Wyoming

[The Swanton825]

You know, I've been wondering for a while, why is there always such a bias against Wyoming? We're called backwards, but my hometown has been in the running for three different big coal gasification plants, the people around here are typically polite and nice even to strangers and despite what the media likes to claim we are very tolerant.

[GatorBait19]

because nothing is really there?

[The Swanton825]

Originally Posted by GatorBait19

because nothing is really there?

Even though we supply 2/3 of the nation's coal plants?

[Comradebot]

Originally Posted by The Swanton825

Even though we supply 2/3 of the nation's coal plants?

I have nothing against Wyoming, buuuut...

I have to say, supplying coal plants isn't what one would call the most exciting thing in the world. Wyoming just seems like one of those "other" states, like Montana or North Dakota. It's a large, mostly empty and lowly inhabited place that's mostly known for being one of the more rural states. It's landlocked and is located relatively far from any major cities, and it's largest city only has about 50,000 people living in it. In fact, I do believe it's the lowest populated state in the USA with just over 500,000 total people. Really, kinda makes it easy to see why people say "nothing's there". I'm sure there are things there of interest, but being the leading supplier of coal plants in the union doesn't make you a cultural hotbed.

If it makes you feel any better, I've picked up people from New York at the airport who were astounded that we have grass in Texas, and that everyone ISN'T walking around dressed like dimestore cowboys.

[Remianen]

1. You don't have a major city (Cheyenne is not 'major' and neither is Laramie)
2. You don't have major international attractions
3. Most of what the state is famous for is negative (Matthew Shepard)
4. Some of your laws are considered archaic and backward and not 'evolved'. The fact that they fit your populace only adds to the 'backward' perception.
5. The 'plus' you cite kinda adds to the backward perception. While a coal gasification plant is probably a good thing that would create jobs and stimulate the local economy, it's not 'sexy' like a new stadium or amusement park or skyscraper would be.

Honestly, I think it takes all kinds. I've had lots of fun at Frontier Days over the years but I do have to note that the, ah, ethnic diversification isn't as obvious in WY as it is in other parts of the country. One of the first steps an area has to take to become considered 'major' is attracting large scale entertainment (usually, but not always, sports). Look at Columbus, Ohio for example. But Wyoming is like Iowa, it's never going to sit at the grownups table due to its residents' preferences. They don't want to have a little New York or LA or Miami, they're happy being 'backward' as long as they don't start to resemble scenes from 'Deliverance'.

At least that's the impression I've always gotten.

[Comradebot]

Originally Posted by Remianen

1. You don't have a major city (Cheyenne is not 'major' and neither is Laramie)
2. You don't have major international attractions
3. Most of what the state is famous for is negative (Matthew Shepard)
4. Some of your laws are considered archaic and backward and not 'evolved'. The fact that they fit your populace only adds to the 'backward' perception.
5. The 'plus' you cite kinda adds to the backward perception. While a coal gasification plant is probably a good thing that would create jobs and stimulate the local economy, it's not 'sexy' like a new stadium or amusement park or skyscraper would be.

Honestly, I think it takes all kinds. I've had lots of fun at Frontier Days over the years but I do have to note that the, ah, ethnic diversification isn't as obvious in WY as it is in other parts of the country. One of the first steps an area has to take to become considered 'major' is attracting large scale entertainment (usually, but not always, sports). Look at Columbus, Ohio for example. But Wyoming is like Iowa, it's never going to sit at the grownups table due to its residents' preferences. They don't want to have a little New York or LA or Miami, they're happy being 'backward' as long as they don't start to resemble scenes from 'Deliverance'.

At least that's the impression I've always gotten.

I think Remmy did a far better job summing up some of my thoughts. There ISN'T anything "sexy" about Wyoming. It does NOT have a major city, or any major attractions to it. Not to say it doesn't serve its own important role in the nation, but it seems like one of the least likely places to draw in tourists. If it makes you feel any better, a lot of the people who think places like Wyoming are backwards are also the same people who have managed to send their own state's economy into a downward spiral. I'm sorry, I don't care how "progressive" California is, but there's something to be said about a system that allows people to vote for tax cuts when the state government is already looking to other states for financial aid.

Then again, maybe Wyoming DOES have some backwards laws. Can't say without either having been there or doing any research. But as long as yall are ahead of Louisiana (whom I have researched AND been to), then odds are yall are doing something right, no?

[BurningHamster]

I don't know a whole hell of a lot about Wyoming since I am from Australia and not been to the US but I do see where you are coming from. This seems to be a pretty global bias against anywhere more rural or with a lower population.

Dissing one place for not being more like another is kind of like dissing a dog for not being more like a horse. There is already a New York and an LA, there are already plenty of places with, uh, ethnic diversification (boo! hiss! white people are evil etc etc ) but the bias tends to be towards big cities, lots of people, and all that goes along with that.

