"The Southerner is usually tolerant of those weaknesses that proceed from innocence"

In this quote, Flannery O'Connor is recommending that people from the Southern United States are generally more forgiving and understanding of people who make errors due to their absence of experience or knowledge. O'Connor is indicating that Southerners are most likely to reveal empathy and understanding towards those who are ignorant or unskilled, rather than harshly judging them for their mistakes. This quote speaks to the Southern worths of hospitality and generosity, which are often viewed as a specifying characteristic of the region. O'Connor is suggesting that Southerners are most likely to reveal grace and understanding towards those who are not as knowledgeable or experienced, instead of harshly penalizing them for their mistakes. This quote talks to the Southern values of hospitality and kindness, which are often seen as a defining attribute of the area.