Why do Wisconsin folks dislike us? (Chicago, Paris: real estate, transplants, hoa)

[M TYPE X]

Originally Posted by Inthesprawlpath

People from Chicago are rude.You would fit in well there.
Sidenote:Not everybody from Illlinois is from Chicago.

I-39 notwithstanding, I don't think many midstaters make it up to Wisconsin. Why bother, when you have Culver Burger in midstate?

(Answer: the Culvers, and all the other fast food places, are cleaner in Wisconsin.)

[trailerguy]

I live in northern Lake County near the state line, so I spend a lot of my recreation time in Wisconsin. I have always had a good time and everyone has been very nice to me. I find most of the Wisconsin drivers go much faster than I do, but that's because they have someplace to go, and I'm busy enjoying the scenery. There are plenty of neat things to see and do. They have the greatest state fair in the country (the food!).

I was born and raised in California, then moved to Oregon for one awful year, so I have seen and felt state chauvinism at its worst. I have never experienced it in Wisconsin.

[cheezwis1]

Originally Posted by EnjoyEP

Here is what I think the real scoop is:

I am a native of Wisconsin (the Milwaukee area) for much of my life. I am now in my young 30s, and have lived in the Milwaukee area for a great percentage of my life. For about 4 years or so until very recently, I lived in New Mexico, so I think I gained even more insight "being away"...

I think the truth is that a) a high percentage of Wisconsinites do not dislike Illinois folks, and vice-versa. I also believe b) a decent percentage of folks from both states do dislike one another.

Personally, I know that it is absolutely foolish for either states' citizens to dislike the other state. The fact of the matter is, in many regards, the two states need each other. Illinoisians/Chicagoans hate to hear that about Milwaukeeans/Wisconsinites...and vice versa...but it is true.

I think one of the main culprits of this rivalry is that the Midwest is so non-transitory. People have roots here that go back so long. Unlike places in the southwest, west, even parts of the SE's sunbelt or parts of the NE, so many Midwestern folks are born, raised, lived, and die in the Midwest. Huge quantities of transplants are not flocking to WI or IL (in IL somewhat the exception is Chicagoland, but even that is far different than other massive cities like LA) - a huge percentage of these states' populations are folks that "don't get out much"...eg: they've lived in either WI or IL for their whole lives.

Because of that, they have a very narrow view, and I think that leads to foolish regional rivalries like this that actually boil over to more than rivalries in some cases. It is all pretty much rather petty. Sure, Illinois drivers fill our highways on Fridays in the summer. Really, so what. Sure, Northwoods Wisconsinites might b**ch about Illinois folks buying up their properties - again, so what. It is all just pettiness - on both ends - if anyone really cares and believes in a rivalry. Neither side is "right". Both sides are though foolish.

Illinois needs Wisconsin for a) Milwaukee - a nice-sized big city (yes, a city with a metro of 1.5+ million is a big city) that isn't nearly as mammoth as Chicago, so they can come up here for festivals, sports events, etc., and not have to deal with the insane traffic, the long lines, the ridiculous prices, and b) the many recreational areas that Wisconsin offers.

Wisconsin needs Illinois for a) Chicago - a huge city with typical huge-city type ammenities that only a few cities in the US can offer, and b) the tourism and tax dollars that Illinois folks bring to the economy.

Really, truly, both states need each other, just like any productive region of the nation has inter-state synergies.

Anyone that thinks otherwise is just being very narrow-minded and quite frankly, silly. I like Milwaukee and prefer it here and would live in this area easily before Chicago, but that doesn't mean I don't readily appreciate having Chicagoland only 80 miles away with 2 large airports, sports, shopping and restaurant options, etc.

Young 30's? Come back when you've sprouted some whiskers, young whipper-snapper! While I agree with much of your post, I don't agree with what you've stated above.

I was born and raised in Northern Wisconsin. I spent an equal amount of time in Illinois. And I've lived in 5 different states. So I'm "transitory".

The rivalry can be applied to any state. Heck, it can be applied to the entire country ("if they don't like it here, they can go home!")

I currently reside in Florida. The animosity between natives and transplants/tourists is pretty thick. The natives don't want people coming here and "ruining" their state (which they have. ) Those who are transplants from other parts of the country think they're doing Florida a favor by moving here. They treat/talk about the natives like they're dirt. (not all, on either side. but MANY do!)

My family in Wisconsin ran a tourist-based business in WI. For years I listened to disparaging comments from flatlanders (or if you prefer, FIBS), talk down to Wisconsinites, insult their intelligence, complain about "high" prices, high taxes, out-of-state fishing/hunting license fees, and on and on and on. (didn't keep them from coming, though).

When I moved to the Chicago area, I had to listen to more disparaging remarks about how folks from Wisconsin weren't all that bright... kind of slow and backwards. Or that they don't get out much. THAT part is all pettiness. Yes, there are many terrific people in Illinois. And there are some complainers in Wisconsin. But most of the Wisconsin complaints I heard about Illinois people were legit.

On the other hand, while Wisconsin is still a beautiful state, I can understand the resentment from residents who remember it when it was more beautiful... without the overpriced vacation homes, the lakes and land overcrowded with boats and jet skis and snowmobiles and inconsiderate drivers.... who continue to complain - loudly - but keep returning. Go figure.

