Midwestern Vibes

 I read an interesting article at the Atlantic that sort of capsulated the West Coast feel, the vibe I picked up in Oregon. I’ve been struggling to find the right words to describe how light and airy it felt out there compared to the Midwest—while at the same time discerning what made it less appealing in some ways.

There was a social consciousness that was very affirming, but also meant that I felt guilty a lot of the time because the homeless encampments which were ubiquitous, those living on the margins were so prevalent—it was inescapable. Just like my work in Chicago, the reason I never carried money was because I was compelled to give it away to those asking for it at the train station, in parking lots, etc. The poor was ALWAYS with me, really.

On the West Coast is the added factor of meth. Sometimes people were totally out of their minds, dancing for hours and because it was anything goes, there was rarely intervention. The mindset was NOT to call the police. There was Cahoots a mental health intervention program, but even then they wouldn’t insert themselves unless the person gave them permission. Thus, you could walk down the sidewalk and have trash thrown at you because it was their right.

There were times my Midwestern mindset was: egads, get this person some help regardless if they want it or not. As stated in the article I read—there was more consideration about which pronoun to use than how best to help a person living in terminal squalor.

Sometimes we just want our city back, to be able to walk down the street without street kids with dogs asking for the donut I just bought.

Here in Michigan the vibe is definitely more conservative, while at the same time consciously courteous. Here no one bothers with preferred pronouns or asking if you are vegan or gluten-free: They basically bring donuts and cookies or other snacks to work regardless. Here in Okemos I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the diversity. It is truly a multi-cultural community. I see a blend of many different backgrounds when out for an evening walk. My customers at work are from across a national spectrum. What we lack, though, is the hole-in-the wall ethnic restaurant. Even the Indian place down the road is in a strip mall. Every eatery feels like a faceless anonymous strip mall—because they are. There isn’t a real downtown in Okemos just a block here and there of strip malls, plus a real mall. Ugh—it feels like Centerville where I grew up!

So yes please to donuts and wonderful evening walks—and no to the sprawl. Send prayers my way that I’ll be able to break through the mendacity and find that wonderful restaurant that becomes my go-to without the fast-food flavors and décor.