Being from Maryland and going to school in a different state often leads to many questions about why Marylanders do what they do or why they have the obsessions they do.
1. Why are you guys so obsessed with your flag?
Marylanders will argue with anyone and everyone that we have the best flag. We have an entire online company, RouteOne, dedicated to everything Maryland. Yes, California’s flag makes an appearance on clothing every now and then. But it is just a bear, what is so cool about that? Maryland’s flag is colorful and interesting in the way that it is designed. You will find that almost everyone in Maryland has some sort of clothing with the flag on it. It is how we show our pride. Also, it clearly depicts all the seasons.
2. Why do you put Old Bay on everything?
The real question is why not? Old Bay is the best seasoning ever. And yes we do put it on everything! Name it and we probably put it on it. From popcorn to corn to potato salad, and of course any seafood. The only food that we might not put it on is desert. You may see people pull out Old Bay when they are in a different state other than Maryland. That is because other places do not know what a blessing Old Bay is to food. If you ever get the chance to try it, do it I promise that you will not regret it!
3. What makes your crabs better than other states?
For one they come out of the Chesapeake Bay and are local, not flown in. Also, we coat and I mean coat them with TONS of Old Bay. Maryland’s thing is crabs because we know how to steam and season them just right to wanting you coming back for more time after time. They are sweet due to all the seasoning we put in them. Once you have Maryland crabs, other state’s crabs will not compare.
4. Why do you scream “O” even when you are not at your stadiums?
We do it so our players know we traveled to support them. Also, we want the rest of the crowd to know that we are there to support our teams no matter what the record. We find it weird when “O” is not shouted during the national anthem. It is something that is so normal to us, and we do not know any different. If you are playing the Ravens, Terps, Orioles, or any other Maryland team be prepared to hear “Oh” screamed at the top of our lungs.
5. Why do you think Maryland is so great, other than because you are from there?
Maryland has everything. We have mountains, farmland, the bayside, the ocean and beach, and so much more. Also, we experience all four seasons, some longer and rougher than others. We embrace every season as it comes. You can travel in either direction from where you live and either end up in a city or a suburb, mountains or beach, bay or river or lake. There is so much to do in Maryland within reasonable traveling distance that you will always have something to do.
I love Maryland and I am proud to be a Marylander! I would not want to live anywhere else!
