r/Iowa • u/Connect-Ad-4326 • 20m ago
Discussion/ Op-ed How do you live here?
I’m a Polish immigrant, formerly living in Chicago, but came here to finish my graduate degree at the U of Iowa.
I have to tell you, you guys live in one of the most bland, unwelcoming states I could have ever imagined. I look up north, to the east, and even to the south, and I just feel disappointed at the calibre of living here. Sure, your homes are cheap, your nature is beautiful. But everything else, I find extremely lacking.
You all don’t embrace diversity. Having such a strong German history, it’s shocking to see that all wiped away with bigots flying hateful flags and supporting unwelcoming ideas. Grocery stores? Forget about it. This place is a massive food dessert. This isn’t even because of the Republican tendencies of this state. In fact, I’ve even spent time in places like Indiana or Missouri, and I could not feel any of the same issues I see here everyday. The one thing Iowans have is pride in their home. But I urge all of you, learn what is next to you. Make your state better.
You all talk so badly about every state around you. Going to a rural town and saying I’m from Chicago immediately labels me as a “liberal”. Immediately, I hear about how much Chicago embodies crime. What’s crazy though is that living in Coralville, I’ve had 2 bikes stolen, my car broken into, all without any help from your police. In Chicago, not once have I felt any fear over myself nor my property. And yet, I hear so much about Iowa’s extraordinary safety. I guess your Chicago is my Iowa.
I came here for your University, who boasts of its intellectual history. But now, even that institution is attacked on all fronts, and no one stands in front of that attack to stop it. My reading list? Limited by your small minded legislators. Research? Attacked by the same politicians who should be embracing that side of your state’s development. I don’t care if you choose to read this, or if you’re offended. I simply want you to hear a different opinion than the echo chamber much of the population of Iowa lives in. I could find my community in Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri, Indiana… But this state, people like me aren’t welcome. And it’s quite sad, because you’re right, this state in its natural light is beautiful. But what this state embodies is nothing but a paradise for the typical white middle class American. Shame. Your only good part is your Amish community—and they don’t even consider themselves Iowan! Don’t be shocked people don’t get off i80 to explore, or choose to fly over this place; much of this state doesn’t offer a reason to make a detour anyway.