and Cuisine: Southern cuisine has a rich and diverse tradition, with dishes like fried chicken, barbecue, grits, collard greens, biscuits, and pecan pie playing central roles. Food is often a centerpiece of social gatherings and is deeply tied to Southern culture and hospitality. Religion: The South is often referred to as the “Bible Belt“ due to the strong influence of Christian, particularly Protestant, beliefs and values. Church attendance was and remains high, and religious beliefs often play a significant role in community life and personal identity. Music and Entertainment: Southern culture has a strong musical tradition, including blues, jazz, country, bluegrass, and rock and roll. In the 1960s and 70s, cities like Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans were significant centers of music production and performance. Rural & Agrarian Lifestyle: While the South had (and has) urban centers, in the 60s and 70s, it was still more rural compared to other parts of the United States. Many Southern families had connections to farming, and a slower, rural lifestyle was (and in many areas, still is) common. History and Tradition: Southern culture is deeply tied to its history, with traditions, heritage, and historical events playing a significant role in shaping Southern identity. The experiences that Black Americans had in the South during the 1960s was very different from what I have listed above. Their experience was significantly influenced by the racial segregation and systemic discrimination that were rampant at the time. Here are some aspects of southern life that Black Americans experienced: Segregation: The most significant and widespread aspect was racial segregation, often referred to as “Jim Crow“ laws. Public facilities were racially separated, including schools, restaurants, hospitals, and even public transportation. “White Only“ and “Colored“ signs were common, designating where Black people were allowed to go. Voting Rights: Black citizens were systematically denied the right to vote through practices such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and outright intimidation. This exclusion from the political process reinforced and preserved segregation and inequality. Education: Because of segregation, Black children were often relegated to poorly funded schools with fewer resources than schools for White children. This educational disparity created a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities for upward mobility. Work Opportunities: Job opportunities were severely limited for Black Americans. Many were restricted to low-paying jobs, often in manual labor. Institutionalized discrimination meant that it was extremely hard for Black people to find work outside of these roles. Housing Discrimination: Black people were often confined to living in specific, usually under-resourced neighborhoods known as ghettos due to housing discrimination practices such as redlining. Racial Violence and Police Brutality: Violence against Black Americans was a harsh reality of life in the South in the 1960s. Many Black people lived under the constant threat of racial violence, including police brutality and hate crimes by white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan. Despite the systemic discrimination and violent oppression, Black communities in the South had strong bonds and developed rich cultural traditions that provided a sense of solidarity, resilience, and resistance. The Black church, in particular, served as a center of community life and a hub for civil rights activities.