There are some stereotypes about Illinoisans that have been going around for far too long now. It’s hard to believe that some people actually think these things about us, and it’s time to set the record straight.
Here are 12 things you’re probably getting wrong about Illinoisans. Check it out before you offend anyone.
- We all live on farms
Wikimedia Commons/David Wilson Although most of Illinois is covered in fields, not all of us live on a farm. In fact, most live in small towns or urban cities just like the rest of the country.
- We only eat at chain restaurants
Wikimedia Commons/Anthony92931 This couldn’t be further from the truth. Illinoisans believe in supporting local businesses, and we also know that that’s where the best food is made.
- We only shop at chain stores
Wikimedia Commons/Sven Once again, not true. Part of supporting local businesses is shopping for local produce, meats, and cheeses when possible.
- We hate snow
Wikimedia Commons/David Wilson It may not be our favorite thing in the world, but hate is a strong word. It’s so beautiful (at first), and we can make snow angels and snowmen with it. Also, it feels more festive during the holidays when it snows.
- We all love trains
Wikipedia/Pi.1415926535 Nope. While there are more than enough train-themed restaurants and museums in the state, not everyone gets excited to see a locomotive go by. Unless you’re on the train, you’re probably just the person stuck in traffic waiting for it to pass.
- We love Chicago
Pixabay/12019 Illinoisans actually have a love/hate relationship with this city. While it’s what puts us on the map, the rest of the state gets forgotten about. Also, many blame the city for the state’s financial crisis.
- We eat corn every day
MaxPixel Corn is great, but everything in moderation, right? Corn is best when it’s in season, during harvest, so we don’t necessarily keep it around 24/7.
- We’re all rednecks
Flickr/o_dmentd_o Definitely not true. While Illinois surely has its fare share of shirtless, beer-loving, NASCAR fans, there are just as many people who don’t identify as such.
- We love deep-dish pizza
Wikimedia Commons/MysteriousMystery Most Illinoisans actually don’t care for this stuff. It’s OK every once in a while, but regular thin crust is fine otherwise. Anyway, one slice of this, and you’re full, and that’s no real way to enjoy pizza.
- We love our sports teams
Wikimedia Commons/John Martinez Pavliga While there are a couple teams that do alright, Illinoisans are aware that most of our teams aren’t that great. The Bears will probably never win another Super Bowl ever again and the Cubs probably won’t win the Series again for another 108 years. Thank goodness for the Black Hawks.
- We have an accent
Pexels/Tirachard Kumtanom The Midwest is actually known for having the most plain speech, so in a sense, we really don’t have an accent in this region. Of course, some pockets of the state do, but we’re mostly pretty monotone.
- We don’t hike
Wikimedia Commons/Djngsf Illinoisans actually love to hike, we’re just not able to do so three to four months out of the year. When summer finally arrives though, you’ll find us traversing Starved Rock, the Shawnee National Forest, and the plethora of other nature preserves and parks in Illinois.
On the other hand, there are some stereotypes about us that are absolutely true. Read 11 totally true things about Illinoisans we all need to get over.
Wikimedia Commons/David Wilson
Although most of Illinois is covered in fields, not all of us live on a farm. In fact, most live in small towns or urban cities just like the rest of the country.
Wikimedia Commons/Anthony92931
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Illinoisans believe in supporting local businesses, and we also know that that’s where the best food is made.
Wikimedia Commons/Sven
Once again, not true. Part of supporting local businesses is shopping for local produce, meats, and cheeses when possible.
It may not be our favorite thing in the world, but hate is a strong word. It’s so beautiful (at first), and we can make snow angels and snowmen with it. Also, it feels more festive during the holidays when it snows.
Wikipedia/Pi.1415926535
Nope. While there are more than enough train-themed restaurants and museums in the state, not everyone gets excited to see a locomotive go by. Unless you’re on the train, you’re probably just the person stuck in traffic waiting for it to pass.
Pixabay/12019
Illinoisans actually have a love/hate relationship with this city. While it’s what puts us on the map, the rest of the state gets forgotten about. Also, many blame the city for the state’s financial crisis.
MaxPixel
Corn is great, but everything in moderation, right? Corn is best when it’s in season, during harvest, so we don’t necessarily keep it around 24/7.
Flickr/o_dmentd_o
Definitely not true. While Illinois surely has its fare share of shirtless, beer-loving, NASCAR fans, there are just as many people who don’t identify as such.
Wikimedia Commons/MysteriousMystery
Most Illinoisans actually don’t care for this stuff. It’s OK every once in a while, but regular thin crust is fine otherwise. Anyway, one slice of this, and you’re full, and that’s no real way to enjoy pizza.
Wikimedia Commons/John Martinez Pavliga
While there are a couple teams that do alright, Illinoisans are aware that most of our teams aren’t that great. The Bears will probably never win another Super Bowl ever again and the Cubs probably won’t win the Series again for another 108 years. Thank goodness for the Black Hawks.
Pexels/Tirachard Kumtanom
The Midwest is actually known for having the most plain speech, so in a sense, we really don’t have an accent in this region. Of course, some pockets of the state do, but we’re mostly pretty monotone.
Wikimedia Commons/Djngsf
Illinoisans actually love to hike, we’re just not able to do so three to four months out of the year. When summer finally arrives though, you’ll find us traversing Starved Rock, the Shawnee National Forest, and the plethora of other nature preserves and parks in Illinois.
What else do people typically believe about Illinoisans that’s untrue? Share your thoughts with us!
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