Morgan Spurlock, our native son and famous documentarian (SuperSize Me, Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?), recently premiered his latest “30 Days” series on FX at Tamarack in Beckley. The show aired to the nation last night June 3.

Spurlock is one of many creative sons and daughters WV has produced. We at Create WV wonder what impact his storytelling abilities could have on building a new stereotype of West Virginia? Is there a bridge between the gritty, historical, industrial old WV and the high-tech, “green” 21st century new WV that could be developed?

Certainly one of the most interesting challenges in building this story would be the identity of the coal miner and the coal mining industry. Many people don’t realize how high-tech the industry has become, and how skilled a miner has to be. In an industry where mining accidents and impact on the environment make most of the news, is it possible that research and high-tech tools could change the image of this industry, and by definition, our state which is so closely associated with it?

Popular Mechanics recently ran a story on the technology of coal, and the current advertising campaign of companies like Consol Energy hint at the possibilities. A huge focus on coal research and development will need launched, hopefully among our own universities with the $50 million “Bucks for Brains” funding. There is a long way to go, but here’s hoping that a powerful new direction and image for one of WV’s largest (and most associated) industries can take shape along with the image of WV overall.