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I have been really earked recently by the general attidude of New Mexicans in general. It seems like there is no pride in the community sometimes, and that everyone has a self-loathing view. Its weird, Texans believe their state does no wrong. Colorado believes there state can't be matched by beauty. Arizona believe there state is the place to go for a conservative version of California. Ironically, New Mexico and Albuquerque has more beautiful areas that Colarado, more history than Texas, more culture (Taos, Santa Fe, etc.) than Arizona. The only ones who seem to appreciate it are the outsiders. This to me is concerning. This same attidude is directed towards UNM too. I have never understood why Albuquerqueans always devalue and depreciate their city. So here is my message: Wake Up New Mexicans, we have a beautiful place with a lot of really great things. We are far from perfect, but when you wake up enjoying a hot breakfast burrito on a crisp summer morning, keep in mind this is the place that truly is special.
I have been really earked recently by the general attidude of New Mexicans in general. It seems like there is no pride in the community sometimes, and that everyone has a self-loathing view. Its weird, Texans believe their state does no wrong. Colorado believes there state can't be matched by beauty. Arizona believe there state is the place to go for a conservative version of California. Ironically, New Mexico and Albuquerque has more beautiful areas that Colarado, more history than Texas, more culture (Taos, Santa Fe, etc.) than Arizona. The only ones who seem to appreciate it are the outsiders. This to me is concerning. This same attidude is directed towards UNM too. I have never understood why Albuquerqueans always devalue and depreciate their city. So here is my message: Wake Up New Mexicans, we have a beautiful place with a lot of really great things. We are far from perfect, but when you wake up enjoying a hot breakfast burrito on a crisp summer morning, keep in mind this is the place that truly is special.
That IS a problem, and one I have been guilty of in the past. However, I don't think we have a self image problem when it comes to natural beauty. I think it goes back to the stagnant state of our local governments, and how ineffective they are at getting anything done that is remotely progressive. All those places you mention have vibrant economies and local governents that get things done. We could not even get Bill Gates a loan to start his new-fangled personal computer company he wanted for Albuquerque, so he left and did it in Seattle. The Maloofs high tailed it out of here to invest in Las Vegas and Sacramento, after building their fortune on the backs and livers of New Mexicans. Gee, thanks a lot guys!
That sort of thing gives one a negative self image, and leaves us wondering, why can't we attract a Microsoft, or Southwest Airlines to base themselves in Albuquerque? A centuries long history of poverty and government subsidy under Spain, Mexico, and now the USA is also partly to blame. I hope we can shake it some day.
I've never been more proud of ABQ! We are making some amazing strides in the form of economic development (see: every solar company and their dog moving something to ABQ)!
I can't wait to get back and start helping my city become what I know it can!
I think part of this has to do with the near weekly reports of being at the bottom of one list or another concerning social and economic factors. Also the 'grass is greener' phenomenon has to be taken into account. I mean, all the newcomers were deprecating their home states before they came to New Mexico.
For every New Yorker who can't wait to move to North Carolina or Colorado or New Mexico, there is someone from each of those states in Brooklyn just loving the city life.
The proudest New Mexicans in my opinion are those from the Hispanic communities in north-central New Mexico (incl. Bernalillo and Espanola) followed closely by the newcomers. I can't speak for the southern part of the state, but in college I had a roommate from Hobbs who wished he was Texan. He only went to UNM for the in-state tuition. He wouldn't let me forget how much he regretted not moving to Texas. Oh, and I wasn't allowed to touch his fancy cowboy hat.
I agree with everything said so far, thats why I said in the pro team thread that New Mexicans are the first to put down their own team and they just arnt impressed with much.
That IS a problem, and one I have been guilty of in the past. However, I don't think we have a self image problem when it comes to natural beauty. I think it goes back to the stagnant state of our local governments, and how ineffective they are at getting anything done that is remotely progressive. All those places you mention have vibrant economies and local governents that get things done. We could not even get Bill Gates a loan to start his new-fangled personal computer company he wanted for Albuquerque, so he left and did it in Seattle. The Maloofs high tailed it out of here to invest in Las Vegas and Sacramento, after building their fortune on the backs and livers of New Mexicans. Gee, thanks a lot guys!
That sort of thing gives one a negative self image, and leaves us wondering, why can't we attract a Microsoft, or Southwest Airlines to base themselves in Albuquerque? A centuries long history of poverty and government subsidy under Spain, Mexico, and now the USA is also partly to blame. I hope we can shake it some day.
I wouldn't worry about it, Albuquerque will get its exposure within time. Remember how recently Phoenix and Tuscon were no name cities? Even if we don't get "put on the map", who cares?
Is Tucson even on the map? Ha! I am not worried about being on the map, I am angered by the seaf-loathing attidude the youngsters and locals have about their city and state.
I wonder if that attitude is as common anymore. As a newcomer meeting lots of newcomers here, the prevailing view for many of us is that Albuquerque is a good place to be (while still recognizing some of its weaknesses).
I suppose that old attitude about the city and its possibilities has always resulted in a city that was considered undervalued and underrated, but that is changing now.
Maybe we should be lucky that the city hasn't changed too fast like Phoenix and Vegas?
See, I am not talking about National opinion. I am talking about LOCAL opinion. I don't care what people in Nebraska think about New Mexico, I care about what people in New Mexico think of New Mexico. That is my whole rant.
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