The truth about Seattle
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2/22/2007
I love Seattle but my views are not myopic due to the fact I have lived all over the country. Some of the comments I have read I agree with some I don’t and some are just flat out wrong. Before I dispel misconceptions, stereotypes and other biased ignorant comments, the following are some of the positives of Seattle: 1.) Seattle is the most educated and literate big city in the country, 2.) According to a number of national publications Seattle has consistently been ranked in the top five of fittest cities, 3.) City is in the top 10 greenest cities in the country, 4.) Ranked number one for big cities in Bicycling, in the top 15 for running cities, travel/leisure magazines rate it in their top 10, and 5.) Seattle is the top 3 in terms of progressive politics for minorities and women, second behind San Francisco, in terms of gay and lesbians per capita, and is well known for its liberal and accepting attitude towards interracial couples. Also of note Seattle had an African American mayor, Norm Rice, from 88-96. Ron Sims, another African American man, is King County Executive. For those who don’t know, Seattle is the county seat of King County, and the only Chinese Governor in the history of this country Gary Locke was from the Seattle area and Governor of the State of Washington for two terms.
Seattleites have been accused of being self-centered snobs “Seattle Freeze”, we have bad traffic most major cities do, and the myths and misconceptions of rain, and the high cost of living which is due to people wanting to live here from across the country yeah Topeka Kansas is cheap but who wants to live there?. Here is what people don’t get or don’t care to get about Seattle and the Pacific Northwest in general. According to the 2000 census 2/3rds of all people living in the Seattle area were born in another state truly making Seattle a transplant city. Reasons for this explosion in people was due to Seattle’s transformation from a city based on Aerospace (Boeing) and Timber economy to a computer/IT economy, the demise of the quality of life for middle class Californians especially Southern Californians looking for a cheaper way of life, and for years publications praised Seattle for being the most livable city.
When most people move to a different city or place they bring their attitudes, prejudices, and culture with them so there is going to be a clash of cultures. Seattle may not be the most welcoming city especially in comparison to the Midw
Tony | Seattle, WA