Seven focus groups were held in an Appalachian county in western North Carolina to examine residents' socially constructed identity as "mountain people." The groups were asked seven general discussion questions about social change, quality of life, and the terms "mountain people" and "Southerners." In striking contrast to previous studies of mountain communities, the results indicate a strong, positive cultural identity among participants. Discussion of the meaning of "mountain people" generated a portrait of a people who see themselves as self-sufficient, trustworthy and morally upright, and embedded in personal communities with a deeply rooted heritage. Major themes included knowing how to survive, the importance of ethical standards and one's reputation, neighbors helping neighbors, traditions and values associated with grandparents, young people's growing dependence on technology and loss of basic survival skills such as gardening, community change related to newcomers and the forces of globalization and materialism, and family breakdown and loss of cultural continuity due to deteriorating child-rearing practices. (Contains 17 references.) (SV)