Why does Minnesota have stereotypes? (Burnsville, Dakota: home, movies, gated)

[Missourian11]

I can understand why people have stereotypes about the South due to its dark history and tainted reputation behind racism.

I don't understand the overrated stereotypes for Minnesota though. I've seen it in movies such as Fargo and Drop Dead Gorgeous plus more along with the Golden Girls TV series with Rose Nyland.

Sure, we have "Minnesota Nice", harsh winters, and weird accent among rural Minnesotans. I see nothing wrong with it and we sure are not dumb as some films protray us Minnesotans.

I wonder if the state of Minnesota is well-known all over America for our high quality of life, top notch education, and high rate of civic participation and voter turnout. The state also ranks among the healthiest states and has a highly literate population. We have perhaps the best economy in the Midwest.

I guess stereotypes were created by either Minnesota haters or by people to make themselves feeling better.

What do you think?

[Radical_Car]

Lots of places have stereotypes, nothing to get mad or worry about. I could care less. And I find the stereotypes with Rose on the Golden Girls hilarious(guilty pleasure i'm probably the only 19 yr old male that watches it, though I barely watch it anymore) I never knew for the longest time that St. Olaf wasn't a real town.

[roneb]

There are stereotypes and there is satire based on those stereotypes. The movies you mentioned are the latter. Personally, I loved the movie Fargo and found it humorous. MN was largely settled in the late 1800's by Scandinavians and Finns, and while stereotypes can be and often are unfair, they often have elements of truth. The reserve, mannerisms, and slow manner of speaking played up by these films are a product of that cultural heritage.

Don't be so sensitive. I'm pretty certain more people appreciate MN for the positives you mentioned (which can also be largely attributed to the same Scandinavian heritage) more than they get hung up on the "negative" stereotypes that are offending you.

- Proud of my Norwegian/Finn ancestry and love Ole and Lena jokes!

[jefffla01]

This is not just abut Minnesota---I am from Milwaukee and that city and Wisconsin has had its share of stereotypes propagated by media and entertainment sources.

Dont worry about the stereotypes----let them have their fun and entertainment. I am proud to be from the midwest, and consider the people of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, and Indiana to be the bellweather of our country.

The people from the midwest are hard working, fair, and decent people-----we all know the truth, so dont allow some off key moments get your emotions.

[audadvnc]

Every place has stereotypes. I'm from New Jersey, and spent my youth on the Jersey Shore. You know I saw plenty of working class Italian kids like the JS cast, but plenty others that looked like they'd be just at home on Lake Calhoun.

[Missourian11]

Originally Posted by audadvnc

Every place has stereotypes. I'm from New Jersey, and spent my youth on the Jersey Shore. You know I saw plenty of working class Italian kids like the JS cast, but plenty others that looked like they'd be just at home on Lake Calhoun.

That's true! I don't watch Jersey Shore but one time I came across the channel. The kids were pretty wild! I hope it's the dramatization of the reality show.

I don't know what I would do if my two children become that wild! I probably will have a heart attack and won't have to worry about it. LOL

[Missourian11]

I am not emotional or very offended by the stereotypes of Minnesota. I was just curious how it happened especially for a great state like MN or the Midwest in general.

I never heard of stereotypes for Minnesota while I was in Missouri. I guess I need to travel more.

I guess it's everywhere just like there are stereotypes about North Metro and Burnsville being redneck parts of the Twin Cities.

[freezengirl]

Wherever there are people-there will be stereotypes, it is just the way our brains are hardwired to categorize things.

[stockwiz]

I used to lump people in South Dakota into 'hicks' like everyone who lives in the south. Honestly it's just local ignorance more then anything. People like to categorize things and when they have no actual experience they go by what they hear or assume or imagine.

[yoyoma02]

I live in Los Angeles... if you think Minnesota has sterotypes, try California. Everytime I go back home people ask how I can live with fake, snobby, Hollywood types and I just look at them with a blank stare because Angelinos are nothing like that.

Minnesota isn't known for anything outside the midwest, except for being cold. That is the sad truth.