We were in Paris at Notre Dame when my daughter was in high school. There was a German guy there who was taken with her and photographed her a lot. It was uncomfortable because he showed such an unusual interest in a high school girl. However, we didn't detain him or threaten him. We were in a public place and we simply looked for our opportunity to move on away from him. I understand that the author of the article is looking hard to find middle ground, but I'm afraid that there isn't a cultural justification for breaking the law. When someone detains you against your will, which Adkins admitted to, it is kidnapping plain and simple. Telling someone you have a gun, which Adkins admitted to, is aggravated assault. I'm afraid that Mrs. Adkins should go to jail regardless of how culturally justified she (and the article's author) might feel. If anything, their actions reinforced the stereotype they so fervently wish to dispel. And the Virginia State Police need some inservice training. Their handling of the situation was dismal to say the least. And just for the record, when I think of West Virginia, I don't immediately think of Appalachia and poverty. I think of George Bird Evans and Old Hemlock English Setters.