Those that know me at Hampshire can testify that I talk about the awesomeness that is Minnesota near incessantly.  It is possible (though not probable) that I may sometimes exaggerate the wonders of my homeland ever so slightly.  One thing I do not exaggerate, however, is Minnesota’s attitude towards body image.

Hampshire may think that it’s a “hippie,” and “politically correct” campus, and therefore far more open-minded than the little ol’ Midwest.  But from what I’ve observed, Minnesotans are infinitely more open-minded and understanding about bodies than a pack of Hampshire kids.  Last winter I said as much to a fellow Hampshire student, and she snorted and said, “It’s just because everyone’s FAT there!”

This is not true.  Had I been able to pull some references at the time, I could have told her that we are rated 2nd healthiest state (in terms of healthcare), and 30th among fattest states.  Which means we’re skinnier than some eastern states, like Delaware and Pennsylvania, and even that westward hippie mecca, Oregon.  But at any rate, I don’t think the fact that my self-esteem rises in Minnesota has anything to do with how the other people look.  It’s about the state’s attitude.  I simply do not get the kind of comments in the above comic when I’m in my home state.  It’s the last thing I expected from this college.  But there you have it.  These are real comments, collected from at least 10 different people.  (Not just one giant asshole.)

The moral, as usual, is this: hipsters suck.

PS Ironically, while going to scan this comic, I ran into the founder of the burlesque troupe I used to be in.  Le it be known: stripping with Fire & Ice was a very positive experience, because the rehearsals were with all women, and in the performances we held the control.  I love being naked.  Just not in front of people who judge.