Every stereotype of a Minnesotan is a thick accent, it's as cold as Siberia and our "niceness" while driving on the roads. I lived in Minnesota most of my life and these stereotypes are, for the most part, true, but there are some other key components to being a true Minnesotan.
1. The Cold Can Be Fun
Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the cold weather -- because it's cold. Some people, on the other hand, LOVE the cold and go out and do activities to keep themselves entertained. For example, there is skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snow forts, tubing, snow angels, hockey, boot hockey etc. that can be done in the snow. My dad used to tie a sled to the back of his four-wheeler and drive around the yard with us on the sled when I was younger. So, not only is it cold, but the reason some people live there and enjoy it is because of the activities.
2. Driving is a Downer
Minnesota winters are harsh. Plain and simple, because there is ten feet of snow on the ground with layers of ice on the bottom of that as well as bad drivers who can't handle it. It is very dangerous and it makes it stressful driving to work. Plus, you add about an extra 30 minutes to an hour of driving to and from because of the traffic. It all slows down and there is a more likely chance of someone getting in an accident.
3. People Will Ask to Hear Your Accent Over and Over Again
It is incredibly annoying when you go to another state and everyone can tell your accent apart from the rest. Then they find out you're a Minnesotan and they say, "Don't cha knooooow," or "booooat." Every time you talk someone will point it out and make a funny joke or comment about it. Something you just get used to.
4. Our Football Team Isn't Very Good, But Hockey Kicks Butt
So, everybody knows that the Minnesota Vikings are not very good at football. There's always the game against the Packers and we all know who is going to win. Everyone has that spirit for them though so that is what makes it fun at the games! On the other hand, hockey is a huge sport as well, and the Wild are actually one of the top teams in the division! It's a crowd favorite sport, entertaining and easy to learn/watch. And let's face it, no one watches basketball or baseball cause they are not very good.
5. Minnesota Niceness
Most people seem to believe that Minnesotans are very nice in personality, driving, you name it. Everybody is friendly and loves each other, but I, however, do not agree. We are not awful, but there are the cases of road rage and feuds. Minnesotans are not naive as most would say because we choose to believe the best in people. Maybe it's because in the winter we fight to survive with each other to get through it. Who knows?
Being from Minnesota is not all about how awful the winters are, the thick "boooooat," accent or how nice we are. There are different aspects that will make you take a second look at the culture that is there if you ever get the chance to experience it. I mean, "Dontcha know?"
