I’ve lived in Oregon my entire life, and I’ve had a certain pride about living here — the forests, the beaches and the open-mindedness of people.
It wasn’t until I met someone from Missouri that I realized there was so much more out there. Oregon isn’t everything that I thought it was.
At first, it was just the little things that he pointed out to me. When I said hello to people, the smile never reached their eyes. It was the way people didn’t hold doors open for others. And if I didn’t express the same views, I was called ignorant and obtuse.
One day we went to a restaurant here, and to our surprise a man held open a door as we walked through. I was delighted and said thank you. He said, “I just didn’t want you touching the glass.” Apparently, he had just cleaned it. Well, that’s fine, but he could just have said, “You’re welcome.” This is just one crude instance that has made me think twice about wanting to be an Oregonian.
What really makes people true Oregonians? Is it their unwavering stance to “Save the trees,” or to believe they’re right all the time? Must I love the Ducks just because I attend the University?
During my time at the University, I’ve realized that Oregon is open-minded — but only if you believe what everyone else is saying. You must also believe that saving the trees should be our No. 1 priority. And to talk bad about the Ducks is just short of blasphemy.
During the summer, my friend and I went on a road trip to Missouri, having never really been anywhere outside of Oregon. This was just the experience I was looking for. We went through Idaho, Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Missouri. The minute we crossed the Oregon border, I realized people were so much friendlier. People smiled and waved at us.
When we made it to Missouri, it was like a dream, at first. People welcomed me with open arms, or maybe it was just the family. Thanks to the Barrons.
In Missouri, in the mornings or afternoons we’d sit on the porch and drink homemade iced tea and people would drive by and wave, whether they knew us or not. When people said hello, their smile actually reached their eyes. I had conversations with people who may not have believed my views but were able to take in what I said without calling me stupid or ignorant.
When I write my columns, I want people to disagree. I want the heated debate that comes from them — but how can I consider your views when all you say is that I don’t know what I’m talking about or I’m stupid and uninformed? Tell me why you think these things. Give me examples; maybe you can sway me to your way of thinking, but at least ideas create discussion without the mudslinging. I’m not a politician.
So, I may not think the Ducks are the No. 1 team. I may believe that some trees and forests need cutting. And hey, I may not be right all the time — but at least most of the time. If I’m wrong, tell me.
But if you are like I was, living in my little Oregon shell thinking everything was perfect, then get out there and see what else there is to experience. I hate to break it to you: Oregon isn’t all white, nor is it as open-minded as you think. There are many different people out there of all different races, ethnicities and beliefs, and the only way to know that is to take the leap. May I suggest the Midwest? Thanks, Nick.