10 Myths About Illinoisans We Can Debunk Right Now
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
Have you heard what people are saying about residents of the Prairie State? Someone out there has us Illinoisans all wrong, and these 10 debunked myths prove it.
No matter what you think about us Illinoisans, we know it isn’t true. Scroll on for the truth about how we operate in the Land of Lincoln.
This year alone, 45,000 people left the state of Illinois, but that doesn't mean those of us who are still here hate the place. With more than twice the amount of residents as our neighboring states, it will be a while before we start to look anything like Wisconsin (with 5.7 million) and Indiana (with 6.6 million).
In some ways, the Midwest accent isn't an accent at all. It's been known as the most plain way of speaking and usually has an indiscernible origin. Occasionally, a bit of southern speak slips in, but that's likely because we share a border with the Deep South.
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There are actually a myriad of cities in the Land of Lincoln. From Rockford to Peoria to Springfield, the population density has high points throughout the state. Of course, even those who do live in remote areas don't necessarily live on a farm.
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While Illinois produces a great deal of corn, our residents only like it as much as the next state. Fresh sweet corn is very easy to find in the late summer and fall, but otherwise, we have to buy it in a can like everyone else.
Illinois is one of the most innovative states in the country. From nuclear to wind power and inventions like the zipper and the cell phone, these advances prove that Illinoisans are working hard.
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Though our state often leans blue, there are many red patches that prove Illinois has a very conservative side too. Just like any state, we have extremists, but most are fairly moderate.
Actually, many Illinoisans cheer for the St. Louis Cardinals. Those who inhabit the southern portion of the state feel more of a connection to this city than Chicago due to proximity. The Cubs vs Sox argument is a Chicago thing.
There are many train lines and railroad attractions in Illinois that attract railfans from far and wide. But if you've ever had to wait 20 minutes for a train to pass or completely rework your route to get around one, you may not be as much of a fan. While we certainly have our fanatics, most of us try to avoid them at all costs.
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Nothing could be further from the truth. While most people who live in Chicagoland love the city, those who live downwind are not as enchanted by its skyline and shoreline. There are quite a few Illinoisans who blame the city for all the state's problems, so it isn't often popular with the locals.
Illinois is actually known for several different types of pizza. On the west side, residents enjoy Quad City pizzas, and most of the state is known for regular hand tossed pies. It's only Chicago that has the deep dish obsession, and not even all of them like it.
There you have it. Bring up these debunked myths the next time sometime tries to call you a lazy redneck who only eats corn.
If this post made you homesick for Illinois, check out these eight things you can do to relieve the pain.
What other debunked myths do you want everyone to know about Illinoisans? Share your thoughts with us below in the comments.
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