You might personally need a larger city like Milwaukee or Chicago, but not everyone does. When I returned to WI for a class reunion, I was a bit surprised by the number of classmates that had never been to Chicago, had only been to Milwaukee or Minneapolis or another city a couple of times. They like it that way. They don't need the big city amenities to make their lives complete. I admire that a great deal. They helped me realize that I don't need a big city either. I might not have the many amenities that a larger city has to offer, but I've found through life and experience that I won't be missing those things at all.

Again, I've lived in 5 different states. Have visited 20. People are pretty much the same everywhere... and that includes the rivalry. But I can honestly say -without reservation - that the majority of the people from Wisconsin are the nicest, most down-to-earth people in this country. Their values are what should be valued in life....and what most of us eventually realize are most important in life.

[EnjoyEP]

Originally Posted by cheezwis1

Young 30's? Come back when you've sprouted some whiskers, young whipper-snapper! While I agree with much of your post, I don't agree with what you've stated above.

I was born and raised in Northern Wisconsin. I spent an equal amount of time in Illinois. And I've lived in 5 different states. So I'm "transitory".

The rivalry can be applied to any state. Heck, it can be applied to the entire country ("if they don't like it here, they can go home!")

I currently reside in Florida. The animosity between natives and transplants/tourists is pretty thick. The natives don't want people coming here and "ruining" their state (which they have. ) Those who are transplants from other parts of the country think they're doing Florida a favor by moving here. They treat/talk about the natives like they're dirt. (not all, on either side. but MANY do!)

My family in Wisconsin ran a tourist-based business in WI. For years I listened to disparaging comments from flatlanders (or if you prefer, FIBS), talk down to Wisconsinites, insult their intelligence, complain about "high" prices, high taxes, out-of-state fishing/hunting license fees, and on and on and on. (didn't keep them from coming, though).

When I moved to the Chicago area, I had to listen to more disparaging remarks about how folks from Wisconsin weren't all that bright... kind of slow and backwards. Or that they don't get out much. THAT part is all pettiness. Yes, there are many terrific people in Illinois. And there are some complainers in Wisconsin. But most of the Wisconsin complaints I heard about Illinois people were legit.

On the other hand, while Wisconsin is still a beautiful state, I can understand the resentment from residents who remember it when it was more beautiful... without the overpriced vacation homes, the lakes and land overcrowded with boats and jet skis and snowmobiles and inconsiderate drivers.... who continue to complain - loudly - but keep returning. Go figure.

You might personally need a larger city like Milwaukee or Chicago, but not everyone does. When I returned to WI for a class reunion, I was a bit surprised by the number of classmates that had never been to Chicago, had only been to Milwaukee or Minneapolis or another city a couple of times. They like it that way. They don't need the big city amenities to make their lives complete. I admire that a great deal. They helped me realize that I don't need a big city either. I might not have the many amenities that a larger city has to offer, but I've found through life and experience that I won't be missing those things at all.

Again, I've lived in 5 different states. Have visited 20. People are pretty much the same everywhere... and that includes the rivalry. But I can honestly say -without reservation - that the majority of the people from Wisconsin are the nicest, most down-to-earth people in this country. Their values are what should be valued in life....and what most of us eventually realize are most important in life.

Well, I guess we can agree to disagree!

While I admire your transitory-ness??? (I realize that isn't really a word!), you are in the minority as it relates to WI than the majority. Again, that brings both good and bad (it isn't like my citing folks' lack of moving around as a complete negative). Obviously, having moved back to WI, I love this area and its people.

Your point about regional conflicts being all across the nation - not just in WI-IL - is a valid one for sure. I certainly cannot argue with you that point or dispute it. However, there just seems to be an extra layer to the IL v. WI "rivalry" that is semi-exclusive to this area. To do one better, I will say there is so little to the rivalry up here - yet it seems more intense than most any other region - that it is foolish in many respects that it exists.

I have never in my life referred to an Illinois resident as an FIB or a flatlander, and I really am befuddled any time I hear it from a fellow Wisconsinite (including good friends). I often think to myself, "Do you realize just how backwoods and narrow-minded you sound?" That whole "flatlander" term is so ridiculous as it is...folks, this is Wisconsin, this isn't Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, the Appalachian region (including TN, West Virginia, etc.)...we are pretty darn flat too.

I don't know, I guess it is true other regions have their rivalries and conflicts too, it is just that this IL - WI seems so especially inane. I know so many folks up here in WI who miss out on so many neat aspects of places in Chicago and other parts of Illinois because of this silly WI-tunnel vision, it is just a shame. I am certain the same could be said for folks in Illinois.

And the thing is...I was just down in South Bend, IN this weekend for the ND football game, and thus had to drive through Chicago twice and yeah, I actually get frustrated by many drivers I encounter in Chicagoland. But I am not going to sit there then and make foolish generalizations against the whole area and people because of it, I can fully realize that Chicagoland itself is 10+ million people, there of course are going to be nuts on the roads.

