One reason our state has had trouble for decades is because we are all perceived to be a bunch of toothless, uneducated bayou living people by many people in this country. These shows only reinforce those beliefs.
Alabama, Tennessee and South Carolina share similar perceptions, I think. Yet, they've been able to lure big business (e.g. car and aircraft manufacturing). I get your point but I think that's a easy scapegoat.