For those of you who live in Mississippi, used to live in Mississippi, or simply wish you lived in Mississippi ... and especially for those of you who giggle at the mere mention of the name of Mississippi ... I'd like to share the following story.
A professional advertising/public relations firm in Mississippi, got tired of all the negativism and stereotyping aimed at our State from Hollywood and Madison Avenue. Donating their own time and money, they launched the Mississippi, Believe It! Campaign in 2005, by developing this collection of ads to be printed in the Wall Street Journal, USA TODAY, and other publications. Posters have been placed in schools and universities and distributed at the annual "Mississippi in New York" event. The posters were also sent to select media personalities, such as Mississippi's own Shepard Smith, FOX News Anchorman.
Here is the collection of posters (please click on them to read the captions):
My husband and I were born and raised in West Monroe and Monroe, Louisiana, respectively, but chose Mississippi as the place to settle down and raise our family. It always angers me to hear biased and unfair negative statements made about our beautiful state, and I was so pleased to hear about the Mississippi, Believe It! Campaign. Hopefully, its positive and factual message has been successful in reaching and enlightening thousands of people about the real Mississippi ... the one that we who live here know and love.
The "Welcome to Mississippi" signs that greet our visitors say it best ...
10 comments:
read your blog everyday, was there when RMS started and watched your house unfold daily....(giving you fives, because you deserved them)you are one talented lady.....and i love mississippi too.....i am just 60 miles north of walnut in w tn.....i adore vicksburg and natchez and i love to stroll through your blog when you feature them....however....i just love to stroll your blog.....may God bless you and your family today...jennie in tn (60 yr old grandmother of four girls, ages 8,9,10 and 11)...btw, your avery is precious
Hi Janie,
I have received all of those posters in emails too! This is a great post! And one that is so true...we are often underestimated here!
I have always lived here, but can't think of anywhere I'd rather settle and live!
In recent years, I've had the opportunity to travel quite a bit and I promise you as much as I enjoy the places I visit, I feel like kissing the ground when I get home!
Diane
Thanks for reminding us that Mississippi is a beautiful place, I love visiting there. I was touched by the determination and caring that the people on the coast showed after Katrina. What courage they showed!
The posters are amazing. Never knew all those facts about Mississippi. I really liked reading about Ms. Osceola's endowment.
You know, I think there are a lot of preconceived ideas about the south in general. I grew up in Texas and no we didn't live on a huge ranch. We now live in Oklahoma and people have crazy ideas about this state too.
Thanks for sharing all of those fascinating posters.
Hi Janie,
I've never been to your beautiful state, but I have to confess that when my kids were young it was one of the first words they could spell, I taught them a little song M i ss i ss i and a pp i...they were so tiny and could spell such a big word, they were quite proud !!
Now Shepard Smith is he delicious or what, LOVE HIM !!!
I love my state too, but honestly I love all parts of our great country. I can't wait to get to your state someday, its on the list :)
Your Yankee friend,
Kathy :)
My husband was born in Mississippi and my children went to Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Love Mississippi and love the new campaign.
I have the one about the writers, but I hadn't seen the others, Janie! Thanks for sharing...
Go Mississippi,
Keep Rolling Along!
Go Mississippi,
We're singing your song!
Go Mississippi,
You cannot go wrong!
M-i-s, s-i-s, s-i-p-p-i!
Love you AND Mississippi!
XO,
Sheila :-)
Janie,
I ejoyed reading about Mississippi today. It is the state where my family started from with the marriage of my parents in Hattiesburg, before my dad was shipped out to serve in World War 2. Miss. has always held a special place in our hearts.
I enjoyed reading all the facinating facts.
I feel many states get a weird reputation for certain things which doesn't really represent the people or the state correctly. Especially from Hollywood and in the news. Our beautiful state of Utah is one of them.
You are a special lady and I can't seem to stay away from your blog:)
I appreciate your integrity and the beauty you see all around you.
Thanks for sharing all you do.
Hi Janie! I never heard anything about Mississippi other than when we were kids and it was the most fun State to spell!! Then my husband was stationed at Biloxi and he told me the horror stories with regard to the military and how unliked they were! But I hear lots of negative stories about the West Virginia people too! For a while I was embarrassed to admit I moved here; no more though! Isn't it sad we can't just love our country without the negativity and snobiness from a good number of people!!!!
Hi Janie,
I'm from Louisiana and can appreciate Mississippi too plus all that it's been through.
I have to tell you to photos at the bottom of the page are breathtaking. You really have an eye. I really enjoy looking at them. What kind of camera do you use?
Thanks,
Deb
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