Why do people think us Southerners are stupid, inbred, ignorant hillbillies?

Why are people so ignorant? I am proud to say that I am Southern and proud of my Southern heritage. Now that does not mean that I am proud of slavery (that is an evil that never should have happened). I think that the south is a beautiful place with beautiful people. We have our own unique way of life down here. I do not think that the Confederate flag is one of hate. It is a symbol of pride (although some people use it as hate). But I do not. I do not believe that "The South Will Rise Again", but I believe that we as Southerners should at least be able to be proud of our heritage.