Missoula Stereotypes
The good people of Missoula suffer many stereotypes. We’ve been called hippies, commies, and tree-huggers. We’ve been called dirty-liberals, potheads, and environmental-wackos (thank you Rush Limbaugh). We’ve been called all of these things by quite a few people outside of Missoula (and how are the folks of Billings doing tonight?)—called all things true, and all things misconceived.
Well, here’s some clarification.
Yes, there are quite a few hippies here. No, not all of us wear dreadlocks; and, no, not all of us live in communes (never mind those people occupying the Atlantic).
Yes, we do have a lot of social programs. No, the communist manifesto is not required reading for high school students in Missoula County Public Schools.
Yes, there are a lot of environmentalists here; but, no, they don’t roam Plum Creek land looking for marked trees to spike.
Yes, a good percentage of the population here does tend to vote democrat. No, we do not idolize golden statues of Nancy Pelosi.
Yes, we did overwhelmingly vote in favor of deprioritizing personal marijuana possession last November. No, Missoula PTA chapters do not sell “special” brownies at local bake sales.
Yes, people here love the environment and participate in radical activities like “recycling.” No, we have not ritualized the burning of Hummer owners at the stake.
The bottom line is that Missoula is just like any other town. Generally, we care about our community and our fellow citizens, we strive to create a fair and just society, and we do our best with what we’ve been given. The only difference is that we’ve perhaps been given an unfair share. . Which may be what’s behind all the unwarranted name-calling.
They say jealousy is the jaundice of the soul.
