Gee, I’ve never seen so many people defensive over their state. You can rip on New York and California (the other places I’ve lived) as much as you want, I don’t care. Please remember that this is the IMHO forum and I feel, after living there for 20 years, I qualify as somewhat of an expert on my opinion. Also, if you read a previous post of mine, you will see that I have, indeed, been all over the state.
Anyway, sorry to hijak but I’m going to write out some of the issues I have with Wisconsin, including why I left and why I suffer from panic attacks and anxiety when I have to return.
Racism/Segregation
Sure, everyone’s really nice and hospitable unless you happen to be black, foreign or different. I can’t even begin to tell you of the crap I witnessed when I hung out with my black friends.
When I lived there (I’m sure it hasn’t changed) 80% of the state’s black population lived between Humboldt and Sherman Streets (E/W) and Vliet and Capitol Streets (N/S) in Milwaukee. People panic when black families move into their neighborhoods or drive through their towns. The racism people exhibit (all over the state) is disgusting - there is no way you can argue with me on that. How many of your friends tell racist jokes on a regular basis or talk about how “all those people move up from Chicago and go on welfare?” I heard it all the time, everywhere.
A black friend of mine drove the library bookmobile all across the state. I can’t even wrtie the horrible things people did/said to him.
Do some of you remember the “watermelon and fried chicken party” A POLICE DEPARTMENT threw? When they painted their faces black and dressed in “gansta” clothes?
Even in my public school education I witnessed that shit. Did you know I didn’t learn who Malcolm X or Ceaser Chavez were until I moved out of state? (I left when I was 20). That’s really embarassing. And yes, I went to one of the best high schools in the state.
Focus on Sports
I know there’s not much to do there, but this is what I learned: Screw academics, arts and sciences when there are sports! If you didn’t play sports or weren’t interested in sports, you were ostracized or hassled. The focus on sports (especially the Packers) throughout the whole state is appalling. Once I was at bar in Steven’s Point and made a groaning comment about how boring sports are and people threw crackers, ice and cigarette butts at me. Yeah, don’t take it too seriously, folks.
Once, when I was visiting my mother, my sister and I timed the sports coverage on the 1/2 hour news program. 17 minutes. National news wasn’t featured at all.
When I lived in Madison, I played in three bands. There is very little support for artists and musicians in that state (we toured) - I met everyone who supported the local clubs and it was the same 50 people. Imagine my thrill when I moved to San Francisco and realized that people actually do enjoy seeing live music!
People in General
I learned that a lot of people in Wisconsin tend to be nosy, judgemental and narrow minded. Do you have any idea how many times my mother had to defend me because of how my hair looked, the music I listened to, how I dressed or the people I hung out with? People would call my mother to “discuss me”. I mean, come on, mind your own fucking business.
When I lived there I had a pro-choice bumper sticker on my car. Once, on the highway, some moron began tailgating me and bumping me. Remember, we were going 60 miles an hour - I swear this guy was going to kill me - over a bumper sticker.
There are a million more stories like this experienced by me or a friend/family member, if you really need to hear them, I’ll type them out.
I haven’t had to deal with that kind of crap anywhere else.
Oh, and just to give you another opinon - Tommy Thompson is the biggest prick on the planet. Not just because of his political views, but I’ve met him in person several times through my former job. Total idiot.
Food
I’m a food snob. The food there sucks, unless you want to eat bratwurst and sauerkraut or fried bar food. Don’t eat seafood, sushi or any Asian cuisine under any circumstances, especially if you’re used to real, good cuisine.
The last time I was there, a waitress informed that Chicken Parmesan was the special. As in Chicken Par-Meee-Zsan.
Nice restaurants don’t accept reservations after 9 p.m. (yes, including in Milwaukee). I don’t get it.
Clothing
I like to dress well and to look at people who look nice. People in Wisconsin think it’s ok to go to fancy restaurants or formal occasions (like weddings, funerals, etc) in sweat/athletic clothing and sneakers. Yeah, I’m sure it’s comfortable, but you look like a slob.
Ok, the last two were true, but not reasons to hate the state.
I have to rap this up because I have to get some work done, but I want to mention that lots of these issues aren’t unique to Wisconsin, but I’m truly ashamed of the things I witnessed by the citizens of the state.
There’s a lot more, including things I don’t want to get into on a message board, but trust me, I loathe Wisconsin. And if I’m the only person you know who does, then don’t take it too personally.