Explain It to Me The United States is Southern now
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Sep 7, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Amanda Moll, a Senior reporter at Bloomberg focused on Southern topics, and Elizabeth Bronwyn Boyd, author of Southern Beauty, dive into the shifting cultural landscape of the U.S. They explore why more students from the Northeast are flocking to Southern colleges, fueled by vibrant campus cultures and social media trends like 'Rush Talk.' The conversation also touches on the evolution of Southern womanhood and how historical changes have shaped modern identity, making the South a potent influence on American culture.
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RushTok Explained
- TikTok hashtag #rushtok popularized videos of sorority rush, showing elaborate outfits and rituals to millions.
- Elizabeth Bronwyn Boyd links these viral clips to Southern sorority culture and their appeal to out-of-state students.
Rush As Performance Of Southern Femininity
- Southern sorority Rush functions as a staged performance of idealized white Southern womanhood tied to status and hospitality.
- These rituals evoke historical symbols of privilege and preservation of exclusivity.
Origins And Social Purpose Of Sororities
- Sororities originated as women’s literary clubs and have always centered on social exclusivity and status.
- Rituals like Rush perpetuate selection, reputation, and marriage-market signaling more than purely academic aims.
