Outstanding post by Josh Ellis comparing small towns to inner cities. I have a similar geographic background as Ellis (we both grew up in small towns in Texas and Wyoming), and mostly agree with what he’s written here. Reminds me of the first chapter of Jim Goad’s Redneck Manifesto (which I loaned out after reading the first chapter, but never got back. Heard it goes down hill after the first chapter anyway).

Update: Josh has written a newer piece called Common People on the same subject. In the newer place, he acknowledges the role of white privilege but still emphasizes class and geography.