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I was raised in the midwest, (Milwaukee), and do believe that there is at least a tangible Milwaukee mentality. I think it's self-perpetuating, as well.
Most people I knew growing up wanted to move away as soon as they could, but very few did because of family pressure. I left at 18, but go back to visit frequently. I find now that the people who never left have developed a strong set of rationalizations about why they are glad they stayed in WI, and are quick to bash other areas of the country for things like crime and traffic and materialism (which Milwaukee has plenty of...) even if they've never visited them. And now, they are raising their kids with the same pressure to stay put.
It's sad to see old friends develop such provincial attitudes, and I notice it more and more as time goes by.
I was raised in the midwest, (Milwaukee), and do believe that there is at least a tangible Milwaukee mentality. I think it's self-perpetuating, as well.
Most people I knew growing up wanted to move away as soon as they could, but very few did because of family pressure. I left at 18, but go back to visit frequently. I find now that the people who never left have developed a strong set of rationalizations about why they are glad they stayed in WI, and are quick to bash other areas of the country for things like crime and traffic and materialism (which Milwaukee has plenty of...) even if they've never visited them. And now, they are raising their kids with the same pressure to stay put.
It's sad to see old friends develop such provincial attitudes, and I notice it more and more as time goes by.
St. Louis and Milwaukee sound very much like Kansas City with regard to the prevailing attitudes of the "stayers" compared to those that left for school or better job prospects elsewhere.
I was raised in the midwest, (Milwaukee), and do believe that there is at least a tangible Milwaukee mentality. I think it's self-perpetuating, as well.
Most people I knew growing up wanted to move away as soon as they could, but very few did because of family pressure. I left at 18, but go back to visit frequently. I find now that the people who never left have developed a strong set of rationalizations about why they are glad they stayed in WI, and are quick to bash other areas of the country for things like crime and traffic and materialism (which Milwaukee has plenty of...) even if they've never visited them. And now, they are raising their kids with the same pressure to stay put.
It's sad to see old friends develop such provincial attitudes, and I notice it more and more as time goes by.
That's the case in any city where the young stay put - it's not exclusive to the midwest, you know. I know a lot of young people who have moved to the Milwaukee area to live there lives (who didn't grow up there). For example, my daughter is a college graduate (social worker) and her husband is a physician. Neither are from Milwaukee, but they now live in Mequon - a choice they made. He actually grew up in Chicagoland - wanted to stay fairly close but was tired of all the traffic. As I said before, growing up and staying put is not exclusive to the midwest.
Nothing is wrong with staying where you grew up, if your city brings you fulfillment. In fact, you're very lucky if you happen to be born somewhere and never have the urge to try something different.
But if your city limits you professionally for some reason, or doesn't allow you to develop your passions because of geography or weather or cultural climate, then it's a shame.
There's a big world out there, and it's a waste of life to stay in one place if you're only doing it out of inertia.
Nothing is wrong with staying where you grew up, if your city brings you fulfillment. In fact, you're very lucky if you happen to be born somewhere and never have the urge to try something different.
But if your city limits you professionally for some reason, or doesn't allow you to develop your passions because of geography or weather or cultural climate, then it's a shame.
There's a big world out there, and it's a waste of life to stay in one place if you're only doing it out of inertia.
Yes, this could be applied to my comments on art and many people's lack of appreciation of art in my hometown...
Yes, this could be applied to my comments on art and many people's lack of appreciation of art in my hometown...
I thought about that when I was posting it. In my hometown, social life seemed to revolve around drinking. Can be fun from time to time, but every weekend? Really?
I thought about that when I was posting it. In my hometown, social life seemed to revolve around drinking. Can be fun from time to time, but every weekend? Really?
I totally agree with you...
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