This is an open letter to Betsy Phillips in regard to her post on the Nashville Scene Website titled “What the Hell is Memphis So Happy About?”
Dear Ms. Phillips,
I’m a Tennessean and a Memphian by birth and choice. I’ve lived all over the United States and travel regularly but Memphis, TN is my home. Numerous times I’ve been asked, “Why Memphis?” Generally the tone of that uneducated question is, ”You must be crazy.” A younger me would take offense to that question and would become defensive, but somewhere out there on the road I remembered my mother’s advice that happiness comes from within. Upon remembering my mother’s words I began to use this repetitive question to sing the praises of Memphis and talk about the people and culture that have given me so much.
Memphis is a city with a rich history and a grand potential. Memphians are friendly and kind, but we spend too much time defending ourselves from uninformed biases. Sure, just like any city we have our problems, but we have our strengths too. I could spend time here outlining strengths and weaknesses, but it would be pointless given the fact that historically Memphis is the punching bag for the rest of the State. Now let’s think about that for a moment Memphis, the State’s favorite punching bag, is highly ranked in emotional health and general life evaluation. Why is that? Maybe it’s that happiness comes from within and not from degrading others?
As I have traveled our Country I’ve come across another set of uninformed biases that many in the rest of the Country have against the Great State of Tennessee. In those conversations I have a choice, I could take digs at the other parts of our Great State or I can sing their praises too. As it turns out ole Memphis Vince is really Tennessee Vince and will stand my ground and sing the praises of the entire State. Our State has such great diversity in her people and geography. From Memphis to the Tri-Cities we are a State on the move and we should move as one positive State. I say sing the praises of every corner of the State and stop with the infighting because it will make the entire State a happier place.
Yours Truly,
Vince Perryman
Law Offices of J. Vincent Perryman
www.midsouthattorneys.com
vperryman@midsouthattorneys.com
P.S. If you want to visit Memphis I’m happy to personally show you those positives.