Minnesota Not-So Nice

[old fed]

Originally Posted by Yosh01

The whole "Minnesota Nice" thing is a mythological concept designed to make people feel superior to others. It's an antidote to Minnesotan's inferiority complex.

if it were meant as you read it, maybe. but that's not what it's about

[tijlover]

Having lived in MN for 43 years, I agree to the coldness and unfriendliness of the Minnesotans.

And then I moved to Las Vegas/Sinless City, spent 22 years there, worked in a LTC/Rehab facility and what did I hear from so many seniors in the facilities who had moved from other parts of the country? What makes Las Vegans so cold and unfriendly?

I made the move to Tucson 6 years ago, fleeing unfriendly Las Vegas, and I've never met so many friendly people as anywhere. You meet someone, and out comes the outstretched hand for handshake. I've never shook so many hands anywhere else I've lived.

[Teak]

I think that Minnesota Nice translates as "passive-aggressive" in psychological terms. Minnesotans won't hate you to your face, but behind your back.

I spent quite a few years in SE Asia, and being the only white person in the college where I taught, I was openly hated by some of the locals. That is the opposite of passive-aggressive.

After moving to Minnesota, I found that my neighbors, friendly to each other around the backyard campfire, will badmouth the one neighbor missing that day. I find this to be very disingenuous. If you don't like someone, don't pretend to be a friend. Be polite, but don't make them think they can trust you with sensitive info.

The most irritating issue that I have in Minnesota is the intense virtue-signaling. We used to call that a "Holier Than Thou" attitude, and it is very prevalent especially with the politicians.

[AZ Desert Guy]

Originally Posted by RJ8089

An observation after a grocery store visit this morning… I have been in Minnesota for about 8 months now (as an Adult I have lived in 14 States), and from what I have seen as a minority person, Minnesota is one of the coldest (as in attitudes in general) and unwelcoming people I have ever dealt with. You’ll say something like “hi” when walking past someone and you’ll be met with silence and offish looks. What is wrong with this place? Have the citizens been taxed into depression or just prejudice. And don’t give me that “Blue State” or “inclusive” nonsense. I don’t think politics matters. People are friendlier in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and even Illinois for that matter.

What part of the state/city do you live in? It matters.

I was born/raised in the state and lived in TC suburbs, Minneapolis and briefly an east central small town. I have lived i a lot of places since then, but go back often for family, so I too have comparative references.

I cant disagree with your general premise.

[WoodburyWoody]

Originally Posted by old fed

sort of like that, yeah. nice to your face, not so much when you turn around. we're nice to your face because that's how we were raised. it's not so much based on not liking someone as not enjoying people in your space. it's sort of a scandi thing I've been told. Finns especially (me) feel this. more generalization (see below) but with a bit of truth woven in.

it's a generalization of a part of the country like all other non-sensical generalizations that have maybe a modicum of truth but don't hold up for the most part. but generalizations are fun and easy.

"As for its origins, she acknowledged the Scandinavian connection that stems from immigrants who settled in Minnesota more than a century ago, bringing with them personalities that centered around the idea of being polite and helpful, but non-confrontational and socially guarded as well."

Source:
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2019/1...minnesota-nice

and ...

"Minnesota Nice attitudes resemble the "Law of Jante" described in a 1930s satirical novel by a Danish-Norwegian author that forms a code of conduct for residents of a fictional town, Lie Dorer explained in an e-mail. (Rule No. 1: Don't think that you are special.)

The rules portray Scandinavian social norms — that no one person is more important than any other, and that an individual's needs should be subordinate to those of the group."

Source:
https://www.startribune.com/where-do...ean/502474301/