The barrier islands of the South Atlantic are formed and shaped by wind, water and wave currents. The Cape Code islands were formed by glacial erosion. Therefore the origins of these islands are different. They still both have a great deal in common. Both originally were compose of marshes and swamplands that have since been drained in order to create land for construction. Today these islands are reserved for the rich and famous and for tourists who want to see how the other half live. The coastlines are eroding and the islands are prone to storms and the destruction of homes. The islands no longer have a natural protection against weather and flooding.
Nantucket Island, Massachusetts
Sapelo Island, Georgia
Water Ways and Water Wars
While water wars seem to be more prevalent in the South Atlantic region, both the Atlantic region and Massachusetts have been involved in "Riparian rights" issues since these areas were settled. Massachusetts has been involved in water wars since the mid 19th century. Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire had a 250 foot dam that controlled the water and could be used by the textile mills in Lowell and Lawrence. In 1859 there were actually riots with some people trying to destroy the dam because of the restrictions for industry use from one state to another. In 2003 there was a conference sponsored by the Center for Science and Medical Journalism and the New England aquarium to discuss the issues involved in water wars, including the power of large corporations and their desire to control water rights, restrict water for the poor, and the need to restore wetlands.
Derogatory Labels
In certain regions of the Southern Atlantic, derogatory names are used for groups of people that are considered to be of lesser value. The two main groups are "crackers" and "rednecks". The majority of these groups were of Scots-Irish descent and were considered among the lower classes. Both groups of people come from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. These groups are considered ignorant and undesirable.
Massachusetts has a history of intolerance when it comes to immigrants or people of a different background. Italians are referred to as "guineas", Portuguese are called "portu-geese", and the Irish are called "muckers". There has been a history of the English degrading the Irish, the Irish degrading the blacks, and so on. This topic was covered in a novel called Common Ground that was written by J. Anthony Lukas. The focus of the novel was race relations and issues caused by busing, but there was also discussion about how groups that are looked down upon (the poor Irish) also look down on others (poor blacks).
Heritage and Tourism
Both Massachusetts and the South Atlantic are full of history and heritage that has encouraged a wealth of tourism to certain cities. Massachusetts is (more or less) the center of the American Revolution, while the South Atlantic states are filled with the history of the confederacy and the Civil War. While the history of these events were based on war and destruction, the history and architecture has left behind some beautiful cities that are well visited by tourists.
In Massachusetts you can walk along the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail, which leads you past Faneuil Hall (old colonial meeting house), the Old North Church ("one if by land, two if by sea") and Bunker Hill (first revolutionary war battle). Driving outside of Boston, you can visit Lexington and Concord (the shot heard around the world).
A map of Paul Revere's Midnight Ride
There are also cities in the South Atlantic that have either renovated or been able to preserve the heritage of their "antebellum" architecture. Charleston, South Carolina is well known for their efforts to preserve their historic character. You can visit a multitude of preserved plantations, such as the Magnolia or Boone Hall. For Civil War history buffs, you can visit the Fort Sumter National Monument (where the Civil War began). Savannah, Georgia is another well preserved city. One reason the city was able to maintain it's Civil War architecture is because the city surrendered to the Union army troops rather than be destroyed. 
Fort Sumter National Monument, Charleston, S.C.
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