The same principle applies to education. You almost have to prove that you can read and write for many people outside of the south to respect the fact that you're an intelligent human being. When my immediate family has traveled to Pennsylvania to visit our extended family, the younger family members must put up with their cousins' constant making fun of their accents, the way they do things and even the foods they eat. These constant attacks, even when meant in fun, can be hard to take, and they're certainly degrading, especially to children. It simply means you've had different experiences and a different background.
Diversity is what makes our society tolerable.
Unfortunately, many people haven't learned how to deal with diversity.