Seems most people would rather be mugged than be bored I guess.

[The Swanton825]

Originally Posted by Remianen

1. You don't have a major city (Cheyenne is not 'major' and neither is Laramie)
2. You don't have major international attractions
3. Most of what the state is famous for is negative (Matthew Shepard)
4. Some of your laws are considered archaic and backward and not 'evolved'. The fact that they fit your populace only adds to the 'backward' perception.
5. The 'plus' you cite kinda adds to the backward perception. While a coal gasification plant is probably a good thing that would create jobs and stimulate the local economy, it's not 'sexy' like a new stadium or amusement park or skyscraper would be.

Honestly, I think it takes all kinds. I've had lots of fun at Frontier Days over the years but I do have to note that the, ah, ethnic diversification isn't as obvious in WY as it is in other parts of the country. One of the first steps an area has to take to become considered 'major' is attracting large scale entertainment (usually, but not always, sports). Look at Columbus, Ohio for example. But Wyoming is like Iowa, it's never going to sit at the grownups table due to its residents' preferences. They don't want to have a little New York or LA or Miami, they're happy being 'backward' as long as they don't start to resemble scenes from 'Deliverance'.

At least that's the impression I've always gotten.

1. I have to agree, especially with Laramie.

2. Good point, most people don't like to stare at a big rock tower (myself included).

3. I hate that we will always be remembered for that when both killers weren't from Wyoming and they were despised all across the state not hailed as martyrs like many like to think.

4. Again another good point, there are those who keep trying to change things though never will if we can only elect the old farts who continue to try to run this state into the ground.

5. Well, we keep trying to get sports teams but can never afford it. Though we do have a chance of a hockey team with the support that the Rapid City Rush have had.

I really don't want Wyoming to get really big, I'd like to keep it under 1,000,000 for a while, I just wish we got recognized for being more than the "Nothing State".

[GruntMark]

I like the name Wyoming.

I really wouldnt be that concerned. Most states are damn near "nothing" states unless you sit on a major coastline or are part of the old manufactoring belt.

Or you could legalize gambling and prostitution. It worked for Nevada.

Either way at least you'll never be California.

[Comradebot]

Originally Posted by The Swanton825

1. I have to agree, especially with Laramie.

2. Good point, most people don't like to stare at a big rock tower (myself included).

3. I hate that we will always be remembered for that when both killers weren't from Wyoming and they were despised all across the state not hailed as martyrs like many like to think.

4. Again another good point, there are those who keep trying to change things though never will if we can only elect the old farts who continue to try to run this state into the ground.

5. Well, we keep trying to get sports teams but can never afford it. Though we do have a chance of a hockey team with the support that the Rapid City Rush have had.

I really don't want Wyoming to get really big, I'd like to keep it under 1,000,000 for a while, I just wish we got recognized for being more than the "Nothing State".

George W. Bush isn't from Texas, so I feel your pain.

[BHK1978]

Sadly, the first thing I think about Wyoming is the Matthew Shepard case. I was going to say that earlier but I did not want to upset anybody.

Also Dick Cheney was born and raised there so that does not make your state look good either.

[tristram]

Isn't the vast majority of Yellowstone Park in Wyoming? If you ask me, that's something to be enormously proud of.

Personally, I come from rural parts of New Zealand. I've travelled to many of the great cities, loved them all, but nothing ever beats the scenery that I had in my own backyard. That's my own personal bias. I am proud to be somewhat of a country boy, and I would be whooping it up if I had a internationally recognised area like Yellowstone Park ripping through my state.

[GatorBait19]

Originally Posted by tristram

Isn't the vast majority of Yellowstone Park in Wyoming? If you ask me, that's something to be enormously proud of.

Personally, I come from rural parts of New Zealand. I've travelled to many of the great cities, loved them all, but nothing ever beats the scenery that I had in my own backyard. That's my own personal bias. I am proud to be somewhat of a country boy, and I would be whooping it up if I had a internationally recognised area like Yellowstone Park ripping through my state.

good point about Yellowstone that is cool, just think when that volcano finally erupts you'll be the first to tell us about it


but for real, i have been to Wyoming and it's beautiful wouldn't mind retiring there (don't know why old people live in Florida, it's crowded, loud, and hot) it's quite up there lots of land, and cheap from what I remember. And I agree I hope Wyoming doesn't grow in pop. either

[Sons of Kohral]

I actually spent a couple of days near Rawling this summer, and I have to say, I utterly fell in love with Wyoming. I think its beautiful and I'd love to live there. I think that's because I'm from Brooklyn, NYC though and I'm honestly sick and tired of the city.

SPOILERS: Unless you're rich, city life sucks.

[AfRoMaN36]

Originally Posted by Sons of Kohral

SPOILERS: Unless you're rich, city life sucks.

And the women here are crazy.

Or is it just me?