Conclusion

Abstract

The conclusion examines present-day perceptions of Appalachia to illustrate the ongoing harm caused by the persistence of stereotypes regarding Appalachians’ literacy practices. It argues that, by reframing Appalachian history, we can begin to see that, while the current circumstances in the region are indeed a product of history, they are not a product of the history presented in popular narratives about the region—narratives that attribute any negative development in Appalachia to the natural consequence of Appalachia’s supposed long-standing poverty and ignorance. Recovering Appalachia’s literacy history gives us a new lens through which to examine the region’s experiences, expectations, and potential futures.