Survival is a key theme as well. The Appalachian region has faced challenges such as poverty, difficult terrains, and natural disasters. In these stories, black and white Appalachians are often depicted as coming together to face these challenges. Whether it was building shelters during floods or sharing food during harsh winters, survival as a united front against the odds is a common theme in these stories.
Another 'black and white appalachian story' could be centered around cultural exchanges in food. The Appalachian region has a distinct cuisine. While there are differences in the cooking traditions of black and white families, there were also exchanges. For instance, black families might have introduced certain spices or cooking techniques that became incorporated into the broader Appalachian food culture.
One possible theme could be identity. Since it's about the black community in Huntington, Appalachia, it might explore how they define themselves within the context of that region. Another theme could be community building, showing how they've come together over time.
One main theme could be allyship. The white characters in these stories would likely be acting as allies to the black power movement, showing that different races can support one another. For example, they might stand up against discrimination.
Hardship and survival are also important themes. The people in Appalachian short stories face economic difficulties, like poverty due to limited job opportunities in the region. This leads to a struggle for survival that is a central part of many of these stories. For example, characters might have to rely on farming or small - scale mining in difficult terrains. Also, the theme of tradition is quite common. Appalachian culture has a rich heritage of folk traditions, music, and storytelling, and these are often reflected in the short stories, with characters either adhering to or rebelling against those traditions.
One common theme is revenge. Often, the ghosts in these stories are seeking revenge for some wrong done to them in life, like in the Greenbrier Ghost story where the murdered girl's spirit helped expose her killer. Another theme is the connection between the living and the dead. Appalachian ghost stories often show that the dead can still communicate with the living, usually through dreams or apparitions.
Well, in Appalachian Horror Stories, a frequent theme is the power of nature. The mountains, forests, and rivers can seem menacing. There are often tales of things that lurk in the woods, such as shadowy figures or unknown beasts. And sometimes, there are themes about the breakdown of community values, where the horror stems from the actions of the people within the Appalachian community.
One possible theme could be about contrast. The black wife and white bull are different in appearance, and this contrast might be used to explore differences in general.
One common theme is the struggle against society's norms. In many stories, they face discrimination or lack of acceptance due to their relationship and their sexual orientation. For example, they might face difficulties in family acceptance or in public settings.
Overcoming prejudice is also a major theme. Like the story of a black student and a white teacher in an old - fashioned school. The teacher initially had some subconscious biases, but through getting to know the student's intelligence and good heart, she overcame those biases and became an advocate for equality in the school. This shows that positive change can happen when people confront and overcome prejudice.
Identity exploration is also a big theme. The characters are often exploring their sexual identity, especially in relation to their race. They might be dealing with how being black or white affects how they experience their lesbian identity. In some stories, they might face different expectations from their own racial communities regarding their sexuality.