America's Bible Belt, a term coined nearly a century ago, remains a significant cultural and political phenomenon, representing regions in the South and parts of the Midwest known for their strong evangelical Christian traditions.

In this episode, we dive into the origins and implications of this term, exploring how it encapsulates not just a geographical area but also a complex interplay of religion, politics, and societal stereotypes.

From its roots in H.L. Mencken's critical portrayal of the South during the 1920s, to how this perception continues to shape contemporary political rhetoric and cultural narratives, we explore the Bible Belt's association with conservative values and white supremacy, and the ongoing relevance of the Bible Belt in understanding America's evolving identity and the challenges posed by its enduring stereotypes.

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Special guest for this episode:

• Dr. Megan Hunt, a cultural historian of the modern United States at Edinburgh University, whose new book, Southern by the Grace of God, is available

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Highlights from this episode:

• The Bible Belt is a term that originated in the 1920s, symbolizing a religiously devout region in America.
• Historically, the Bible Belt is associated with evangelical Christianity, particularly in the Southern United States.
• Contemporary politics often leverage the concept of the Bible Belt to appeal to religious values.
• The notion of the Bible Belt helps to perpetuate stereotypes about the South and its culture.
• Migration patterns have spread the values of the Bible Belt beyond its traditional geographical boundaries.
• Hollywood's portrayal of religion in the South often simplifies and distorts the complexity of local culture.

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Additional Resources:

Southern by the Grace of God by Megan Hunt

https://www.dukeupress.edu/reconstructing-dixie

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And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

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This episode is sponsored by What's Your Map

What's Your Map is the British Podcast Award-winning show from map expert Professor Jerry Brotton. In each episode, he invites a special guest to share a map that means something to them. It's a fascinating show, and you can listen to the new season right now: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whats-your-map/id1766500219