If there was a dictionary for people and their attitudes, somewhere between New York City nastiness and Southern hospitality, you’ll find a big entry called “Minnesota Nice.” This is a term I’ve heard several times since moving here. After a rude, yet perplexing encounter, a local will say very tongue-in-cheek, “well, that’s Minnesota Nice for you.” It's not exactly a compliment. A few examples of Minnesota Nice:
Someone waves you in on the Interstate, and once you are safely in their lane, they flip you off. People flip off people here more than any place I’ve been. And that’s including driving in big cities like New York, DC, and LA. I even saw a kid flip off another driver while their parent was driving.
At Kinkos, clerk will reference the pictures you are copying as if interested. Then, when you elaborate on the picture, they give you the blankest stare you’ve ever seen. And not speak again.
A volunteer called and left a “Minnesota Nice” message where I work. She started off the message politely, as if she misunderstood the meeting place and time (she did). By the end of the message, she said our behavior was inexcusable and please take her off the volunteer list. (I hope we did)
I haven’t been the only one to notice the oddity. I bumped into a woman from Dallas, Texas in the coffee shop, and within minutes we were talking about “Minnesota Nice.” She’d felt it too—and so had her friend, another transfer from Tennessee.
So, forget Garrison Keillor’s hometown tales and Midwestern niceties. You might find it in Iowa, Nebraska, or maybe even small town Minnesota. But, not in the Twin Cities.
And, if you are ever in Minnesota, know this: It’s quite okay to ask “how are you?” but definitely don’t go a step further and say, “How’s the family? Or that old favorite, “How’s your mama and ‘em?” If so, expect a helping of “Minnesota Nice.”
Someone waves you in on the Interstate, and once you are safely in their lane, they flip you off. People flip off people here more than any place I’ve been. And that’s including driving in big cities like New York, DC, and LA. I even saw a kid flip off another driver while their parent was driving.
At Kinkos, clerk will reference the pictures you are copying as if interested. Then, when you elaborate on the picture, they give you the blankest stare you’ve ever seen. And not speak again.
A volunteer called and left a “Minnesota Nice” message where I work. She started off the message politely, as if she misunderstood the meeting place and time (she did). By the end of the message, she said our behavior was inexcusable and please take her off the volunteer list. (I hope we did)
I haven’t been the only one to notice the oddity. I bumped into a woman from Dallas, Texas in the coffee shop, and within minutes we were talking about “Minnesota Nice.” She’d felt it too—and so had her friend, another transfer from Tennessee.
So, forget Garrison Keillor’s hometown tales and Midwestern niceties. You might find it in Iowa, Nebraska, or maybe even small town Minnesota. But, not in the Twin Cities.
And, if you are ever in Minnesota, know this: It’s quite okay to ask “how are you?” but definitely don’t go a step further and say, “How’s the family? Or that old favorite, “How’s your mama and ‘em?” If so, expect a helping of “Minnesota Nice.”
4 comments:
Have you tried that other southern greeting, "Where to you attend church?"
Considering 30-40 % of the population is Lutheran, it's pretty much assumed you go to some Lutheran denomination.... my favorite is in Savage, Minnesota... the Savage Lutherans!
It is apparent to me you have encountered Minnesota Nincompoops not the Minnesota Nice we are truely known for. Im sorry you havent come across a real Minnesotan, but do hope you will have that opportunity soon and many times over....Signed, A True Minnesotan. BTW how is your family, I hope they are doing wonderful.
"You're not from here, are you?" That's southern nice. Yankees. Whaddya gonna do with 'em?
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