Tolerable?TOLERABLE?
What particular aspects of Minnesota culture do you dislike?
Lutefisk?
Fancy Ray?
I have to say,I've only lived in one other state(Colorado)and spent about 2 months in San Fransisco.But damn,Minneapolis and St.Paul are quite clean compared to San Fran(sorry kids),and you don't have people in your face every 3 minutes.
Some things I've disliked over the years:
1.Weather-I don't like snow.I don't like bitter cold.I don't like people who drive in the snow,especially in trucks.I don't like Snow Emergencies.
2.Arts-We have ample venues and resources for patrons and artitsts,but I'm not so sure things are supported as they would be in say,NYC.So many artists end up leaving for the coasts,not much ever lasts here.Legendary clubs like First Avenue are rumored to be in danger of closing,a jazz club in St.Paul closed after less than a year of being open(St.Paul-Ghost Town).Not to mention plenty of unique,underground artists don't find it viable to tour or visit our humble state=getting the shaft.
3.Taxes-aren't we in the top 10 of high taxes?I don't get into politics,but every year it's more taxes,more taxes.Either that or cut budgets.Sure,let fire departments resort to advertising to help their situation.
4."Minnesota Nice"-I've never been to the East Coast,but the purported bluntness of said people would be a refreshing change I think.I'm not exactly blunt myself,but some of the two-faced/say one thing to my face another behind my back attitudes are really irritating.Let me just say it,IMO I think more Minnesotans aren't honest about their intolerance with other cultures-"Oh no no no,I am NOT a racist.!"
5.Lack of distinct culture-We have nothing.Wrigley field.Chinatown.Little Italy.Haight-Ashbury.Brooklyn Bridge.We have very few nationally/world recognized landmarks,or places of interest.No "scene".Actually I'm quite tired of seeing movies and shows with people talking all"Hey,I'm from Philly!""It's got that New Yawk Flava!""Hey,I'm from Jersey,and you dont' mess with us!"Minnesota has no identity in that regard,what is "Minnesota flavor"?THere is none.Even things that come from Minnesota are not centralized,like in New York you have all these communities where the artists live and work,or it's something you can go down and see/be a part of.
We've had the so called"Minneapolis sound"due to the likes of Prince and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.But when was the last time they were in town?They are businessmen,they have no connection to the local scene,maybe in 1981 they did,but not now,despite their success.
What's to Like:
1."Quality of Living"-It ain't Compton,at least where I live.People aren't in your face all the time,you can be left alone.There is a relatively easy-going vibe,or maybe it's just that passive thing.
2.Weather-I hate winter,I'll take rain anyday.But nothing beats the contrast of below zero and snow on a Monday and 60 degrees and sunny on a Friday.
3.Places of Interest-For me,I cherish the last vestiges of non-corporate giant stores,like Shinders,Big Brain,Let it Be Records..I would be sorely disappointed if/when these places expire.Just because they are there,not that the service is spectactular.There's just something more pleasing about a dyed hair,tattooed,pierced alterna-freak elitist being rude to me while I make a purchase compared to the know nothing soul sucking giant independent swallowing chain store employee.
God I wish football season would start again.
