Gone With the Wind: Stereotypes and

Presence in Popular Culture

Popular Southern Stereotypes

The “Mammy” Figure• African American

woman• Worked and served in

white households happily

• Mother figure for children of plantations

• Powerful within household

Popular Mammy Images:

Mammy in Gone With the Wind

Real “Mammies”

• Rare• Unhappy• Raped by white

owners• Light-skinned/

daughter of rape• Powerless in the

household

The Southern Belle

• Southern hospitality and charm

• Balance of beauty and modesty

• Highest achievement of southern refinement and culture

• Prioritized marriage above all else

A Few Rules of Southern Belles:

• Never wear white shoes before Easter or after Labor Day except is if it is a bride.

• Thank you notes are a necessary component of being gracious and appreciative.

• Never chew gum or smoke on the street.• Never show anger in public. Smile and act like

a lady.• Act helpless and confused when it's to your

advantage; never let them know how clever and capable you really are...

• Charm, Charm, Charm.• Be elegant and graceful

The Southern Belle in Modern Film and Literature:

Gone With the Wind ‘s Presence in Popular Culture

Tourism

• Southern Belles and Whistles Tour Package

• Jonesboro, GA “Where heritage comes alive!”

• “Jonesboro brings to life a time of war, reconstruction, hospitality and true determination.”

Road to Tara Museum

Bulloch Hall

• Home of Teddy Roosevelt and Mittie Bulloch

• Inspiration for Tara plantation

Margaret Mitchell House Tour

• Atlanta, GA• Apartment in which

Gone With the Wind was written

Perceptions of the “Southern Belle”

Cathie Jung

“Windies”: die-hard Gone With the Wind fans

In Summary: