A Different Lens on the Midwest’s Unseen Pleasures and Treasure

In the land of 10,000 lakes, where the vastness of nature seems to dictate a slower pace and the quiet hum of small-town values permeates the air, there’s a cultural tension that has lingered for too long.

For generations, Minnesotans have prided themselves on what has come to be known as "Minnesota Nice"—a polite, humble demeanor that resists disruption. But as we face the reality of climate migration, political upheaval, and a rapidly changing world, it’s clear that this cultural identity, rooted in modesty and a tendency to avoid conflict, is no longer enough. It’s time for Minnesota to stop settling for the comfortable and embrace the strange, the different, and the interesting.

The dominant narrative in Minnesota—the one often perpetuated by mainstream media, including the Star Tribune—continues to prioritize the same old stories. This story, shaped by a Scandinavian heritage that only resonates with 7% of the population, holds up a vision of Minnesota that is unyielding and static, confined by an idea of homogeneity. The recent buyout of City Pages by Star Tribune is only the latest chapter in the erosion of alternative voices in the state. As corporate conservatives gain control over every branch of government, the ability to question, to deviate from the norm, and to truly challenge the status quo has been suffocated. Instead, we are left with a culture that celebrates the predictable, the safe, and the tidy—a culture in which deviation is viewed with suspicion, where those who push boundaries are often labeled as "too big for their britches" or simply "unusual."

But here's the harsh truth: the future is different. Minnesota’s cultural landscape needs to evolve if we are to survive, let alone thrive, in the years to come. With climate change accelerating and reshaping the world’s geography, Minnesota is poised to become a sanctuary for climate migration. As displaced populations flock to the state, we need to ask ourselves: will we be ready? Are we willing to embrace the diversity of thought, experience, and identity that such a migration will bring? Or will we continue to cling to an outdated, homogenous ideal?

A Culture of Curiosity

To be blunt, Minnesota has been content for too long to settle for mediocrity. This "Minnesota Nice" mentality—rooted in humility and politeness—has fostered an environment where pushing boundaries, questioning the status quo, and doing something interesting are often met with resistance. The very act of being different here is enough to elicit judgment, to mark you as “out of place” or “too much.” This attitude permeates every layer of society, from the suburbs to the cultural institutions that are supposed to reflect the diverse tapestry of our state.

But as Minnesota continues to be reshaped by environmental and social forces beyond our control, we must choose: will we remain passive, held back by a desire to remain "nice," or will we embrace the unfamiliar and the uncomfortable? The future of Minnesota hinges on our ability to break free from this stasis. We must actively foster a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and collaboration—one that seeks out the interesting and invites the different. The art world, the tech world, the design world—all of these industries thrive on discomfort, on the ability to push past what is accepted, and to chart new paths. If Minnesota is to rise to meet the challenges of climate change and political fragmentation, we must nurture these same qualities in our culture. We need to build a future where the unconventional is not just accepted, but celebrated.

The Failure of Mainstream Media

Mainstream media has long been complicit in perpetuating the cultural and ideological stagnation of Minnesota. By consolidating power, such as the Star Tribune’s acquisition of City Pages, traditional outlets have further entrenched the status quo, leaving little room for alternative narratives that challenge the boundaries of cultural identity. These outlets continue to push a vision of Minnesota that caters to a narrow slice of its population, one defined by its Scandinavian roots, despite the fact that this heritage only resonates with a fraction of the state’s residents. The lionization of this particular narrative silences the voices of those who come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and worldviews.

What happens when these voices are silenced? We fail to see the broader, richer, and more complex identity of the state that is emerging. Instead of supporting a diversity of thought and creativity, mainstream media reinforces the idea that Minnesota's identity should be narrow and rigid. And in doing so, we deprive ourselves of the energy, innovation, and transformation that comes from breaking from convention.

Creating Room for Subcultures

The path forward lies in embracing subcultures—those small, often overlooked movements that defy the mainstream narrative. Throughout history, subcultures have been the birthplace of change. From punk rock to street art, from grassroots activism to avant-garde fashion, subcultures are where new ideas germinate, where new forms of expression take shape, and where the future is often imagined.

In a time when corporate conservatives have seized control of our political landscape, we need to rely on these subcultures more than ever. They are the spaces where ideas that challenge the mainstream can grow—ideas that promote empathy, diversity, and collective action. As we face the societal shifts of climate migration and the increasing divide between the urban and rural, the wealthy and the displaced, it is the subcultures of Minnesota that will lead us to a new, more inclusive vision of what this state can be.

We must create space for the unusual, the different, and the interesting. The artists, the thinkers, the innovators, and the rebels who are willing to risk it all to reshape Minnesota's future. And we must look to these subcultures not just as a reaction to the mainstream, but as the blueprint for a better world—one where curiosity and difference are not just accepted but celebrated.

A Call for Transformation

It is time for Minnesota to stop being complacent. It’s time to stop settling for the status quo, for a culture defined by “Minnesota Nice” and constrained by outdated traditions. It’s time to break free from the comfortable, the safe, and the predictable. The state is on the brink of transformation, and we must lead it with a culture that is bold, curious, and ready for the challenges ahead. We must break with the past and build a new future—one where the different and the interesting are not only welcomed but embraced as the foundation of a thriving, dynamic Minnesota.