Liberal Unfriendly Place: Hattiesburg, MS These are comments on Hattiesburg, submitted by other Turn Left visitors. They do not necessarily represent the opinion of the webmaster. You may add a comment on Hattiesburg if you want. While a charming little city, Hattiesburg is one of the more backward-thinking places in the state. While a college student at Southern MS, I remember evangelicals forced Showgirls out of the area cinemas(with help from the democratic mayor!). The city is also trying to close an adult bar down on hwy 49 where nobody lives. And there are churches on almost every corner in the city. At one point one of the local radio stations was a tool for announcements for the Ms Unorganized Militia. There is also no organized black middle class. If you're black you mainly live on the east side of town unless you're a college student. Suburban Petal, on the other side of the Leaf River, is a redneck's paradise which everyone drives a truck with the gun rack and dog in the back and eat at Hardees. And if you're a college student about to graduate and looking for a job, don't come here if you're looking for an entry-level job. Everything's either professional or low-wage jobs. However, USM is a progressive island in a conservative sea. It does have a cosmopolitan atmosphere with students from many foreign countries and it supplies the city with much of its cultural activity. The city supports USM only because without the students businesses make no money. The restaurant and retail industry is booming, and the 'burg is also starting to progress somewhat, so at least some form of life is starting to evolve. But this city has a long way to go before it becomes liberal-friendly. Hopefully, as Hattiesburg rapidly grows, that may happen when more progressive-minded students come to converge on the city. Add a city. Be sure to tell why you think this place is liberal-unfriendly. Comment on Hattiesburg. Go back to the master list of liberal friendly and unfriendly cities.