It's great to bask in our "Southernness" ("notoriety" to others) -- but why present it to the nation in such a manner that implies an apologetic effort to respond to and counter South-bashing by those who you wish to impress?

They already know all of this that's portrayed -- it's what "eats" at them -- it's the cause of their deep-rooted inferiority complex that demands a need to attempt to elevate themselves in our presence to a relative social and cultural status -- never achievable -- absent any heritage of their own--

The military service which throws you into the national melting pot of those from every corner (more memorably the Yankees & left coasters), will teach you that a Southerner NEVER takes a defensive posture in response to South-bashing -- but agrees whole-heartedly with their "redneck rhetoric" and suggests that it's probably no place a non-Southerner to ever want to live -- "you jes have to be Southern to understand" --

So -- In advertising, why not portray our Southern earthiness, contentment, hospitality and true disposition that emanates a need for ne’er a hint of apology nor of excuse --

The proposed ad, as depicted, is truly awesome with its offerings of a sense of Mississippi. However, I feel that it would portray our heritage and way-of-life more accurately by eliminating the apologetic tone accompanying some offerings and include those multi-cultural, laid-back and down-to-earth qualities that also identify a Mississippian -- yes -- monster trucks, hog kiln, tractor pulls, coon-on-a-log, hometowns and many other less "politically correct" offerings ---

Don't attempt to "sanitize" Mississippi -- it appears an effort to beg to be thrown a morsel --

To our children, it suggests an embarrassment of our "earthy" heritage --

Pardon my seeming histrionics but don't discount them as simplistic   --   there are those  within the highest hierarchy of industry, art and media out there who adamantly fear and detest the thought that Southerners are comfortable in their skin  --  that's why any ad promoting Mississippi arriving in some sectors will be looked upon with apprehension  --  and that's why this type ad should portray a "down-to-earth" Mississippi with no compunction   --

I realize that some of the old Mississippi customs could easily be forgotten by those who've migrated to the asphalt jungles of Jackson -- heh ---- but -- work on it -- will ya?

GO MISSISSIPPI!!!