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By Margaret
Every state has a stereotype. And Minnesota is no exception.
I won’t lie—I knew shockingly little about the Twin Cities, let alone Minnesota, when I first arrived in town. Have I mentioned I had never even visited the state before I decided that moving here was a perfect idea?
In other words, the only “real” things I knew about the state were its stereotypes. And after six months as a Minnesota resident, I’d say this entitles me to clear the air on a few of these topics–to verify for you whether or not there’s actually any truth behind them.
So just what are these stereotypes, you ask?
Stereotype The First: It’s cold year-round. And by cold, I mean effing freezing.
Fact or Fiction: Fiction. This one isn’t so much a stereotype as a universally acknowledged “fact.” If you grew up anywhere south of the Minnesota border, you somehow firmly believe that Minnesota has four distinct seasons: winter, winter, winter and winter. I’ll admit that I was suspicious of this too. But I can vouch now for the stunning beauty of Minnesota summers—cool, clear, rarely humid, perfect. I went to the August state fair in a jacket, for crying out loud.
And while I have yet to experience a full-blown Minnesotan winter, the past few weeks have given me a promising preview of just what the Strib Snowman has in store for me. That’s a good thing because I adore cold weather. I know, I know—you think I’ll regret these words come mid-January. But really, I’ll take boots and scarves over flip-flops and swimsuits any day. Guess I’m in the right state, eh?
Stereotype the Second: Minnesoootans have funny accents.
Fact or Fiction: Fact. And it’s starting to rub off on me. I’ve recently caught myself saying words like “know” and “about” with that distinctive northern “o” sound. (Say it isn’t so! … Dammit!)
I should clarify, however, that not once have I ever heard anyone say “yah sure” or “you betcha” in a non-joking context (thank God!). So why does the whole country think you say this all the time?
And most importantly:
Stereotype the Third: “Minnesota Nice.”
Fact or Fiction: Undecided. What does it really mean?
It’s a phrase that’s referenced just about everywhere: billboards, TV commercials, newspaper articles, daily conversation. Everyone seems completely convinced that yes, they are the nicest people in the Midwest. Google it, and you’ll find reference to several “scientific” studies declaring Minnesota to be the nicest state in the country.
Please. You’re talking to the girl who just moved here from Iowa.
I’ve recently been told, however, that more than one definition of the term exists.
I used to assume it meant that everyone here is, well, nice. And they are! But apparently it can also reference a tendency toward passive aggressiveness and insincerity; the way that people can put on a friendly front, then talk behind your back; say one thing, but mean another. All because of a strong aversion to confrontation at all costs.
I’m inclined to think this negative stuff is all just glorified cynicism. But while Minnesotans are obviously incredibly nice people, I’m just not convinced they’re any nicer than the residents of every other Midwestern state. Because let’s face it—friendly people are the entire reason so many Midwestern cities are such great places to live.
So tell me, Minnesotans: are you really the nicest people in the country? And what makes you so sure? What do you think about your state’s stereotypes? Let’s get the discussion going! Comment here or drop me a line at [email protected].
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After living in the South for four years, I experienced a mild culture shock upon moving back to Minnesota (which is where I grew up). The passive aggressive nature is everywhere up here, whether you’re grocery shopping, driving, or making plans with friends and family. Minnesota has a wholesome feel to it that is hard to describe, but you can see it just by going into a gas station. A Missouri gas station typically has an entire wall of tallboys, smirnoff ice and 40s with a small juice and soda section. When you check out, there are little bottles of Kentucky whiskey greeting you at the counter. In Minnesota, the tallboys are replaced by vitamin water and the whiskey bottles replaced by chocolates. There are advantages to either state, but Minnesota definitely puts on a “nice” face.
I think that the Minnesota ‘nice’ thing is just a title. Midwesterners generally have a friendly flair, but people up here aren’t necessarily any nicer than elsewhere in God’s country. Minnesotans may have been the first ones to coin the phrase, but it doesn’t mean that others can’t adhere; Wisconsin is called the dairy state, even though California now produces much more dairy. All in all, it’s a fantastic place to call home.
Minnesotans are certainly passive aggressive. But more specifically, it’s not that we are any “nicer” than any other group of people it’s just that we are polite. We’re not going to go out of our way to be friendly, but if we’re having a conversation we won’t be rude. Basically, Minnesotans just like to avoid stirring the pot which leads to everyone assuming they are “nicer.”
People are certainly passive aggressive in Minnesota, but that could be a midwestern thing. I must say, you were in Minnesota for an abnormally cool summer, we can definitely be in the 100s in July and August, so you’re in for a treat if you’re still around next summer!
Great article! I don’t agree that Minnesota is the nicest state, however I do think we are quite nice (not just passive aggressive). I visited Colorado this summer and was surprised how nice people were there, nicer than Minnesota!