Wisconsin…. why?
1848, the year the downfall started. Ever since then, we’ve been stinking up the air with cows, paper mills, and that one cheese (you know which one you are). I have thought long about this, and my thoughts are that Wisconsin is the worst state in this country.
Walk down any street, in any city, town, village. You will be greeted with staring, sneers, and maybe even pointing. Every encounter I have had with random people have ended up being uncomfortable, and downright strange to the point of me almost being scared for myself.
A true short story. I was driving in Steven’s Point. My cell phone battery had died, so I couldn’t call anyone up for directions. I was on my way to to pick up a friend and go to the Point Brewery. We stopped at agas station for directions. The lady behind the counter stared at me, as if i told her a complex calculus proof. The guy behind us, waiting to purchase items chirped in with, “Ya dunno where it is? Are ya some kinda stupid?.” That guy proceeded to shake his head, buy his items, and walk out of the store.
We both slowly walked out of the store, got in the car, and sped off. They were unfriendly, and almost spiteful. Where had this city gone wrong? We didn’t feel like taking a chance and asking anyone else, so we drove continuously up and down main roads. Finally after a considerable amount of time we found the brewery.
Could they not understand we did not live in Steven’s Point? Could they hear us? Could they even comprehend the most basics of the english language? We were both polite, correct enunciation, dressed conservatively. What had brought the people here into such an intelligence sink hole? Maybe they could take some sort of learning courses to interact with other humans, a language that isn’t just grunts and squeals.
All over this state, the people act the same. Never the same type of encounter, like lightening, never the same twice, but always out to hurt. So I say to everyone that is listening, reading, watching, be sure you turn into some hateful, mean, arrogant jerk when in this state. You just might need it to converse with its citizens.
Cheryl Mathis said:
With the exception of the friendly folks at Citizen Wausau, of course.
Sometimes the thoughtlessness of strangers is horrifying.
June 11th, 2008 at 12:57 pm #
Pack One said:
Welcome to Central Wisconsin, it’s like a grown up high school.
June 11th, 2008 at 2:23 pm #
Tom Neal said:
Respectfully, this seems a wee bit hyperbolic to me. I’m out and about as much as the next guy and, while it may not be a bleeding love fest out there, I also don’t see this parade of horrors. People I see often tend to be insular, shy, even lacking in polish or pleasant manners … but rarely do I encounter out-and-out belligerence. If little old Wisconsin seems this vicious to you, “Careful Thinking,” then Chicago, New York or Pittsburgh just might eat you alive. When I do have a negative experience with a store attendant or pedestrian or vehicle driver, I’m not likely to pillory the whole city or state as a result. Just a bit over the top.
June 11th, 2008 at 2:23 pm #
Carefull Thinking said:
dear mr. neal,
i have become accustomed to being treated sub-par. that experience was the so-called straw that broke the camel’s back. it inspired me to write out about it, and i am starting to notice the moral decline of humanity. i am sick of how random people treat each other. maybe this story will inspire people to treat others with respect.
June 11th, 2008 at 2:36 pm #
Anonymous said:
I think it is shallow, to put this out there, and then moderate comments. Afraid of what you might here?
June 11th, 2008 at 5:02 pm #
Currente Residente said:
I was born in Wisconsin and have spent a good portion of my life here and I am ashamed to admit I have experienced scarily similar situations, even though it bruises my “Wisconsin Pride” a bit. Maybe its something in the water?
June 11th, 2008 at 5:19 pm #
Tom Neal said:
Dear “Careful” “Pack” and “Current” …
I can’t deny the likely deterioration of humanity and civility. I just can’t swallow that this is some sort of central Wisconsin thing (or all of WI for that matter). It’s universal, if anything. But, I must say, I run into all sorts of very nice people, with manners, wit and charm … even around here.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:05 am #
Carefull Thinking said:
dear mr. neal,
i’m assuming we are all from wisconsin, and have spent a good deal of time here. its not just wisconsin, as you stated. i narrowed it down to wisconsin, because we are familiar with this state. humanity, as a whole, is currently sliding to the mindset of “this world owes me” to the point where sometimes they lash out.
if you go back 10, 20, or even 30 years, you will notice a considerable nicer approach most people had towards others.
these days, when i buy groceries, or simply filling up the gas in my car, most of the clerks behind the counter give such a strained and forced line of ‘have a nice day’ or ‘thanks for shopping here’ that its hardly believable. sure, i’ve run into people that genuinely mean that, but its so few and far between.
June 12th, 2008 at 12:42 pm #
Dino Corvino said:
Thank you Cheryl for your kind words. We are trying to take the things we learned at Charm School to heart.
I think that locals, in many ways, often react badly to what they think of as outsiders.
June 13th, 2008 at 11:16 am #
PackOne said:
Tom,
I agree it isn’t a blanket problem, and maybe you are right that is more of a universal problem. Personally, I think it is more an issue of classes. I see most of complaints revolve around store clerks, gas station attendants, etc. No one has talked about the business mogul being rude at this point. I think if one is truly serious about changing the attitudes in Wisconsin or anywhere, start encouraging people to treat those behind the counter, working for next to nothing, with respect and dignity. For as many rude gas station workers as I see, there is equally as many rude customers. I think they are both directly related. It is a me first society, in which I am as guilty as the rest. Today, I will thank my attendant.
June 14th, 2008 at 9:38 am #