The Unfolding Southern Narrative: From Reckoning with the Past to Building a Future for Creativity
The South is undergoing a reckoning, and it’s being documented not just in academic papers and political debates, but in the deeply personal stories of those who call it home. A recent study by the Pew Research Center revealed a significant generational divide in how Southerners perceive their region’s history, with younger generations far more likely to acknowledge the pain of the past and advocate for change. This shift is powerfully illustrated by writer John T. Edge’s new memoir, House of Smoke, and his evolving role in shaping the cultural landscape of the American South.
From Foodways to Family History: A Personal Reckoning
For decades, John T. Edge has been a leading voice in Southern food and culture. As the former director of the Southern Foodways Alliance (SFA) and host of the TV program True South, he’s explored everything from the Mississippi hot tamale trail to the complexities of Atlanta’s Buford Highway. But Edge’s latest work marks a significant departure. House of Smoke isn’t about the food of the South; it’s about the food in the South, and the complicated history that flavors every bite. It’s a story of confronting a family legacy steeped in the mythology of the “Lost Cause” and the painful realities of addiction and trauma.
Edge’s decision to turn the lens inward was a deliberate one. He realized that by focusing solely on external narratives, he was avoiding a crucial conversation – one about his own upbringing in a historic farmhouse linked to Confederate leaders. This avoidance, he argues, was a form of running, a way to sidestep the uncomfortable truths about his family’s past and the region’s enduring racial inequalities.
The Weight of History and the Shifting Sands of Southern Identity
Growing up surrounded by Civil War relics, Edge internalized the romanticized version of Southern history. He describes the “Lost Cause” as a pervasive shadow, shaping the narratives of his childhood. His journey, as detailed in House of Smoke, is about dismantling that mythology and embracing a more nuanced understanding of the South’s past – a past that includes both beauty and brutality, progress and profound injustice.
This process of re-evaluation isn’t unique to Edge. Across the South, there’s a growing movement to challenge traditional narratives and acknowledge the contributions of marginalized communities. Museums are reinterpreting exhibits, monuments are being recontextualized or removed, and educators are incorporating more diverse perspectives into their curricula. However, this shift isn’t without resistance, and the debate over how to remember the past remains fiercely contested.
The SFA Controversy and the Demand for Inclusive Leadership
Edge’s personal reckoning coincided with a period of intense scrutiny surrounding the Southern Foodways Alliance. In 2020, he faced calls to resign after accusations that he had benefited from a system that privileged white voices while silencing those of women and people of color. He acknowledges the criticism, stating that he needed to step aside and allow others to lead. This moment highlights a broader trend within cultural institutions: a growing demand for inclusive leadership and a commitment to amplifying diverse voices.
The controversy surrounding Edge and the SFA underscores the importance of accountability and the need for organizations to actively address systemic inequalities. It’s a reminder that simply documenting Southern culture isn’t enough; it’s crucial to ensure that all voices are heard and that the benefits of cultural preservation are shared equitably. The Southern Foodways Alliance continues to evolve, striving to meet these challenges.
Greenfield Farm: Cultivating a New Generation of Southern Storytellers
Edge’s current work at Greenfield Farm, the former mule farm of William Faulkner, represents a hopeful vision for the future. He’s leading the University of Mississippi’s effort to transform the property into a writers’ residency, a space where a new generation of storytellers can find inspiration and develop their craft. The goal isn’t simply to preserve Faulkner’s legacy, but to build upon it, fostering a more diverse and inclusive literary community.
Greenfield Farm is envisioned as an “agricultural theater,” a place where writers can connect with the land and draw inspiration from the rhythms of rural life. Edge believes that this bucolic environment can nurture creativity and provide a much-needed alternative to traditional writing programs. It’s a testament to the power of place and the enduring importance of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the South and its future.
The story of John T. Edge, and the broader cultural shifts happening across the South, demonstrate a region grappling with its past while simultaneously striving to build a more equitable and inclusive future. This isn’t a simple or linear process, but it’s one that’s essential for the continued vitality of the American South. What role will creativity and storytelling play in shaping this new narrative?
