Louisiana - The US Explained

Among the swamps and bayous, marshes and forests, that sit at the mouth of one of the largest river systems on earth, sits a state unlike any other. It’s a cultural melting pot, sitting in the Deep South, home to one of the largest Black populations in the country, and more culturally connected to and shaped by France than any other state in the US. Its culture, history, geography, and society is vastly different from anywhere else in the country, and a world away from even its neighbors, it occupies an outsized role in the American imagination. This is Louisiana - The US Explained

Music -

Intro Video Segments-

[hismajesty]

I, a Louisianan, remember one time when my great grandmother and great uncle were talking and didn’t want me and my siblings to understand what they were saying, so they started talking in French.
Despite Louisiana’s pitiful economy, it is truly the culturally richest state in the South.

[RSC]

I am a Louisiana Creole from the Lafayette area and when I moved to north LA for college I was shocked how many people thought I was from the Caribbean based on my accent. I also haven’t meet a single person who speaks French from there till this day while I myself speak it fluently. North La seems like a different state(no shade) lol “far less French influence” is an understatement.

[bigruss]

I’m a Native American from, Houma Louisiana. Home of the Houma Indians my ancestors been here before America was thought of.😊

[Composedblackness]

Before New Orleans was called New Orleans it was known as “BULBANCHA” which is a Choctaw word that means, “place of many tongues.” Because at the time it was a trading port where many people from different cultures came to exchange goods.

[edlee]

Just moved to Metairie from Cleveland, Ohio and I will say it’s completely another planet down here. So far I love it. The culture, the history, the constant festivals and things to do every weekend, the feeling of community that I have amongst my neighbors, the openness and the FOOD!!! I see them fixing things that have been ignored for probably over 20 years, I see the communities coming together to stop violence and preserve their history. It’s fun to watch because in Ohio we don’t really have a “culture” or tradition but down here everyone wears their community like a badge of honor and I love that. I know it gets a horrible rep but I love my life down here so far and the people I’ve met have been amazing to me. New Orleans is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen. Neighborhoods are so colorful and the gardens made me spend a couple hundred more to keep up 😂 these people love to decorate!!!

[FluffMango]

Watched that "Why Louisiana Stays poor" video probably a month or so ago. Absolutely shocking how bad their situation is down there.

[andrewadcock]

Being from Shreveport and going to college in hammond it’s definitely a big culture shock but it’s interesting that 2 completely different cultures still identify as Louisiana and get along pretty well w one another

[tim.a.k.mertens]

as a somewhat francophone Canadian, Lousiana has always had a special place in my mind and heart. I hope to visit one day

[Wesleeezy]

As someone born and raised in New Iberia and now living in Lafayette, I think you did a great job on this video and you really didn't butcher the words too bad. My only criticism/gripe with this video is that you left Lafayette out of the conversation for a lot of the video. I appreciate the extent you went to understand and explain the region of Acadiana but I think Lafayette should've been mentioned more. The City has UL Lafayette (which is bigger than Tulane) and has a vibrant festival scene (Festival International, Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, and lots more in the surrounding area). Also, from my understanding the Lafayette metro area has a population of just under 500k. Granted you could be just looking at the population of Lafayette parish so forgive me if I misunderstood you. Overall I REALLY enjoyed this video and think you did much better than many other people who have tried to explain Louisiana. I think the part of the video explaining Acadian history was very well done. And if you read this essay of a comment I'd just like to say thank you again for doing such a good job overall.

[pamelaevans]

Love Louisiana, lived there for a few years and was somewhat saddened to get transferred back up north. It gets in your blood. Great people, history, and food.

[antoinetremblay]

This series has made me interested in US history, geography, and culture in a way I really wasn't before, so thank you and keep up the good work!

[eliotguerin]

My family has been in New Orleans for quite a while. My 9th great-grandfather Claude Trepagnier was on the voyage Bienville led in 1718; they were the initial settlers of the city and cleared the land the French Quarter now stands on. All I can say about this video is—c’est bon!

[ShannaRiley]

Kudos from this LA native. You did a great job, honestly, with the pronunciations! Most ppl don’t do half as well - and you didn’t have to tackle Tchoupitoulas, so that helps.

Seriously, really a great video. You covered everything I could even think of. Very informative, very well-researched. And thank you for directing people to and asking them to watch the Together Louisiana vid, “Why Louisiana Stays Poor.”

[embossed]

Born and raised in Louisiana (north Louisiana). You get two gold stars for pronouncing Atchafalaya River correctly.

[butterbeanqueen]

You should do a video on the bus boycott in Baton Rouge. This was before the bus boycott in Alabama. The boycott in Alabama was based on the one in Louisiana. It’s very interesting and few people know the story.

[sgordonxx]

As a Louisianian native, this video was pretty spot on. It breaks my heart to see my state in such a state of disrepair and poverty. I no longer live in the state, and looking at my friends and family that still live there, I'm glad to be gone. The state has a horrendous economy and even worse infrastructure. I understand why so many have left and are still leaving. The culture is what I miss the most, as Louisiana has truly the most unique culture of any region in the US. I hope that someday I can return home and not have worries of being a victim of violent crime and that the state has a great turnaround and becomes prosperous once again.

[jeremiahallyn]

Awesome video Carter. I remember driving on the causeway that goes over Lake Pontchartrain, it was wild. In the middle of it you can't see any land at all! Louisiana is definitely an interesting place, wouldn't wanna live there myself, but it's really nice to visit 🙌✌️

[arlenebetts]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video. I am from New Brunswick, Canada, Nova Scotia being our neighbour. New Brunswick is the only official bilingual province in Canada. This is your first video I have listened to and will be listening to all the others. I am a real history and geography buff. You do a wonderful job! Keep up the good work!

[weston.weston]

Carter!! I am so excited about the latest video in your series. I am a southerner and I ❤ Louisiana so much. Also, your intro to this video is A++.

[cann]

My coworkers and I have been waiting a month for this new edition since we found you. Thanks for educating a bunch of us dopes a little bit. Cheers.