Howdy friends, from the land of Wordy Wednesday. Tonight I have something to sound off on- and perhaps to get your opinions too. It’s not the economy, my thoughts on birth control, or even the new hit drama “Smash” (which I watched for the first time today).

No, I want to talk about U.S. State Stereotypes.

We all know them- Texans are ten gallon hat wearing gun slingers who live on ranches and have big hair. New Yorkers are rude, brunette, and always sharply dressed. Californians are are hippies, Floridians are somehow Cuban, Jewish, and over 80 all at once. If you’re from Colorado you’re outdoorsy, Alabamans are backwards, and if you live in the state of Washington it’s pretty much 1994 with flannel shirts and starbucks mugs, right?

As a Minnesota gal, I’m pretty sure the stereotype is some combination of “Yah, you betcha,” sayin, lutefisk eating, hockey playing parochial farm. Sure, these stereotypes exist, but we are so much more than that too. And likewise, I have met people from pretty much every state in the union, and almost none of them fits their state category! Funny, isn’t it?

So I’m going to do a quick word association with some U.S. states (why not all of them? because i’m not sure I could remember all of them. Sad but true).

• California- Plastic
• Arizona- Outlaws
• Texas- Gunsli
• Oregon-Crunchy
• New York- Rude
• Connecticut- Suburban
• New Jersey- Oily
• Florida- Retired
• Idaho- Napoleon Dynamite
• Washington- techie
• Washington D.C.- political
• Utah- Mormon
• Iowa- Farmer
• Hawaii- Surfer Dudes
• Alaska- Rugged
• Carolinas- Belles
• Dakotas- Behind the times
• Louisiana- Partiers
• Wisconsin- Beer
• Tennessee- Country
• Alabama- Debutantes
• Minnesota- The best people you will ever meet… (okay, I’m biased… sue me!)

Okay- have I offended enough of you yet? Do you have better stereotypes that I missed? This is all in fun, of course… I truly hope nobody takes this the wrong way. If I missed your state, chip in! Let’s all have a good laugh at our own expense…

And as for the SUGARBOWL…

In the rematch of Junior Mints vs. 100 Grand, Junior Mints pulled through! Their fans were either more repetitious, more vocal, or more in number- I don’t really know, so they move on!

And in the battle of Smarties vs. SweeTarts (that spelling still just KILLS me), Smarties win! I can’t say I’m displeased, I LOVE Smarties!

Up tonight:

York Peppermint Patty vs. Nestle’s Crunch Bar!

Who gets your vote? And PLEASE don’t be shy with your opinions about state stereotypes- I really want to know what you guys think, especially you non-Minnesotans!

Meri