Once a weakness, low-skilled workers who get paid little have become the Deep South’s strength

[YoungDemCA]

4. I remember reading that, during the mid/late 20th century especially

Industrial employers from up North undertook a deliberate strategy of relocating factories to the Southern states.

While a "favorable business climate" (read: low taxes and low union density/right-to-work atmosphere) certainly had something to do with it, these businessmen also felt that the Southern workforce tended to be more "loyal" to the employers - especially in regard to the question of labor unions - and were less likely to question their bosses or agitate for better conditions than the working class up North.

I see something of a parallel here, unfortunately.