In August of 2009 (a little over 5 years ago) I moved from my hometown ( Fall River, Massachusetts ) to Pullman, Washington to pursue a graduate degree in Philosophy. Every time I have returned I heard one person or other say something along these lines; “You didn’t forget where you came from, did you?”, or, “Don’t forget where you come from, brother”. So, very briefly, I’d like to think about this question and analyze it a bit to try to get a better understanding as to what people mean when they ask it and, maybe, why they ask it. I’m hoping to get some feedback from all of you to try to shed some light on this for me.
What does it mean to say; Did you forget where you came from? When someone makes this sort of comment I take it as a comment regarding my character. What they are really asking is whether or not I still enjoy the same sorts of things, and/or, if I can still enjoy the same sorts of company I did when I lived there. They couldn’t mean the question literally, could they? Obviously, I come from Fall River, Massachusetts, who could forget that? Maybe what is really being asked is “given that you have left this poverty-stricken and crime heavy environment do you think you are now too good to enjoy some time here?” (Fall River was recently ranked the 42nd most dangerous city in the US, see here). I’m sure different people mean different things by the question but I can’t help but wonder what the hell any one person may mean when they ask.
Any thoughts?
A Philosopher's Take 
dpmonahan
October 18, 2014
When you leave a place you tend to take on new cultural perspectives, new cultural mannerisms, which can make you seem foreign to those you left behind. They pick up on it and it can feel, justly or not, like a rejection.
I think this sort of cultural jealousy is stronger with poor communities, and the geographic and ethnic loyalties are stronger in the American east than in other parts of the country.
In part it is positive: don’t lose touch with the values we’ve tried to instill in you; don’t be a poser, or a phony. Don’t sell your birthright to fit in with snobs. In part it can be negative: don’t act like you are better than us.
But why should they worry? I’m sure “Fauwiv-ah” is branded on your tongue.
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Justin Caouette
October 18, 2014
That sounds spot on to me!
And yes, hahahaha, it is surely branded on my tongue (for better or worse).
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Krista Thomason
July 29, 2016
Great question, Justin! It probably means a couple of different things at least one of which is (I think) a demand for humility. Don’t get (as we say in the south) “too big for your britches.” I like this more general topic about virtues/vices of loyalty particularly as it relates to social mobility.
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Justin Caouette
August 3, 2016
Thanks, Krista.
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