If you live in Wisconsin, I'm sure you have come to know that we are very "different" from others. We talk funny, our weather sucks and we enjoy doing things that people from out of state don't understand. I didn't realize our state was so weird until I started meeting nonresidents who brought it to my attention. There are many Wisconsin stereotypes, and let me remind you, they are all completely true. It really got me thinking about how much Wisconsin has taught me.
We know that the weather is never predictable. It can be too hot, too cold, too humid or too rainy. The seasons pretty much mean nothing. We have all have the common sense to never plan an outside event because it will probably end up snowing that day, even if it's August.
We know that the drivers swerving around big, orange traffic cones and construction workers on the road indicates that snowfall is officially over. The two seasons in Wisconsin are winter and construction — we all know that.
We know that our favorite drink has to be beer. If you don't like beer, you better learn to because the main options are Spotted Cow, Blue Moon, Budweiser and pretty much any Miller product.
We know that almost everyone in Wisconsin is a hunter. If you're not a hunter, your dad probably is. You also still may think that everyone hunts since all Wisconsinites own a camouflage sweatshirt that is appropriate to wear in any setting. Some girls have even worn camouflage dresses to prom (Gag). Deer hunting is a Wisconsin holiday for many men that is clearly more important than Thanksgiving.
We know we are in Wisconsin when we see the countless amount of deer and Turkeys running or lying dead on the freeway. It is so normal for us that I have actually been given the advice "When you are about to hit a deer, speed up as fast as you can so it flies right over the top of your car, instead of under!"
We know that there is an imitative brewery to be found in nearly every area surrounding Milwaukee, with shining, metal tanks in the windows for beer lovers of Wisconsin to see.
We know that for Wisconsinites, fall doesn't mean colorful autumn leaves or Halloween. It means football and Packer parties, with an array of snacks and screaming fans. Even if you don't enjoy the Packers, you still have to act like it otherwise you will be disowned by the entire state.
We know that the number of cheese factories, restaurants and stores is perfectly normal in Wisconsin. A routine pick up of cheese curds is necessary on trips up north (And yes, everyone in Wisconsin has an "up north").
We know that water fountains could only be found in malls, museums and mansions because people actually slurp water from bubblers. And I knew that pop is a loud burst, absolutely not soda.
Friends from surrounding states might wonder what could possibly be enjoyable about Wisconsin? But I didn’t know that we are all proud of this weird place that we call home because we are dedicated sports fans, drinkers, hunters and cheese lovers.
