My MN Also

There are two subjects never discussed in polite company with a Minnesotan. Not even with the better half. Those subjects are Politics and Religion.

Being a residence of the state of Minnesota, just naturally makes you a very buttoned-up person. We are just too polite to discuss these two subjects simply because we do not want to seem unneighborly by pointing out; 1) You are on the wrong side of the subject. 2) You are wrong. 3) You have the mind and intelligence of a flea. Ducks have more sense.

After all, the two or more of those in the conversation may be very close friends if not relatives. And no one wants to insult someone even if they are family. If you bring up either subject, you will be amazed at how fast the subject gets changed. Almost before the speaker is finished suggesting the topic. “Well, I declare, good old Billy will win this election” said the stranger. “How about them twins, then” you reply, quickly. You do not want the person to embarrass themselves. That's not MN nice!

No, the safest subject to start a conversation when in doubt is the weather. This writer has been at a campfire in the middle of the night at a lakeside campground when complete strangers walk up and inquire about the weather. That night's and tomorrow's. Someone will throw in next weeks just to be friendly. The next thing you know, everyone is friends for life and can discuss anything EXCEPT politics and religion. Even that day's fishing. Al-tho that's a very touchy subject also.

If they had started the conversation with the weather, you know without doubt they be from MN. Or at least have close family here. If they had started with the fishing subject you know they are from a nearby state. If they had started with politics or religion you know right away they will remain strangers and be shunned for the remainder of your trip. No matter where they be from. They will never be true Minnesotans. They belong to the state of oblivious. The topic of your opening conversation tells a lot about you.

Not to say we do not take our politics or religion seriously. We do. But there is a time and place for both. Want to talk politics? Go to a political setting such as you town meetings. Want to discuss religion? Go to the church of your choice. Join the congregation. Do not be the first to bring up a subject. Wait for it. Then jump in. Start by asking a question to feel out the opposition. You do not want to be the only fool in the room. Same rules apply to the political discussions. Never open you mouth and remove all doubt you're a fool. More politicians should follow this excellent advice. If they did, we would have less talks about politics, more about fishing and possibly religion.

To sum up, a conversation with someone from MN is very easy. You just need to stoop to our level and start with the weather. Feel us out. Seeing where we stand on the weather will tell you a lot about us. Sometimes we hate the day's weather, other times we can’t say enough good things about it. No matter the condition of the weather, you will always get a response. Conversely, if you be a Minnesotan traveling in another state, if a complete stranger starts a conversation with you by asking about the weather, you know they be from home!

What to you think about tomorrows weather? Going to be warm enough for you, then?