Bridging the Cultural Divide: NYC Kids Explore the South

Many children from New York City, raised in progressive environments, often view the South as a place filled with prejudice. However, some are starting to realize that the people they meet there are quite relatable.

The American Tributaries program takes kids from suburban New York City and New Jersey to South Carolina, a state where President Trump garnered over 58% of the vote, aiming to broaden their perspectives on life in various regions.

Leo Marin, an 18-year-old from Brooklyn, shared his experience of meeting George Albers, a farmer sporting a “God, Guns, and Trump” hat, during a trip in the summer of 2024. “It was very different from what I was used to,” he noted, now a freshman at Tulane University. “But I had a really engaging conversation with him; we bonded over baseball, despite our differing views.”

The initiative was created by Michael Whidden, a dad from Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, who was frustrated when his daughter’s Manhattan school resumed international trips post-lockdown. “All my travels have been overseas,” said Whidden, a 54-year-old Navy veteran and wine merchant. “After the pandemic, I thought it was time to focus on meeting fellow Americans and visiting areas that contrast with our own.”

In 2022, he took his first group of students from Brooklyn and Cranford, New Jersey, to South Carolina.

Mira Melikian joined American Tributaries in summer 2024 after learning about it in an AP Government class. “At first, I saw it as a fun trip with friends, but then I realized how significant it was,” the 18-year-old reflected. “It was like being a tourist in my own country… I never knew such cultural experiences existed in the U.S.”

The 12-day program involves activities like visiting Cypress Gardens Wetland Preserve, exploring Charleston, and meeting local farmers. They also get insights into the realities of slavery at McLeod Plantation and spend a day at Fort Jackson Military Base, learning about military life.

“It’s not about visiting landmarks like the Eiffel Tower,” Whidden explained. “You’ll experience agriculture firsthand, dine at Waffle House, and socialize with local kids.”

Melikian, who moved from Lebanon at a young age, remembered discussing the easier pathways for migrant workers with South Carolina farmers. “That conversation really resonated with me because my parents are immigrants who sought a better life,” she mentioned. “I didn’t expect a Southern farmer to share my viewpoint.”

Whidden emphasized that the program aims for moments like these. “It’s not just about politics; it’s about the well-being of our citizens.”

Additionally, the small group of students also visits Washington, D.C., to meet with Senators, which inspired Melikian to register as an independent voter, wanting to evaluate perspectives beyond what her family and school might convey.

Now taking a gap year, she also thinks about how Generation Z blends their political and personal identities, something she feels the people she met in the South seemed to do less. “Their personal identities came forward more than their political stances,” she explained.

Every year, students visit the Albers family’s farm on Wadmalaw Island, where they produce organic vegetables and livestock. Celeste Albers, who describes her family as “very conservative,” has noticed her children observing the reactions to her husband’s Trump hat during visits. “I sense there’s a stereotype that Southern people are racists,” she pointed out, adding that her interactions often dispel that notion.

The Albers aim to counter stereotypes through open dialogue. “When we engage, they realize we’re not extreme; we just hold different political beliefs,” Celeste shared. “It’s heartwarming to see their surprise that we are quite similar.”

The Albers also educate students about farming realities. Celeste remarked that urban children often have little knowledge about agriculture, especially about livestock and their management.

Whidden views this initiative as a way to serve his country again. His daughter was his “first recruit,” making the experience enjoyable for teenagers. “I assisted in crafting an engaging itinerary for them,” said Miranda Whidden, 19, who participated in the inaugural trip back in 2022.

Miranda expressed that the concept of domestic travel was entirely new for her. “It’s crucial to understand your own country first,” she said, noting that most kids are initially hesitant but leave with a richer understanding of people they’ve previously only encountered online.

Parents of Gen Z students recognize the importance of these journeys. David Callaghan, whose daughter Emma is 16, mentioned, “She’s lived in a bubble, so I wanted her to meet diverse people and realize that we’re all quite alike.”

Rob Kuhn, whose daughter Casey just completed her junior year, added that her trip has enriched her grasp on American politics. “Online perspectives can be very polarizing and noisy; it’s tough for young people to form a balanced view,” he said.

Whidden hopes to increase the frequency of these trips and potentially bring kids from the South to New York. Melikian believes that experiences like these are vital for her generation. “As future voters and leaders, learning about civic engagement in a neutral space will better equip us for tackling divisive issues,” she stated.