Alabama - The US Explained

The story of Alabama is in large part the story of America, one that has much to be proud of, with progress and innovation, kind people and a strong regional culture, yet at the same time one that has also been marked by violence, prejudice, poverty, and conflict. Above all it’s a story that is essential to understand. Home to forests and farmland, mountains and beaches, small towns and a number of different cities, Alabama is a unique and fascinating place, and the twenty third place I will cover in the US Explained.

All video clips used were marked as reuse allowed, please check out the creators of these great drone clips below! -

Music -

Intro Video Segments-

[whome]

Some of the untouched places in Alabama are absolutely beautiful, like a legendary forest you see in fairytales

[WGGplant]

As an Alabamian native, I'm very pleased that this video wasn't just "haha look at these toothless, racist, hicks."
I grew up about an hour from Birmingham in a small city. Most people in my city are middle class working people, but I do see the effects of poverty when from time to time.

I truly love this state, and I can't think of calling anywhere else my home, even though I have lived other places. I hold it very close to my heart.
I appreciate you going through the history of our state. Much of which I learned in Elementary history class, but never thought anyone would care about it. So it was a nice surprise to stumble across this video.

Also, I really like the flag. It's simple, It's not ugly, and it's not just a blue background with a patch on it. Even if some people think it alludes to the confederacy, it's a pretty good flag by US state standards.

[lrgcokewithlemon]

As a black guy (21 y/o UAB student) who grew up here, AL really is such a unique experience, as it is often the butt of jokes, but also for me, has been a great place to grow up in. As a person who grew up 15 minutes from Mobile Bay, I myself grew up with a coastal mindset more so than “country”. I’d say the coast definitely is like country-pop music vs Birmingham where I go to school, which is baby Atlanta in a way, a lot of super wealthy and super poor people.

You really have to experience it for yourself to see all of the great things that are here, and the surprisingly changing mindset out of the youth, despite its still persistent (taught) ignorance that older people hold.

Luckily, I grew up in a very loving, welcoming hometown, Satsuma, which despite being a serverly outnumbered minority, I really didn’t experience any racial issues like one might think, the complete opposite really, but that’s just my experience. It’s a slower state, and not really the most fun for young adults, but as a kid, and an adult, you kind of appreciate the easy-going vibe of the state, so I’d say give it a visit, though, I still do plan to move away.

[MostestBoringPerson]

Your series should be included in every state's public education curricula. Phenomenal work!

[briangreen]

In Alabama we dont only deal with hurricane season but we also have 2 tornado seasons. Rule of thumb is if James Spann breaks into programming, you stop what you are doing to listen to what he has to say👍

[xzzoriofr]

Lived in Alabama all my life, definitely not a perfect state, but theres something to be appreciated about the easy-going vibe we've got going on here in my opinion.

[ChiChiLand]

As a alabamian I can say this was a great video, but one thing I would have liked you to have meant was the fact that Alabama is actually most biologically diverse state in the United States, with more species of plants and animals than any other state. Mobile Delta has even been called the American Amazon

[stevenjohnson]

Small correction- Phenix City, AL actually runs on eastern time because it is so closely tied to Columbus, GA

[miikavalo]

I’m European but I’ve been binge watching this series! These are so fascinating to me! We get a very ”narrow” view of the US from our media so it’s super interesting to see how diverse and different states are from one another. Haven’t been to the US yet but I’ll definitely visit when I’ll get the chance. Just can’t decide where to go first. Thank you!

[rinoaleonhart]

Being a native of Mobile, it's great to see a spotlight shone on my home's fascinating history. Wonderful video, thank you.

[loganseawright]

As an Alabama native who is obnoxiously proud of my home state I appreciate this video. God bless you brother for your straightforward, unbiased, and insightful commentary

[jackwood]

As an Alabamian I appreciate your great depiction of my state. ❤️

[TriopticD]

This video has left me with more interest in Alabama than I've ever had. I'd like to visit here now. That is interesting!

[tajc]

Born in Jackson, MS, but raised in Fairhope, AL for 23 years. I've lived all over the country, but couldn't wait to get back in the end. I'm very proud of my state and all its people. Thanks for giving us a fair shake.

[XGenKaneShiroX]

Fun fact: Alabama has fewer people than Hong Kong despite both areas having similar climate, precipitation, and temperatures. Hong Kong surpassed Alabama population somewhere in the 1960s. Alabama in 2023 is growing a bit faster though in terms of % increase.

[WillMellquist]

I always get excited whenever a new video in The US Explained comes out, and I was not disappointed about the Alabama episode by any means. You really did a great job emphasizing its key role in the Civil Rights Movement while still including everything else that makes the state unique. I can’t wait for Maine and for all the remaining episodes in the series. Thank you so much, Carter, for your dedication to this series, because it is by far one of my most favorite series on YouTube. Greetings from New York!

[MrWhit]

Lifelong resident here, born 1957 in the Tennessee Valley, Auburn graduate, worked for US Dept of Ag all over the state. Now retired in my hometown. Lots to love about this state and lots to hate. A fair video. Thanks.

[weston.weston]

I am just into the first few minutes of this presentation but very impressed by your intro, Carter!! I am an Alabama native (I moved away years ago but spent my formative years). I will drop another comment at the end of the presentation but am convinced it will be extremely well done just as all your other presentations and series are.

[cjtyler]

I grew up in mobile county (mainly Theodore and Grand Bay) and I love the state of Alabama. The state takes so much grief and hate which isn’t really true. I did think one thing that is important to note is the “poverty rate”. National poverty rate is based off what the median annual income is in the US. While people in Alabama make less money things are also cheaper and we know how to live off the land. I live in central florida now for work and make nearly 70k a year and it’s barely enough for just me and my wife to get by, while my dad back home makes a little over 50k a year and supports my mom and 3 siblings and they live in a 3bd/2bath house on an acre and a half of land with little to know money issues. It’s one of the things I miss about my home.

[Ian-ouih]

Phenix City actually uses Eastern Time despite the state generally using Central, precisely because it's basically a suburb of Columbus, Georgia and that makes it easier for people commuting across the state line.