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If I were to base my concepts of Minnesota or Wisconsin on brief layovers in an airport I would be appalled with myself. There are cultural and language nuances in all states, all countries that cannot be summed up by small personal experiences like this. They may make an impression but it's not like you will meet the region's appointed representatives, nor are you likely to find out their voting history.
Frankly I've found the people I've met from the north and midwest to be emotionless cold fish with dull voices in a direct contrast to the cadence and warmth of my Mississippi grandmother's voice, or the women who served lunch in elementary schools in Alabama asking if I wanted any more rice, Sugar.
I knew they weren't calling me Sugar out of love but as a child it was a lot nicer to hear. And it wasn't duplicitous as the New York poster who implied they'd rather get a hearty "fuck you" than being called darlin'. It was just language and rhythm.
That's one thing I think the clipped speakers among us don't understand about the real source of language in the South - rhythm.
DoYouWantMoreRice?
Dy'a want moh riice withat Sugar?
I think the second one makes a much better song.
Bill Clinton is from Arkansas, which is indeed the South. And I voted for him. Twice. Al Gore? Southern. Voted for him as well.
In fact, my small town Mississippi grandfather who was not exactly a progressive guy was what we Southerners call a "Yellow Dog Democrat." That means he'd vote for a yellow dog if it ran on the Democratic ticket. It's so common down there it even has a name.
I usually like Keillor's observations but this one was not only not funny it was insulting. As a man who's made a career out of appreciating and idealizing the small town you'd think he'd have a better appreciation for the area.
