text: am i the only one who suffers from accentism in america or what? because i sound different, no one talks to me....... its so unfair........... don't get down on yourself. i live in southern california but was raised in east texas, so i've got a thick southern accent. initially, people assumed i was unintelligent and had no inkling of popular culture. instead of withdrawing and letting them intimidate me, i spoke out in every class and tried to make as many friends as i could. change their perceptions. you can do it!