What is it About the Midwest?

There’s something about living in the Midwest.  I’ve lived on both coasts, and trust me – life on the coasts is different.  I’m not talking about the geographical or climate differences.  The thing that makes one place better than another, in my humble opinion, is the people.  And people are definitely different in different parts of the country.

In my 53 years, I’ve lived in 9 states: from the Pacific Northwest to Florida, from the Northeast to the Midwest.  I’ve never lived in the Southwest, but I’ve visited it many times for both business and pleasure.  In fact, by the end of the summer, I will have visited my 49^th state.  And while the rest of the world may think that Americans are all alike, my experience is that there are broad regional differences.

So what is it about the Midwest that attracts people?  Why did Parenting Magazine name Omaha as one of the top 10 places in America to raise a family?  And when Business Week chose “The 50 Best Places to Raise Kids in 2007,” why did the state of Nebraska score in first place with 11 of those 50 cities?   I think it’s because of the people.  Omaha, for example, has the amenities of a large city, with the values of a small town.

People in the Midwest seem to be able to do more business on a handshake.  Our friends in the big cities may call that naïve.  I call it integrity and honesty.

People in the Midwest seem to be more accepting of others from different socio-economic groups.  The amount of dollars in the bank isn’t quite as important when judging a person’s worth.  Our friends in West Palm and The Hamptons may think us lower class.  I consider us less pretentious and snooty.

People in the Midwest seem to be more normal in size and shape – more in keeping with the national averages.   Our friends who frequent the beaches in Florida and California might consider that sloppy.  I consider it to be less self-absorbed and vain.

People in the Midwest care deeply about America, support the brave men and women serving in our Armed Forces, salute the flag, and love freedom.  Some accuse us of being ultra-nationalistic or even jingoistic.  I call it patriotism.

People in the Midwest aren’t afraid to practice their faith, and put their faith into practice.  That’s been called everything from weakness to religious zealotry.  I call it humility.