I’ve always been an advocate for small towns and rural people. I guess it’s a case of being comfortable with my surroundings.
I grew up in the country, graduated from Dodd City High School in Dodd City, Texas, and spent most of all my leisure and much of my professional time in places where there aren’t many people; focusing my camera and my words on things like agriculture and wildlife. To put it simply, I think being comfortable around rural people in rural places aligns best with my values and sensibilities.
Which brings me to my point: the TV show Duck Dynasty is huge. It is a ratings bonanza that has really taken the country by storm. Everywhere I go I hear people discussing the show and its cast of characters. The Robertson family of West Monroe, Louisiana is definitely on to something.
But what is that something? Simply, I think it is their unabashed celebration of the values that rural America celebrates on a daily basis. On some of the Duck Commander swag you can buy in their store, a three word tagline sums up their core values: Faith, Family, and Ducks.
Each of the three values is self explanatory on their face. There is no need to elaborate with a litany of psychobabble to explain their appeal.
But as I watch the show and see the Robertson’s mirroring all of the things that I hold dear, there is an instant connection. You then take the memories of the show to work with you and discuss it among your coworkers or friends, and the connection to the show and to the values showcased is strengthened. I think the appeal of the show is simple: people see values in which they identify celebrated and not lampooned.
Enough television features rural people as uneducated buffoons that are put in place by producers to provide a steady sideshow of entertainment for people who may not know the culture and values of rural America. Duck Dynasty upends that stereotype. Thankfully so.
I’ve been blessed to spend time with the Robertson’s over the past year and have the privilege to photograph them on a few occasions. I’ve eaten in Ms. Kay’s kitchen, I’ve heard Phil tell duck hunting stories, listened to Uncle Si tell jokes, and spent time around the entire family. What you see on TV is who they are in real life: hard working, smart, rural people who have been blessed. They love life and love each other. No need to lampoon that kind of behavior. The world needs more people like Robertsons featured.
Politicians remind rural folks that we cling to guns and religion as if it’s a bad thing. But rural traditions like hunting, and family, and faith are societal glues that create tight knit communities. When people have tight knit communities, they take care of one another.
That’s why I’ve always chose to live in a small town.
Any questions or comments? Contact Russell at russell@russellgraves.com or visit his website at www.russellgraves.com