Stigmatizing Stereotypes

Story by Phillip Pyle »

“We’re not in Kansas anymore,” is a phrase that we’ve all heard before.

This common saying associated with the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz, is one of many ways people stereotype Kansans.

Senior Nicole Tener has lived in Kansas for the past two years, but prior to that, she lived in Benton, Arkansas. She describes her old town as being the polar opposite of Eudora.

“The people weren’t as welcoming and nice as they are in Eudora,” said Tener, “I belonged here, whereas in Benton, it took me a few years to actually make a group of friends.”

Instances like this prove the friendliness stereotype that many connect to Kansas. Nicole was accustomed to life in Kansas, for she lived in Baldwin City, Kansas until she was 11. Although she doesn’t appreciate stereotypes associated with Kansans, she does acknowledge that they can be true to an extent.

“Some of the most frequently said stereotypes would be the classic ‘We’re not in Kansas anymore’ or any Wizard of Oz quote… or ‘are people there?,’” Tener said, “These are relatively true based on where you go, but that’s how people describe Kansas from outside the state.”

Senior Dustin Adler moved from Germany to Kansas three years ago, but this isn’t his first time living here. Adler lived in Kansas before he moved across the pond. Even so, he hasn’t experienced many Kansas stereotypes.

“I didn’t really have an impression of Kansas prior to moving here, I lived in Kansas before I moved to Germany to live there for 8 years,” said Adler, “so all I really hoped was that it would be the same as it was when I left, and it was.”

Perhaps the reason for the easy transition was his home in Germany. Adler describes his home as being in the middle of nowhere in a small town near the Netherlands border.

The one stereotype Adler admits to having experienced is the farmer stereotype. However, he quickly shuts it down because he doesn’t see any difference between Kansas and other Midwestern states. According to Adler, even if he heard stereotypical remarks, he wouldn’t be bothered by them because he is used to them.

“Texans think Kansas is a small and boring place and all that,” Adler said, “but it doesn’t really bother me because…well, I’m German – tell me all the stereotypes about that.”

No matter the rude comments made toward Kansans, Tener values the state and all it offers.

“I enjoy it so much here that I can’t picture myself moving anywhere else,” Tener also said, “I think the stereotypes are wrong because Kansas has more to offer than first glance when you’re driving through it on a family vacation.”

In a similar nature, Dustin overlooks the stereotypes and cliches, and expresses his love for Kansas.

“Life in Kansas may seem boring at times but we have everything we need and are surrounded by great people,” Adler said, “That’s why I love it here. The stereotypes are in some ways true but in others they aren’t, it’s just beliefs.”