[JenM]

I started to realize about 15 years ago, that people viewed Michigan as a "Backwards, Hillbilly place." This realization hit when I was watching the tonight show; Jay Leno was interviewing Tim Allen (who was born and raised in Michigan). And Jay Leno began the interview something like this: So Tim, you live in Michigan? Do they even have running water yet?!" Tim laughs, the audience laughs and that was that. But it really struck me odd that Jay would ask a question like that.

And it seems some of the posts here on CD confirm these beliefs. But these posts go further to say that MI is a cold, dreary, ugly, flat-land, pile of nothing state! I am in shock to hear the number of people who also say that there is nothing to do here!

I would love to know the percentage of people who actually have been here and can still say that it's "dreary and cold 24/7."

Now I know the economy isn't the best right now and that is not what I am referring to (so
please no posts about: I hate Michigan because there are not jobs.. I think we've all have enough of that!) But have you ever seen the white sandy beaches in MI, or been to Mackinaw Island? Or Traverse City or the U.P. or anywhere in Detroit? There is a lot more to do here than that. If i knew how to post pictures, I would, so feel free to do so if you want!

Also I believe that MI truly gets a taste of all 4 seasons. Our summers are hot(IMHO) topping out at 95 degrees on many days in August. I love fall; the apple-picking, the pumpkin carving, the hiking,etc. And winter may start in November, but we don't ever really have a good snowfall until January.

But my favorite thing about MI is what a good place it is to raise a family, the great school systems, the focus on the family and the smell of a cool fall morning while sitting on the porch sipping a piping hot cup of coffee!

[kimba01]

Good post. There is a thread with MI pics posted here. It is beautiful!

[JenM]

I did see that thread, that's what inspired me to write this one... among other things!

[cowcat]

MI is beautiful, the people for the most part are not. Way too many xenophobic, provincial, ignorant people here. For every progressive person that moves here, ten locals of this ilk move away to the Coasts or Chicago, leaving a growing ignoramus population. I think that's what Leno was playing at. Doesn't matter whether they're black, white, democrat, republican here in MI. You get both the I've-read-Adam-Smith-so-I-think-I'll-make-an-ass-of-myself-by-being-an-arrogant-know-it-all-Republihick and the foreigners-are-stealing-our-$80/hour-janitorial-jobs-so-vote-for-Hilary-even-though-I'm-too-dumb-to-realize-Bill-passsed-NAFTA-demohick.

[JenM]

that's an interesting perspective, not one that I've experienced though. Most of the people I know are open-mined, loving of their fellow man (whether gay, straight, white, black, etc.) well-educated,hard-working and NOT materialistic. But I also believe that there are miserable, grumpy people wherever you go, not just in Michigan. Also, life is what you make of it. If you tend to be a grumpy person, you will attract grumpy, negative people. On the other hand, if you are friendly and positive, you will attract friendly, positive people!

[Cliffie]

I think MI looks hideous to people who only have a mental picture of sooty old downtown Detroit. That whole chunk of the state could use a serious visual overhaul. But other areas -- wow! Standing on the tip of the UP looking across lake Superior to Canada is incredible. Kicking back on the state's West Coast beaches -- ahhhh. Hiking through the woods anywhere north of, say, Alma -- beautiful!

The people here vary, like people anywhere. A lot of them are more demoralized than usual right now, for good reasons. But I think Leno was commenting on Tim Allen's TV persona, not Michigan itself. I daresay he's never set foot here, and if he did he probably just had a layover at Metro Airport, which is not going to fill anyone with wonder.

[Brent85]

Usually people from big cities on the east and west coast, think their better, that's old news.

[Brent85]

Originally Posted by JenM

that's an interesting perspective, not one that I've experienced though. Most of the people I know are open-mined, loving of their fellow man (whether gay, straight, white, black, etc.) well-educated,hard-working and NOT materialistic. But I also believe that there are miserable, grumpy people wherever you go, not just in Michigan. Also, life is what you make of it. If you tend to be a grumpy person, you will attract grumpy, negative people. On the other hand, if you are friendly and positive, you will attract friendly, positive people!

What's education have to do with the people? There's a lot of idiots out there that have degrees, I think we've all seen that at some point in our life.

[Michigansnowflake]

I dont care what other people think. I think Michigan is the most wonderful place on Earth. I feel truely blessed and lucky to live here and I will never leave

[Northman]

Agree with the poster who said a lot of people not in the know think of Michigan as just Detroit.

I have friends from Texas that did that rap for years until they finally came up here, and they were blown away. They're very wealthy, and are coming back up here this year when they could easily go anywhere else they desire.

I think that speaks volumes about our wonderful and beautiful state.