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On-Air 'Southern Belle' explores spirit of rebellion still alive in the South
Tuesday, 19 July 2011 12:24

'Southern Belle' explores spirit of rebellion still alive in the South

Written by  witf

Although the Civil War ended 145 years ago, the spirit of rebellion lives on in the South, even in something as innocent as a summer camp. "Southern Belle" takes an insider's look at the 1861 Athenaeum Girls' School in Columbia, Tenn., where the antebellum South attempts to rise again.

Every summer, young women ages 14 to 18 eagerly sign up to transform themselves into the iconic and romantic image of Southern identity, the Southern belle, receiving instruction in etiquette, penmanship, art, music, dance and social graces.

For the first time, cameras closely shadow the students and teachers during this intensive week of historical reenactment, which culminates in a ball attended by the Jackson Cadets, the male equivalent of the 1861 Athenaeum Girls.

Is the camp a self-esteem-building, living-history experience or does it ultimately reinforce present-day divisions of race, gender and geography? "Southern Belle" explores these complicated questions and helps to illuminate the issues that continue to define and divide the United States today. The film challenges us to consider how a romantic portrayal of the past can affect current attitudes on race and gender.

Tune in at 8 p.m. EST tonight to watch this indie film. Done mostly in the style of cinema verite, this film promises to be thought provoking, so join us back here afterward to post your thoughts in the comments section below.

comments  

 
# Megan 2011-07-28 23:23
I am currently watching the show on WTCI. It is quite interesting to say the least. While I am intrigued by the manners, clothing, dance, and sewing I am quite turned into a depressing attitude due to some of the commentary by the people on the show. Truly it is just my own opinion against southern traditions and they may do as they wish, but I know that I would never send my daughter in to do that or myself...unless if I was properly able to prepare myself for combating against young ladies that I have nothing in common with.
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# Ginger 2011-08-16 19:28
What a great show. I found the program very informative. The comments on the political issues where coming from that time. I myself have decided to go for the Ladies Weekend hoping to obtain some of the social graces that are truly lacking in today's society.
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# Rachel 2011-10-25 21:34
I haven't watched this yet, but I did attend the camp. I have to say that darker points that the summary hints at didn't even exist in the slightest at camp. The camp was all about the typical girl's education of the 1860s and about how you were expected to behave as a young lady in the 1860s. That's it end of story. It was an amazing week of fun, pretty dresses and wonderful people who I will never forget.
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# Savannah 2011-11-21 01:02
you say you attended the camp? please, how did you apply to attend? i am so interested in it but i have no idea how to sighn up for it. i realy hope you reply to this. thank you!
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