"True Locals"

[dancerjodi]

"Is New England losing its regional character?

''This used to be the home of the frugal Yankee, the stoic stiff-upper-lip Yankee, the modest/unassuming Yankee," writes the author of the Diana Chronicles blog (dianachronicles.blogspot.com). ''What does it mean to be a New Englander today? So many people have moved into New England in the past 10-20 years, the New Englander is an endangered species, to be extinct within the next generation or two."

She makes a list of subtle ways to tell the true locals from the newcomers.

Vanity plates: Locals would never have one on their car (they wouldn't spend the money and wouldn't want the attention), while newcomers can't get enough of them (especially cutesy ways of spelling their name or the location of their second home).

Preferred car: Locals drive Saabs, Subarus, and Volvos, while newcomers drive SUVs, Mercedes, and Lexuses.

Thanksgiving meal staple: For locals, it's corn bread. For newcomers, it's ''jalepeno" corn bread.

Yard work: Locals mow the lawn, walk the dog, and shovel the snow themselves. Newcomers hire the help."

From http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/02/26/true_locals_newton_debt_diners/

Comments

[deadwinter.livejournal.com]

What does it mean to be a New Englander today?

Se Habla Español.

Bwahahahaha.

Sorry, couldn't help it.

[canongrrl.livejournal.com]

but I think that is part of the point - new england is dynamic, constantly changing - and that's a good thing. Much better then the converse - take the midwest - they are holding their stereotypes and taking them right to the grave.

I'd also bet that the crusty, salty new englander never really existed back in the day either -but the memory and idea live on, and will continue to live on for years to come.

locals

[dancer.livejournal.com]

"I'd also bet that the crusty, salty new englander never really existed back in the day either -but the memory and idea live on, and will continue to live on for years to come."

I think there are bits of it that are with some people (old New Englanders and new ones) that continue. Change is good, but I think its also neat to see some common elements that often people take for granted pointed out by another.

Re: locals

[canongrrl.livejournal.com]

that I also agree with, but I think those common threads also change - but the stereo type may not if that makes sense. for example, the conservative/puritanical nature of MA has changed, and yet it still plays on it puritan roots. I should preface this with I love ne england and I love the diversity of new england, and I love the fact that within that diversity some of those threads are picked up and pushed forth.

I may have a different view as a non born here person, but that's just my feeling.