For Savannah's recently completed master's thesis, she explored the portrayal of Appalachian culture in two operas (Susannah & Cold Mountain). During this study she learned many things, but perhaps the greatest lesson learned is that even well-developed characters have restraints and limits--there is so much to be celebrated and appreciated in Appalachian culture that is not depicted within the realms of popular culture, media, and entertainment. In this talk, Savannah discusses existing Appalachian cultural stereotypes, how they have been depicted in varying forms of entertainment, and how we, as a society, can move away from the constraints of stereotyping in an effort to become more tolerant, kind, and accepting of all cultures. Savannah Bennett is a former graduate student and current staff member in ETSU’s Department of Appalachian Studies. She completed her master’s degree in Appalachian Studies and certificate in Heritage Interpretation and Museum Studies in December 2022. Savannah is the Collections Manager at the Reece Museum, where she works to preserve artifacts and artworks that represent Appalachian culture. Prior to her time at ETSU, Savannah earned her bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Western Carolina University (WCU), where she also worked as a volunteer, collections assistant, and research assistant at the WCU Fine Art Museum. Savannah is passionate about studying the academic intersections between Appalachian studies, musicology, and gender and sexuality studies. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx