Do You Get Defensive About Being From Nebraska? (Omaha, York: living in, dangerous)

[michgc]

This thread caught my eye as I was cruising C-D. As an East Coaster born and bred, I'll add my two cents. Growing up I had never given much thought to the Midwest. Sure I knew it was out there, and of course I knew Nebraska was a state. But beyond that, didn't really think about it. We vacationed up and down the East Coast and even flew to the West Coast. But it wasn't until I was in my 20's that I first visited the Midwest. Besides Chicago, which was really my first visit to the midwest (and really isn't typical), I first visited Omaha, Nebraska. The reason? My extended family was having a huge family reunion and I was very interested in my genealogy. When I first heard where the reunion would be located, all I could think was "WHERE?" Everyone I told that I was going to Omaha had a similar reaction. "Where?" "Why?" They all gave a little laugh. But after my initial hesitation, I looked forward to seeing a different part of the country than I was used to.

I have to tell you that I enjoyed my time there very much. Omaha was a lovely city and the people were very nice. The one feeling I did have was that it was very isolated. I guess that's something that East Coasters may have a hard time with. I grew up in Philadelphia, and within 3 hours, I can be in 3 other major cities - NY, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. I did have a feeling of being "out there" in Omaha. But I still really liked it.

I think everyone should be proud of where they come from. And believe me the jokes aren't isolated to just Nebraska. We get them in Philly, too. Have a good day, everyone!

[therewego]

We just moved here and think it is a diamond in the rough! So far the people have been very friendly and so much to do every weekend for families. I really think the state or even just Omaha need to publicize it more or in a better way. When we told people we were moving here, the reaction was about the fields, the corn, living in a barn, etc. they have no idea what a great place this is!

[Darrow]

Originally Posted by therewego

We just moved here and think it is a diamond in the rough! So far the people have been very friendly and so much to do every weekend for families. I really think the state or even just Omaha need to publicize it more or in a better way. When we told people we were moving here, the reaction was about the fields, the corn, living in a barn, etc. they have no idea what a great place this is!

Where did you move to? We are seriously planning a move to NE in about 5 years. My hubby is a native and I love visiting there. When I've told people here in WY our plan, they roll their eyes and mention corn. Then they confess that they've never got off I80! My boss (world traveller) has said negative things about NE - so much that I want to punch his big nose! Anyway, he spent time in Omaha last month and came home raving about how wonderful his trip was, that he got to take drives south by the river, etc. Then it was my turn to roll my eyes and tell him "what have I been saying all these years?"

You guys are fortunate, don't listen to the idiots that never leave the interstate. You are the nicest people and you should just smile and say "yep, I guess I never noticed." Maybe they will stay away!

[skidamarink]

Wow, I really wouldn't have expected people in Wyoming to be cracking jokes about Nebraska, considering they are the LEAST POPULATED state in the nation. The only claim to fame they have is the Matthew Shepard incident, so yeah....they shouldn't be talking. Although I personally know way more about Wyoming and I like it.

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by mattpoulsen

Ya, I get a little defensive, but, at the end of the day, I realize its due to their ignorance, so I let it go. I do agree with you though...it does get irritating. I am sure people from Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, North and South Dakota, Montana, and etc. have similar stories.

It's everywhere. I have heard so much garbage about Pennsylvania, my home state, that it's ridiculous. Midwesterners think it's all paved over, New Yorkers think it's a "hick" state, everything in between. Try being from California out here in CO. Yes, it's ignorance, and lots of people suffer from it.

[sinkfloridasink]

Yeah, I get annoyed. I don't even really like Nebraska, but on the East Coast it's a foreign land to them...with nothing in it. And we're all uneducated. And then insert some joke about corn here.

I, no joke, have shown multiple people where Nebraska is on a map because they didn't know. It's absurd.

[sinkfloridasink]

And also...the first day of class when I moved to Virginia and went to a low-income school:

"Nebraska? Have you ever seen a black person before?"

[checking out]

I've been seriously considering re-locating from Maryland to Nebraska. My wife continues to point out that the land is flat (and as a result is boring.) I tell her that the "action" here on the east coast is not only expensive but is itself boring (and also dangerous.)

Seriously, what's up with the criticicism of Nebraska?

[Go Ne]

well, where will you be living in Nebraska, wherever you end up, I doubt it will be flat.

[itsMeFred]

Unless he stays in the Platte Valley. That's pretty flat.

I've heard that's why it's been a transportation artery for thousands of years...