Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
No blindness to vices here. Rhode Islanders beat themselves up plenty. Our political culture is mediocre at best, corrupt at worst. I actually can't recall anyone saying otherwise on this forum. Tons of self-awareness. On the other hand, it's a beautiful state with good people. Our shortcomings may be obvious, but so are the strengths. Immediate case in point: Governor Raimondo has stepped up with COVID-19 leadership that has surprised me, and probably many others also.
Having been born and raised in Boston, the first three words that jump to mind regarding Rhode Islanders are provincial, insecure and suspicious.
It seems pretty silly for any resident of one part of New England to label people from another section of the region as "provincial, insecure and suspicious". I'm also someone who was born and raised in Boston. Many Bostonians come across as provincial, arrogant and suspicious. I don't know whether the arrogance is a true feeling of superiority or overcompensation for feelings of inadequacy. Probably varies by person.
Anyway, the "provincial" tag can be applied to New Englanders as a whole. Whichever of the six states we hail from, whether we call one of the region's larger cities or a small town home, New Englanders (Bostonians included) strike outsiders visiting the region as a narrow-minded, insular, parochial bunch.
Aside from what others hear as slight variations in accent and dialect, to people from outside the region, New Englanders are all cut from the same cloth. That perception makes sense. All six states have roots in English colonial settlement. Later generations of those early families became the core population of New England Yankees. The 19th and early 20th century immigration to New England came largely from French Canada, Ireland, Italy, and Portugal. Most of the economic history of New England was tied to the sea (fishing, whaling) or manufacturing (initially, textiles). Later in the 20th century there began to be an influx of immigration from Asia and central America. Except for Vermont, parts of inland Maine and New Hampshire, and Fairfield County in Connecticut, there's not a lot that truly separates New England culture-wise. New Englanders either grew up in coastal communities that made at least a part of their living from the sea, or inland mill towns. Boston's the region's only truly "major" city, but even it seems like a "town" compared to mega-city's like NYC, LA, Chicago, Houston, etc.
Which original point? I've offered my opinion of Rhode Islanders since it's relevant to the thread. If you care to offer your opinion regarding Bostonians, please feel free to post in the proper forum. And when doing so, please be creative and don't simply regurgitate my knock on Rhode Islanders. We may be a lot of things, but provincial and insecure, lady we ain't.
You stated you were from Boston and that made criticism of Bostonians valid in this thread. Otherwise what was the point of being from Boston? Are you representing all Bostonians or just yourself? Or should we attempt to harass and bully you as you attempt to in this forum. How many of your attacks have been deleted? I know of at least one in this thread.
It seems pretty silly for any resident of one part of New England to label people from another section of the region as "provincial, insecure and suspicious". I'm also someone who was born and raised in Boston. Many Bostonians come across as provincial, arrogant and suspicious. I don't know whether the arrogance is a true feeling of superiority or overcompensation for feelings of inadequacy. Probably varies by person.
Anyway, the "provincial" tag can be applied to New Englanders as a whole. Whichever of the six states we hail from, whether we call one of the region's larger cities or a small town home, New Englanders (Bostonians included) strike outsiders visiting the region as a narrow-minded, insular, parochial bunch.
Aside from what others hear as slight variations in accent and dialect, to people from outside the region, New Englanders are all cut from the same cloth. That perception makes sense. All six states have roots in English colonial settlement. Later generations of those early families became the core population of New England Yankees. The 19th and early 20th century immigration to New England came largely from French Canada, Ireland, Italy, and Portugal. Most of the economic history of New England was tied to the sea (fishing, whaling) or manufacturing (initially, textiles). Later in the 20th century there began to be an influx of immigration from Asia and central America. Except for Vermont, parts of inland Maine and New Hampshire, and Fairfield County in Connecticut, there's not a lot that truly separates New England culture-wise. New Englanders either grew up in coastal communities that made at least a part of their living from the sea, or inland mill towns. Boston's the region's only truly "major" city, but even it seems like a "town" compared to mega-city's like NYC, LA, Chicago, Houston, etc.
You joined today to post this? i appreciate the history lesson but New England is not homogeneous. not by a long shot. It's a large region and it's inhabitants run the gamut culturally, racially, politically and socioeconomically. Unless you don't leave the house, this much should be obvious. This thread concerns the perception of friendliness on the part of Rhode Islanders and I've offered mine, like it or not. You're certainly entitled to yours. By the way, welcome to CD!
i appreciate the history lesson but New England is not homogeneous. not by a long shot. It's a large region and it's inhabitants run the gamut culturally, racially, politically and socioeconomically. Unless you don't leave the house, this much should be obvious.
You stated you were from Boston and that made criticism of Bostonians valid in this thread. Otherwise what was the point of being from Boston? Are you representing all Bostonians or just yourself? Or should we attempt to harass and bully you as you attempt to in this forum. How many of your attacks have been deleted? I know of at least one in this thread.
Mark, isn't it? The opinions offered here by PureBoston are now and always mine and mine alone. I simply wanted others to know that by virtue of geography, I've had ample exposure to Rhode Islanders to form an opinion. It certainly isn't important that you agree with it.
I appreciate you taking the time to make known your opinion of Bostonians. By understanding how others view us, we're better able to form an accurate opinion of ourselves. If I can be of any further assistance, please don't be afraid to ask.
Mark, isn't it? The opinions offered here by PureBoston are now and always mine and mine alone. I simply wanted others to know that by virtue of geography, I've had ample exposure to Rhode Islanders to form an opinion. It certainly isn't important that you agree with it.
I appreciate you taking the time to make known your opinion of Bostonians. By understanding how others view us, we're better able to form an accurate opinion of ourselves. If I can be of any further assistance, please don't be afraid to ask.
From your responses to others who voice their opinions or newcomers who enter this forum to voice their opinions, I firmly believe you already have an accurate opinion of yourself. So this will help you in your self assessment. To lump you into my opinion of Bostonians would be a disservice to your fellow Bostonians. So thanks, but no thanks. Thank you for the psychology 101 lesson, but at my stage of life I really don't care how others view me. I let my actions do my speaking. I am more community minded and when I can make them happy, I smile! As long as you are civil, no problem, but you seem to have a problem with that.
From your responses to others who voice their opinions or newcomers who enter this forum to voice their opinions, I firmly believe you already have an accurate opinion of yourself. So this will help you in your self assessment. To lump you into my opinion of Bostonians would be a disservice to your fellow Bostonians. So thanks, but no thanks. Thank you for the psychology 101 lesson, but at my stage of life I really don't care how others view me. I let my actions do my speaking. I am more community minded and when I can make them happy, I smile! As long as you are civil, no problem, but you seem to have a problem with that.
Happy I could help you Mark. Keep working on yourself, Rome wasn't built in a day!
Which original point? I've offered my opinion of Rhode Islanders since it's relevant to the thread. If you care to offer your opinion regarding Bostonians, please feel free to post in the proper forum. And when doing so, please be creative and don't simply regurgitate my knock on Rhode Islanders. We may be a lot of things, but provincial and insecure, lady we ain't.
The original point was that "they" often say the same of Bostonians. And that not everything "they" say is true.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
