Remember when you were a kid and you were told that it wasn’t nice to stereotype people? So why would you stereotype a state? There are more than a few outrageous rumors floating around about Idaho and the people who live here. We collected nine of the most famous ones so that they can finally be put to rest. These stereotypes are just that—stereotypes. By no means do they reflect our entire state, so maybe think twice when you catch yourself giving into one!
- All Idahoans are either potato farmers…
Josh Schwartzman/Flickr Indeed, potatoes are one of our state’s most important crops when it comes to the agricultural industry. In fact, more than 320,000 acres of land are used to grow potatoes every year. But no, we don’t ALL work on potato farms. That would just be ridiculous.
- …or rednecks.
Jorge Gonzalez/Flickr Sure, Idaho is a red state but that doesn’t make everyone who lives here a redneck. You MIGHT come across some Bud Light lovin’, tractor drivin’ people out here, but that’s true for pretty much everywhere. And lumping an entire state into one group is just not very practical or logical, don’t you think?
- Idaho is in the Midwest?
Wikipedia Contrary to popular belief, Idaho is NOT Ohio….or Illinois…or Iowa. Not even close. And yes, we are our very own state. Just look at the map right next to Washington and Oregon and you can see for yourself. 🙂
- We’re all conspiracy theorists.
Eli Christman/Flickr There’s a crazy theory going around that all Idahoans are survivalists with underground bunkers who distrust the government. That’s simply not true. We distrust the government just as much as any other state, and although we are known to take advantage of a good Costco sale when we see one, we’re far from “survivalists”. Well, most of us.
- The climate is awful.
John Westrock/Flickr Yep, the climate is pretty awful— especially if you despise experiencing four distinct seasons. We also experience moderate summer and winters. So, if you enjoy intense heat waves and being snowed in during the winter months, Idaho’s weather probably isn’t for you.
- All of our towns look like a scene straight out of Napoleon Dynamite.
Ken Lund/Flickr To be fair, a lot of our small towns do look like this. But just like any other state, we have both small and large communities. Urban Idaho is different from Rural Idaho, which is to be expected. We’re just like any other state in that regard.
- We can’t drive.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr So, apparently a 2017 study ranked Idaho as the ninth-worst driving state in the country. But you know what that means? There are eight states that our worse than us. So, there.
- There’s absolutely no culture in Idaho.
Gazteaukera/Flickr Okay, so we may not have the abundant amount of culture that states like California have, but we think we do alright. In fact, our state is full of places to get your fix of music, performing arts, history, and visual arts. And although our ethnic communities are small, they still know how to have a good time. Attend the next Jaialdi in Boise’s Basque Block and see for yourself!
- All Idahoans are Mormons.
Michael Whiffen/Flickr We won’t deny that the LDS Church has a prominent community in Idaho, boasting 414,182 members across 121 stakes. However, our state has a total population of 1.717 million, so obviously, not all of us practice the Mormon faith. Sure, you’ll come across some Mormons when you visit the Gem State, but religious diversity is celebrated here as much as anywhere else in the country.
Which of these stereotypes about Idaho bugs you the most? Is there anything you’d add to the list? Let us know in the comments below. If you enjoyed this list, chances are you’ll love 9 Undeniable Habits That No Idahoan Can Ever Unlearn.
Josh Schwartzman/Flickr
Indeed, potatoes are one of our state’s most important crops when it comes to the agricultural industry. In fact, more than 320,000 acres of land are used to grow potatoes every year. But no, we don’t ALL work on potato farms. That would just be ridiculous.
Jorge Gonzalez/Flickr
Sure, Idaho is a red state but that doesn’t make everyone who lives here a redneck. You MIGHT come across some Bud Light lovin’, tractor drivin’ people out here, but that’s true for pretty much everywhere. And lumping an entire state into one group is just not very practical or logical, don’t you think?
Wikipedia
Contrary to popular belief, Idaho is NOT Ohio….or Illinois…or Iowa. Not even close. And yes, we are our very own state. Just look at the map right next to Washington and Oregon and you can see for yourself. 🙂
Eli Christman/Flickr
There’s a crazy theory going around that all Idahoans are survivalists with underground bunkers who distrust the government. That’s simply not true. We distrust the government just as much as any other state, and although we are known to take advantage of a good Costco sale when we see one, we’re far from “survivalists”. Well, most of us.
John Westrock/Flickr
Yep, the climate is pretty awful— especially if you despise experiencing four distinct seasons. We also experience moderate summer and winters. So, if you enjoy intense heat waves and being snowed in during the winter months, Idaho’s weather probably isn’t for you.
Ken Lund/Flickr
To be fair, a lot of our small towns do look like this. But just like any other state, we have both small and large communities. Urban Idaho is different from Rural Idaho, which is to be expected. We’re just like any other state in that regard.
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
So, apparently a 2017 study ranked Idaho as the ninth-worst driving state in the country. But you know what that means? There are eight states that our worse than us. So, there.
Gazteaukera/Flickr
Okay, so we may not have the abundant amount of culture that states like California have, but we think we do alright. In fact, our state is full of places to get your fix of music, performing arts, history, and visual arts. And although our ethnic communities are small, they still know how to have a good time. Attend the next Jaialdi in Boise’s Basque Block and see for yourself!
Michael Whiffen/Flickr
We won’t deny that the LDS Church has a prominent community in Idaho, boasting 414,182 members across 121 stakes. However, our state has a total population of 1.717 million, so obviously, not all of us practice the Mormon faith. Sure, you’ll come across some Mormons when you visit the Gem State, but religious diversity is celebrated here as much as anywhere else in the country.
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