What is Ohio?
It's always strange when Hollywood movies or New York literature refer to Ohio as some state in the middle of nowhere. Jon Stewart's excursion into Columbus is another reminder that Ohio is an enigmatic, yet essential, part of 'flyover country.'
It's true that Ohio is often viewed as one of the few "swing states" where electoral success hangs in the balance, but "civilization's" confusion over our state always leaves me scratching my head.
Are we a rural country run by small towns and the religious right? Are we a state where blacks and whites live in a fragile detente (as in Cincinnati)? Are we a bunch of wahoos who put all our energy into Buckeye football and leave very little left for other aspects of culture? Are we a state that is built upon thriving urban areas with sports teams (uniforms and everything), art, and diversity?
It's strange to define Ohio, because we are a bit of all those things. However, the rest of the country struggles to get their finger on the pulse of our state. When they think they have us figured out, they are usually wrong.
Election day may redefine our identity yet again. So much so, depending on the results, I may have to move to another state where minds think differently (for better or worse) and have a completely fresh set of goals. Or maybe I'll just have to keep plugging away at this mysterious state.
It's true that Ohio is often viewed as one of the few "swing states" where electoral success hangs in the balance, but "civilization's" confusion over our state always leaves me scratching my head.
Are we a rural country run by small towns and the religious right? Are we a state where blacks and whites live in a fragile detente (as in Cincinnati)? Are we a bunch of wahoos who put all our energy into Buckeye football and leave very little left for other aspects of culture? Are we a state that is built upon thriving urban areas with sports teams (uniforms and everything), art, and diversity?
It's strange to define Ohio, because we are a bit of all those things. However, the rest of the country struggles to get their finger on the pulse of our state. When they think they have us figured out, they are usually wrong.
Election day may redefine our identity yet again. So much so, depending on the results, I may have to move to another state where minds think differently (for better or worse) and have a completely fresh set of goals. Or maybe I'll just have to keep plugging away at this mysterious state.
At least not knowing what Ohio is all about is better than my state which is famous for old people, internet predators, and hurricanes.
Posted by Maureen | 3:47 PM
GO BUCKEYES !!!
Two more cellar dwellers before THE Game against that maize and blue team from up north.
Without unforeseen circumstances, Columbus will host the #1 and #2 teams in front of 105,000 in The Shoe to determine the Big Ten Championship and which team will get a well deserved trip to the National Championship game !!
Sorry Andrew... I had to get out some of my Buckeye Mania (since I grew-up in Columbus when Woody Hayes was coach, suffered through the years of pain while John Cooper was coach and I'm also an OSU graduate).
Buckeye Football Fever really is contagious for those living in or near Columbus anyway !! I see the fever is starting to touch others across the state. That's good news based on my Columbus perspective of all things Scarlet and Gray.
Screw Blue and Ann Arbor too !!
Go Bucks !!!
Posted by Dave Hickman | 5:56 PM
Ohio is all the things and more. It's in the eye of the beholder.
Stay the course Andrew, don't be a cut and runner. Ohio is an important state and a good place for a young man with passion to make his mark.
Posted by Anonymous | 6:31 PM