State Pride

Two of the stereotypes that America is known for are quite opposite. We’re known for either overly patriotic or no wanting to have anything to do with America and the terrible damage it has done to the world. The latter includes many people who simply want to move to Canada as stated in Stuff White People Like. Either way, The United States is pretty much well known for its strong views on either side of the spectrum of country love. When I think about the way some Americans are viewed as “overly love-y” of the country, I start to relate it to myself. Only my obsessive love isn’t with the U.S.A., it’s with Oregon.

When approaching an Oregonian, don’t be surprised about their devotion to the state. If you’re not one of them, their first reaction might be something along the lines of an interesting Oregon fact. Such as:

• Did you know Oregon is the only state flag that has two sides? One side has a beaver on it!
• Oh yeah, Oregon is the only state with a state nut? It’s the hazelnut.
• Did you know that (The Shining, The Goonies) was filmed in Oregon?

Next, they’ll begin to tell you all of the great things about Oregon, complaining about how the rest of the country doesn’t understand how pretty awesome it is. It’s so green, it’s very clean… we recycle all of the time. Yes, you will be notified of how much we recycle.

There’s one point where Oregonians tend to differ though, and that’s when it comes to taking themselves seriously. Many of the Oregonians can’t see how ridiculous they appear to the rest of the world by saying no one can touch Oregon in awesomenest.

Then there are the people who have been able to pass that point and realize Oregon isn’t perfect. No duh no state is perfect! I may love Oregon, but I know that I would love to live somewhere sunny sometimes during rainy Oregon days.

So be warned! If you ever take a trip into Oregon, you’ll discover that we Oregonians have a slight obsession with our state. I don’t mind. Why do you think I live in Oregon?

P.S. : Oregon is not that hard to say. You say it like an organ in your body. Not OrYgun, not OrAgan. The only time you’ll see Oregonians saying it differently is when they’re making fun of other saying the name wrong, or being sarcastic.

P.P.S: This is completely true about Portland:

Also, plaid seems to be the uniform of Oregon. Don’t ask me why.

Are you overly prideful about your state? What are some fun facts about it?