I'm from NC too. I didn't really interpret those words in that context as implying low intelligence. Some people in NC do really talk that way. The stereotype that people who talk like that aren't educated or intelligent is a big problem, but I didn't interpret OPs comment as reinforcing that problem. It was a pretty accurate description of something people in NC hear often from a certain type of southerner. I interpreted it more as a "slice of life" or Mark Twain-esque description of informal speech to bring readers in. Readers can certainly bring their own prejudices in, but thats on them. I certainly don't doubt that we have very intelligent people in all parts. Heck, the one person I know from a hog producing family is very intelligent. Though you wont find a stronger voice against hog farming and the pollution and health problems it causes than her.

I'm just worried that by saying it's not ok to use aspects of southern dialect when describing southerners, that we reinforce the idea that there is something "wrong " with that dialect and are erasing a part of the local culture so it doesn't offend mainstream taste.