Thanks to State 29 for pointing out this editorial in the Daily Iowan about perceptions of Iowans.
Unfortunately, this drivel is all too common in Iowa. Often in Des Moines, the political discussion turns to questions of what will make Des Moines a “real city”. A new arena? A new hockey team? How about an upscale mall? A trendy urban area? Don’t forget to remind people about how important we are to the insurance industry.
And in Iowa, people are always fretting over outsider misconceptions of Iowans. “Gosh, I hope people don’t think we’re all farmers.” “Don’t people know that Maytag and Pella and Winnebago are based here?”
The real difference between Iowa and other states is that other states have enough self-confidence to not worry about what everybody else thinks. People from Chicago don’t say, “Gosh, I hope people don’t think we are all union-affiliated liberals.” Washingtonians don’t tell you to stop picking on them about their crack-smoking mayor.
Iowa is a state. There is no danger of us getting annexed by Minnesota or Illinois. And Des Moines is a city. You don’t need anything more than the 200,000 people in the city and the 480,000 people living in the metro area to confirm that.
Quit worrying about what others think. Focus on what the people in the state want – not perceptions of out-of-staters.
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You make some really good points Mike. All of which I agree with. Des Moines is a “real city”. It’s freakin huge physically!
I was talkin to a jetliner pilot a few months ago about it. He swore to god he was right over Chicago but it was really Des Moines (at night). He couldn’t get over how big of an area Des Moines takes up. Now, I know Des Moines is nowhere near the size of Chicago population wise.
I think Iowa is recognized a lot more than Iowans think, mostly for education and our personalities. I’m always hearing from out of staters how nice and pollite Iowans are. Personally, I think Coloradians are the “nicest”, most pleasant.
If Iowans want to be known for something else, we need to attract more tech business.
Maybe what Iowa “needs” is a coach to go around to all of its citizens to let them know they’re doing a “good job” of being interesting, productive members of society.
Living in a suburb of Chicago, I enjoy fatal car crashes daily during the summer, lots of traffic, and drug deals at 5pm in a local park. Luckily my 22 month-old isn’t old enough to ask, “What are they doing, Daddy?”
Be proud of who you are Iowans! I grew up in Clive where my dad and I had breakfast with the mayor on the odd morning. My buddy and I dug cars out of a snowstorm just for fun!
When I think of Iowans, I think of people who care about their families, their neighbors, and just about anyone else they come with whom they come in contact!
Inferiority complexes are for the south side of Chicago, where the fans of the #1 baseball team in the game can concentrate on nothing more than making fun of the Cubs!
Say it loud people! I love Iowa!
Just like you said, I think most people think of Iowans in a positive light – with the exception of other Iowans.
I guess it’s midwest modesty gone awry.
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