I agree that people in WI are terribly nice in general. So are people in Illinois. But a negative trait of our generalized personalities up here is our real narrow, limited scope of life as it is to us (without "getting out" much).

I have said it before...WI and IL are both great states...folks are best off here that appreciate the strengths of what each state has to offer respectively.

[Steve-o]

Well said EnjoyEP! Well said indeed. Cheers!

[quickdraw]

I got this from the New Hampshire thread. Does this sound at all familiar?

"Pains me to see the Massachusetts people screwing up traffic, pretending they own the place, driving up prices, then go back to Massachusetts and talk smack like we're a bunch of inbred hicks.

They want all the advantages but none of the responsibilities."

[j33]

Hehe. I swear my uncle moved to New Hampshire from Massachusetts so he could drive a pickup truck and not pay sales taxes in peace.

Everyone knows that New Hampshire is full of gun nuts libertarians, that is half if its charm

[cheezwis1]

Originally Posted by EnjoyEP

Well, I guess we can agree to disagree!

While I admire your transitory-ness??? (I realize that isn't really a word!), you are in the minority as it relates to WI than the majority. Again, that brings both good and bad (it isn't like my citing folks' lack of moving around as a complete negative). Obviously, having moved back to WI, I love this area and its people.

Your point about regional conflicts being all across the nation - not just in WI-IL - is a valid one for sure. I certainly cannot argue with you that point or dispute it. However, there just seems to be an extra layer to the IL v. WI "rivalry" that is semi-exclusive to this area. To do one better, I will say there is so little to the rivalry up here - yet it seems more intense than most any other region - that it is foolish in many respects that it exists.

I have never in my life referred to an Illinois resident as an FIB or a flatlander, and I really am befuddled any time I hear it from a fellow Wisconsinite (including good friends). I often think to myself, "Do you realize just how backwoods and narrow-minded you sound?" That whole "flatlander" term is so ridiculous as it is...folks, this is Wisconsin, this isn't Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, the Appalachian region (including TN, West Virginia, etc.)...we are pretty darn flat too.

I don't know, I guess it is true other regions have their rivalries and conflicts too, it is just that this IL - WI seems so especially inane. I know so many folks up here in WI who miss out on so many neat aspects of places in Chicago and other parts of Illinois because of this silly WI-tunnel vision, it is just a shame. I am certain the same could be said for folks in Illinois.

And the thing is...I was just down in South Bend, IN this weekend for the ND football game, and thus had to drive through Chicago twice and yeah, I actually get frustrated by many drivers I encounter in Chicagoland. But I am not going to sit there then and make foolish generalizations against the whole area and people because of it, I can fully realize that Chicagoland itself is 10+ million people, there of course are going to be nuts on the roads.

I agree that people in WI are terribly nice in general. So are people in Illinois. But a negative trait of our generalized personalities up here is our real narrow, limited scope of life as it is to us (without "getting out" much).

I have said it before...WI and IL are both great states...folks are best off here that appreciate the strengths of what each state has to offer respectively.

My "transitory-ness" wasn't posted to be admired (or even frowned upon). It was simply a statement of fact. Where have you lived that you're able to say that the WI-IL rivalry is more intense than any other place? Try California... where they're against anyone who isn't from CA. And the rest of the country thinks they're mostly whack jobs. Try Florida, where they're continually making very vocal and disparaging remarks in public - on both sides. There's a message board on a newspaper in Florida where posters from other states are regularly attacked for making comments on Florida issues. Nevada was the same. Any where you go, it's the same.

I'm not sure why people are so offended by the terms "flatlander" or "FIB". Like "cheesehead", both terms are often used as a slightly sarcastic term of endearment. Why is it that the "F" terms are so offensive, but ya didn't say a word about "cheesehead"? You talk as though the terms are used against everyone from IL - and that everyone from WI uses them. That's just so not true.

Yes, Chicagoland has crazy drivers. It's a city. But they bring their bad driving habits north, where there are still some bad drivers, but they tend to have a little more consideration for others.

You agree that the rivalry is between the two states, but when you start listing the causes of the rivalry, all of your fingers point to Wisconsin. Why? You claim that Wisconsin residents are narrow-minded - because they don't get out much. ha! Do you know this for a fact? And how to you explain the millions from IL - or either state - that DO get out quite a bit - and are still narrow-minded?

It's really ridiculous to suggest that the problems stem from one state and a certain group of people who haven't "gotten around much". It's ridiculous to point your fingers at Wisconsin, without pointing half at Illinois. That arrogance is exactly why some of the people in Wisconsin have a problem with residents of IL... and vice-versa. I'm not sure why you choose to live in Wisconsin if you have such a despicable view of it's residents. That really doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

But whatever. You're certainly entitled to your opinion. I'm certainly not buying it, though, you cheesehead, you!

[Katiana]

Why is it that the "F" terms are so offensive, but ya didn't say a word about "cheesehead"?

It's probably because "F" is an obscenity, as is the "B" word in that phrase. "Cheesehead" is not.

[quickdraw]

There really does seem to be hatred by the Cheeseheads toward the Illinois folks. The Illinois folks don't hate the Wisconsinites though, they're more amused by them.