American Story: Tangier Island, Virginia - The Vanishing Island

[KoKo]

American Story: Tangier - The Vanishing Island

Published on Apr 27, 2014

They have made a living on Tangier Island in Virginia for generations. But the island is slowly eroding away: since it is prone to being hit by hurricanes, the government wants the locals to live on the mainland. Time is running out for a community of less than 1,000 people that knows little of any other way of life.

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[Bonhomme Richard]

1. Interesting place. I sailed there last summer and spent...

some time on the island. In a way it was like going back in time.
I didn't get a chance to watch all of it yet but I read an interesting thing looking up the island when I was there. The people are very conservative and I read comments in a mainland article basically pointing out that this community has always voted Republican and the commentators thought it a bit hypocritical for them to now want taxpayers money to bail them out. I didn't read a lot of sympathy for them.
One other interesting thing and kind of creepy. The graves are above ground in the yards of the houses. LOL, gave me the creeps at night.

[RedstDem]

2. you can tell they care a lot for their island by the opening shot

Of the waves licking the old lawn tractor rusting away on the beach.

Lol

[KoKo]

3. Thank you for this post...Indeed they seem conservative..although cat lovers on boats...and

have a connection to nature and preservation of it.

Yet they come across as people most here would not want to associate with because of their beliefs...and yet...their beliefs seem to focus on Family, Earning a Living...and preserving their Way of Life..

That is a true American Experience which ties into what most folks really want if they have "no other choice." There was joy their in their lifestyle...and recognition of how they were losing it..and yet most High End Consumers..still want their CRAB...and if they don't get it ..then what? China "Crab Farms/Vietnam or other places?

I just thought it was an interesting Documentary about "Vanishing Lifestyles" here in America.

And Politics and the Rest ...put aside...it's important to notice.

[Dustlawyer]

4. The under-educated tend to be more susceptible to influence by slick, unscrupulous marketing

that plays upon their patriotism, religion, guns and family values. They use psychology to make their viewers/listeners angry, while shifting the blame for their problems on "Liberals!" We allowed them to define us in a most exaggerated manner.
It is sad that they will lose their homes. Some will learn that their beloved party let them down, others will just blame us, and of course, Obama. Even if they leave the island after Obama is out of office.

[KoKo]

5. Their lifestyle is also due to Climate Change..which their poor lifestyle had little

to do with.

Can you not understand that?

[Bonhomme Richard]

6. Just to add a historic note. During the revolution and even.....

the war of 1812 the British used Tangier island as a base for ships and the islanders at the time were very helpful to them. During the War of 1812 Virginians were very distrustful of the islanders because of their support for the British during the revolution.