Son Goku writes:
How much does one's State (e.g., Alabama) define one's identity?
It depends on the state, but more than that, I think, it depends on the person. In my case, I'm a Virginian, but I'm not an idiot... promise.
New Yorkers identify themselves with their state much more than people from most states do IMO.
I think the more one travels and becomes acqainted with other regions the less they identify with their state. Personally, I haven't travelled much, but both my parents are from New York. And I've always tried to read about people in different places and times. In recent times, I think the internet has helped people to think outside of the box that is the state and region they live in. It's easier to become more wordly, if you will, and I think that this results in less state/region indentifying. On the whole I'd say this is a good thing.