Identity, Authenticity - Do they conflict?

[Martina]

Originally Posted by Dance-with-me

Being intelligent, educated and articulate (can't think of one word that would define that as an identity, but it IS one of my identities, an important part of who I am) means that my Appalachian roots and identity are not always obvious - people are [often rudely] surprised that I should identify as Appalachian when I don't have the accent of most of my kin, I didn't grow up there (military brat), and I don't fit their stereotype.

I have had a version of this one my whole life. Appalachian parents, raised in SW Ohio so less of an accent (none now) and higher education. The people being rudely surprised experience -- so been there..