Lesson #3 – How To Be A Southern Gentleman

Who doesn’t love a gentleman? Or, even better, a southern gentleman? The cloying cadence of voice that can only be compared to a fresh Mint Julep, brimming with sweet, simple syrup and laced with the highest quality bourbon. The way he rises when a lady enters or exits the dinner table, or the endearing manner in which they refer their elders as “Ma’am” and “Sir.” Simply put, a southern gentleman of Rhett Butler’s nature.

Yep, that’s the one and only Rhett Butler…and his mint julep.  Of course.

A man of Captain Butler’s status–charm, swagger and passion, all wrapped up with the most consumate of manners–is made, not born. Merely being raised south of the Mason Dixon line does not automatically permit the male of the species to attach the label, “southern gentleman” to his name. This title must be earned.

The Swedish born and raised Alexander Skarsgard has earned the title.  He is a southern gentleman.

Learn More about Alexander’s southern charm after the jump.

Who can forget this gem?

In a show which features lead cast members originally hailing from locales such as New Zealand, Australia, and England, it’s the Swede who nails the southern accent.  Brilliantly, I might add.

If, in my infinite wisdom and knowledge of Mr. Skarsgard, I did not know he was born and raised in Sweden, this video would’ve had me completely flummoxed:

Are you kidding me?  Dude’s from Sweden but talks as if he was raised in Mississippi.  Amazing!  He even has the “I’s” down pat.  Perfectly.  (A southerner says “Ah,” not “eye,” when referring to oneself.)  This is a man who takes his acting career very seriously.  (Yes, he trained with a vocal coach before filming Straw Dogs this summer.  The vocal coach is obviously good at his or her job. But look at the talent he or she is working with.)

What makes me an expert on southern speak?  Being born and raised in Georgia, two Mississippi born and raised parents.  Having lived only in southern states for my entire 34 year existence.  My marriage to a southern born and bred gentleman.  Need I continue?  I didn’t think so.

It’s not merely the mastery of a southern accent.  Oh no, our Alexander is clearly at ease in the South.  Witness:

Oh, he’s just hanging out in Louisiana…in front of a “Co-Cola” sign. And yes, this is the most beautiful picture. Ever.

We’ve also been privy to the manner in which he treats the paparazzi.  But that’s another story for another post…

“Our Alex,” as we like to call him ’round here, is similar to that proprietor of chic housewares,  the fabulous Ikea.  Both Alexander and Ikea had their humble beginnings in Sweden, yet both have settled comfortably into life in these United States.  We southerners love our Ikea.  And we love our Alex.  He’s an honorary southerner.  We completely and gladly claim him.  And that faux accent of his, which I’d rather enjoy him to use on a regular basis.  Is all I’m sayin’…

So…how to be a southern gentleman?  Oh, Alex has mastered this lesson.  I give him an A+.  I’d  like to give him more, but you know…I’m married…he may or may not be dating Marilyn Manson’s ex-girlfriend.  Whatever.

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