StateoftheOzarks Ethics

Since our founding in 2007, StateoftheOzarks has remained steadfast in our commitment to preserve and celebrate Ozarks’ culture. From that mission we have created many endeavors, including our many successful events, a growing member community, and over published 400 articles.

The Ozarks are many things to many people but we can yet come together in agreement that the Ozarks hold a unique regional identity which has not been lost in the past. StateoftheOzarks is dedicated to moving forward in community, building a bulwark against cultural erosion, and actively identifying and celebrating key facets that set our culture apart, providing Ozarkers with agency, energy and focus as we move into the future.

StateoftheOzarks Ethics are the result of five years of research to define the key points which make the Ozarks stand out as a unique and important space in regional American culture.

— Joshua Heston, editor-in-chief 01-16-2025

1. Personal liberty is a natural and divine right.
2. Freedom of speech is a fundamental personal right.
3. Defense against tyranny is a personal right.
4. Engagement in the political process is a personal duty.
5. Parents’ rights supersede schools’ rights in education.
6. Health independence links directly to personal freedom.
7. Local / regional food sources sustain a free culture.
8. Environmental conservation and protection are intrinsically linked and best managed locally.
9. Small business proliferation is critical to our regional culture.
10. Art is the physical manifestation of human expression.
11. Craftsmanship is an integral link to our regional culture and a unique expression of the human experience.
12. Ozarks culture was built on Christianity and Christianity is to be respected.
13. Traditional / emerging metaphysical beliefs give insight to our culture and are also to be respected.
14. Traditional masculine and feminine roles contribute significantly to cultural stability.
15. Non-traditional subcultures give valuable understanding of humanity.
16. An authentic and honest understanding of history is necessary for the continuation of a free society.
17. StateoftheOzarks works to create, support and sustain cultural stability.