Location
Student Center
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
19-8-2025 2:30 PM
End Date
19-8-2025 3:30 PM
Description
I have been living in Morris for two years now, and have been able to find and develop a strong community of like minded people for myself. However, evidence from international students and immigrants suggests that my experience is not universal. The term “Minnesota Nice” is a concept that helps us unpack these differences in experience. Characterized by outward politeness and a cheerful attitude masking emotional reservedness and an aversion to conflict, Midwest Nice can help people get along but can also create a sense of exclusivity. Drawing from literature, historical and archival research, popular culture, digital media, and cultural analysis this project seeks to understand the nuances of Minnesota Nice to help rural community leaders in West Central Minnesota make more inclusive and welcoming communities. In my research I found that the best way to combat insularity is building more capacious relationships beyond the transactional or context-specific.
Included in
Well, That’s Interesting: “Minnesota Nice” and its Impact on Rural Community-Building
Student Center
I have been living in Morris for two years now, and have been able to find and develop a strong community of like minded people for myself. However, evidence from international students and immigrants suggests that my experience is not universal. The term “Minnesota Nice” is a concept that helps us unpack these differences in experience. Characterized by outward politeness and a cheerful attitude masking emotional reservedness and an aversion to conflict, Midwest Nice can help people get along but can also create a sense of exclusivity. Drawing from literature, historical and archival research, popular culture, digital media, and cultural analysis this project seeks to understand the nuances of Minnesota Nice to help rural community leaders in West Central Minnesota make more inclusive and welcoming communities. In my research I found that the best way to combat insularity is building more capacious relationships beyond the transactional or context-specific.