Social Life Advice for Twin Cities Family (appointed, schools)

[Mason3000]

All newcomers should watch this video called "How to talk Minnesotan." to acclimate themselves.

Video: How To Talk Minnesotan | Watch TPT Documentaries Online | Twin Cities PBS Video

[MnMomma]

Originally Posted by MsBall

We've been here just a few months now; hubby and I just had this conversation the other day! The comments being made to us such as "you sure have moved around a lot", "why did you leave Colorado", "why Saint Paul" are annoying. We've lived in four different states and this is the only place where we've come across this. Seeing this attitude towards us, one who moved here from another American state, does make me wonder how those from Somalia are being treated. Would those comments be made to them?

I'm not a native Minnesotan and, like you, I've lived in several other states. I don't see why these questions are odd/rude. People are just making small talk and the fact that you are new to the area is an easy subject matter to pursue.

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by MnMomma

I'm not a native Minnesotan and, like you, I've lived in several other states. I don't see why these questions are odd/rude. People are just making small talk and the fact that you are new to the area is an easy subject matter to pursue.

Exactly. I know from experience that this is not the only place in the country -- or world, for that matter-- where people ask little questions like this in an effort to start a conversation.

I don't see how the Minnesotans can win with these folks. Ignore them and they want you to get to know them. Try to get to know them and they want you to ignore them.

[Mason3000]

Originally Posted by Glenfield

Exactly. I know from experience that this is not the only place in the country -- or world, for that matter-- where people ask little questions like this in an effort to start a conversation.

I don't see how the Minnesotans can win with these folks. Ignore them and they want you to get to know them. Try to get to know them and they want you to ignore them.

MnMomma didn't watch the video. If she had, she would have been able to interpret & understand this, knowing it's nothing but police small talk.

[MsBall]

Originally Posted by MnMomma

I'm not a native Minnesotan and, like you, I've lived in several other states. I don't see why these questions are odd/rude. People are just making small talk and the fact that you are new to the area is an easy subject matter to pursue.

I see your point in that regards. The ones who say that are those who have never left MN. It seems to me they are happy/content with what they have that they cannot comprehend why someone would move, even after explaining that moving "on" is a way to move "up" (the salary ladder)

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by MsBall

I see your point in that regards. The ones who say that are those who have never left MN. It seems to me they are happy/content with what they have that they cannot comprehend why someone would move, even after explaining that moving "on" is a way to move "up" (the salary ladder)

Perhaps people are repelled by your condescending attitude. Trust me, we all understand that one can often make more money by relocating, we just don't all put money above community and happiness as you appear to have done.

[MsBall]

Originally Posted by Glenfield

Perhaps people are repelled by your condescending attitude. Trust me, we all understand that one can often make more money by relocating, we just don't all put money above community and happiness as you appear to have done.

Please explain to me where in my post I stated that I've put money above happiness. That is completely your personal judgement of me based on how you've lived your own personal life, not mine.

You all have proved to be perfect examples of Minnesotans who are intolerant of others who come from a different life experience.

If a Somali woman moved here in order to provide a better life for her family, would you all call her snotty and neurotic? I moved here under that same principle. But since I moved here from Colorado, I guess that makes me a "greedy American" in your eyes.

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by MsBall

Please explain to me where in my post I stated that I've put money above happiness. That is completely your personal judgement of me based on how you've lived your own personal life, not mine.

You all have proved to be perfect examples of Minnesotans who are intolerant of others who come from a different life experience.

If a Somali woman moved here in order to provide a better life for her family, would you all call her snotty and neurotic? I moved here under that same principle. But since I moved here from Colorado, I guess that makes me a "greedy American" in your eyes.

I didn't say you were greedy. I also never said you were snotty nor did I say you were neurotic. If you have an issue with those characterizations, please take it up with the poster who made them.

Now as to what I did say. You said that Minnesotans do not understand than people move for more money. I say we understand they do but many people-- here and elsewhere-- choose not to make that trade off. Rejecting it is different than not comprehending it, as you put it.

Yes, I made a personal judgement about you. You moved for money. You express dissatisfaction with the area you moved to. 2+2=4

I'm not intolerant of you. I simply observe that you appear to have made a choice in life. So be it. It's your life. Just quit complaining about it.

And put your race card back in the deck. This has nothing to do with race.

[MsBall]

Originally Posted by Glenfield

I didn't say you were greedy. I also never said you were snotty nor did I say you were neurotic. If you have an issue with those characterizations, please take it up with the poster who made them.

Now as to what I did say. You said that Minnesotans do not understand than people move for more money. I say we understand they do but many people-- here and elsewhere-- choose not to make that trade off. Rejecting it is different than not comprehending it, as you put it.

Yes, I made a personal judgement about you. You moved for money. You express dissatisfaction with the area you moved to. 2+2=4

I'm not intolerant of you. I simply observe that you appear to have made a choice in life. So be it. It's your life. Just quit complaining about it.

And put your race card back in the deck. This has nothing to do with race.

Wow, you made one completely broad judgment of me based on one comment I made about being annoyed.

Regarding the race card, I will refer you to the OP's post, #17 in this thread.

Which raises an important - perhaps doubly important point - besides neurotic newcomers, how are you treating those who happen to be in the minority in your state??

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by MsBall

Wow, you made one completely broad judgment of me based on one comment I made about being annoyed.

Yes, we get to do that. You judged other Minnesotans based on the "annoying" questions they asked when they tried to engage you in small talk and you had less information about them than I had about you.

Regarding the race card, I will refer you to the OP's post, #17 in this thread.

So what? Race was irrelevant when the OP tried to make it an issue and irrelevant when you tried.