Beautifully, deeply, and lyrically written. I don't knock people about where they live but ... when I was still living in San Francisco, I did consider Iowa a "fly over" state. I never would have said it out loud, but I thought it. Living here has given me not only a greater appreciation for Iowa, but for the Midwest. I've been here nearly 11 years, longer than I've ever lived anywhere else. So, all this is to say, your piece moved me. Very evocative. Thank you for sharing.
It's weird, but I think a lot of people have unfriendly perspectives of states they don't live in. Virginia, where I reside now, has such a range of people, as do Nashville, Tennessee, and North Carolina (my former residences).
I'd imagine lots of folx have a good time judging. There's satisfaction in knowing the land and people that are living on It - current and before now - and genuinely knowing that other people who judge don't know shit.
Like the rest of the Midwesterners in the comments, and as a native Michigander, this resonates on many levels. The young, hopeful organizer that will always live in me sees the young, hopeful organizer that lives in you. Thank you for these words.
Dear Juki, directed here by FaceBook, I was immediately drawn to your topic, just as I, at 85, am about to FaceTime my Minnesota grandson about leaving Iowa for MN, at least for parts of the year. I was not surprised to learn that you, too, are a Grinnellian🤗. I can't wait to read the balance of your article!!
Yes to all of this. The condescension about the Midwest is very real and has consequences. Happy to see your beautiful writing.
Beautifully, deeply, and lyrically written. I don't knock people about where they live but ... when I was still living in San Francisco, I did consider Iowa a "fly over" state. I never would have said it out loud, but I thought it. Living here has given me not only a greater appreciation for Iowa, but for the Midwest. I've been here nearly 11 years, longer than I've ever lived anywhere else. So, all this is to say, your piece moved me. Very evocative. Thank you for sharing.
It's weird, but I think a lot of people have unfriendly perspectives of states they don't live in. Virginia, where I reside now, has such a range of people, as do Nashville, Tennessee, and North Carolina (my former residences).
I'd imagine lots of folx have a good time judging. There's satisfaction in knowing the land and people that are living on It - current and before now - and genuinely knowing that other people who judge don't know shit.
Great writing, Jumi. Thank you for sharing.
Like the rest of the Midwesterners in the comments, and as a native Michigander, this resonates on many levels. The young, hopeful organizer that will always live in me sees the young, hopeful organizer that lives in you. Thank you for these words.
Dear Juki, directed here by FaceBook, I was immediately drawn to your topic, just as I, at 85, am about to FaceTime my Minnesota grandson about leaving Iowa for MN, at least for parts of the year. I was not surprised to learn that you, too, are a Grinnellian🤗. I can't wait to read the balance of your article!!
(I am the Grinnellian)
The elitism of “what states matter and what is America” is taking up so much space right now. As an Ohioan, I felt this in my core.
So much love to you, Jumi, and a bone-crumbling hug if I could.