I feel like a stranger in a strange land... (Milwaukee: live, safe)

[gortamor]

Hello,
I've recently moved here from Boston, MA and feel like a stranger in a strange land. By nature, I am outgoing and intense (not obnoxious), but these traits seem not to be welcome here.

I go to a pub, try to start conversations, and barely get a response or am looked at as if I were mad. Where I work, all anyone seems interested in is family, try to talk about politics, and they will quickly change the subject back. Where I'm from, politics and current events are normal topics of discussion - we thrive on them. Is it me, have I just not met the right people yet - or is the Midwest really like another country?

[gallon]

Where are you?

[gortamor]

Just outside Milwaukee.

[nanannie]

There have been several posts on this very same subject, so you are not alone in your feelings and observations. My daughter has had a terrible time breaking through in a small town there, shes bright, gorgeous, a teacher and very kind. I have sent her some of the posts I found on here so she knows it isnt just her. So, it aint you either kid. Dont give up, you will break thru the ice I'm sure. And there are alot of people from 'someplace else' there. Come one down to Chicago for a week end. Most of the midwest is very down to earth and friendly-promise.

[karfar]

Originally Posted by gortamor

Hello,
I've recently moved here from Boston, MA and feel like a stranger in a strange land. By nature, I am outgoing and intense (not obnoxious), but these traits seem not to be welcome here.

I go to a pub, try to start conversations, and barely get a response or am looked at as if I were mad. Where I work, all anyone seems interested in is family, try to talk about politics, and they will quickly change the subject back. Where I'm from, politics and current events are normal topics of discussion - we thrive on them. Is it me, have I just not met the right people yet - or is the Midwest really like another country?

I suggest you start hanging out in Milwaukee proper, as in downtown or the eastside, you won't find too much stimulating political conversation outside of it. I for one love to talk politics, & I totally understand the whole coworkers talking about family thing, happens to me too. But you won't find coworkers talking about too much of anything outside of work stuff. Don't worry, you'll get in the groove here. People here are fine, just keep striking up conversations...just make sure you're not coming off skeevy!!

[KateDaum]

We were in Milwaukee last weekend. We found lot of people to talk too. We have lived out east and have found the people so much friendlier here.
We are heading down to the State Fair on Thursday for a few days. Can't wait.

[Badger]

somebody from our East saying people here are not friendly? that's interesting.

I'm sure most people don't want to talk about politics at work because they don't want to ruffle feathers. Some people take it very seriously no matter how you approach it and they just don't want to be judged.

[yo vanilla]

I also find it hard to talk about politics, and I can be a bit more intense at times as well, especially when I am in a hurry (and no one else is!!) I try to bring up political issues at work sometimes, but the conversation usually dies in a hurry.

[EnjoyEP]

Yeah, I guess I don't quite get feeling hard against people for not wanting to talk politics.

If you are coming from Boston, maybe folks are more receptive to talking politics as most (not all) folks are coming from a similar point of view on the liberal ledger? For instance, much easier and less a chance for explosion to talk politics if you are talking it with a person or a group who largely agrees.

Transversely, metro Milwaukee - depending upon the spot you are in - is very mixed politically between liberals and conservatives and moderates. Thus, probably a safe thing for people here is to refrain from talking politics with strangers, co-workers, etc., as you may not want to engage in an argument / a heated debate. I know that I personally love politics and to talk it, but I would probably never talk it with a co-worker or someone out and about I didn't know well, because I wouldn't want to risk a major dust-up.

I have always thought to not with strangers talk much about religion, politics, and major hot-button issues such as abortion, creation/evolution, etc. I don't know if that is a Midwestern cultural thing, but I guess I would rather either be cordial with strangers and talk about safer subjects.

[Jev]

Originally Posted by Badger

somebody from our East saying people here are not friendly? that's interesting.

I'm sure most people don't want to talk about politics at work because they don't want to ruffle feathers. Some people take it very seriously no matter how you approach it and they just don't want to be judged.

It's really not cool to talk about politics at work, especially if you are in a white collar environment. It's also very uncool if the talk is unsolicited.