Some person I have just met: “Where are you from?”
Me: “West Virginia.”
Some person I have just met: ” Oh really, I have a friend in Richmond. Maybe you know them.”
Yes, this conversation actually happened. It makes me wonder about the educational system. I mean I had to learn the names (and capitals) of all fifty states when I was in school. Do people just forget? Did they never learn? Just what happens to so many people?
When I disclose where I was born and raised, I usually receive an interesting response. Here are just a few:
“You don’t sound like you’re from West Virginia.” This one often happened at professional meetings, especially broadcast events. I blame the media for portraying a stereotype and bad acting. My usual response is “Just what does a West Virginian sound like?”
“Is that near Roanoke (or some other city in Virginia)?” This often happens when I tell people the city.
“What part of Western Virginia did you say you were from?” This one has some variations, but they all use the term Western Virginia as if West Virginia is not a separate state.
“I have always wanted to go to Virginia. Did you go to the beach much?” This also has some variations, but they all totally ignore the West part of the state’s name. Plus, West Virginia does not boarder the ocean, so this question seems very out of place. I mean no one ever asked if I went to the beach frequently when I told them I lived in Ohio.
My favorite is probably the two people who I met that argued that West Virginia was not really a state. The first time, I was 14 and in England with my Girl Scout troop on a train. The man argued with us for hours. The second time, I was an adult at a conference in Las Vegas. This man was American and apparently sober, so I have no excuse for why he would argue a basic geography point.
Sadly, I have discovered that West Virginians are not the only ones who have this type of issue. A friend in South Dakota said they are frequently confused with North Dakota and have people who think that there is one state, Dakota.
I have not heard people from North Carolina or South Carolina mention an identity problem. So, if you live(d) in either of these states, please let me know.
I have already bought a puzzle of the United States for my daughter’s homeschooling this year. I plan to make sure she knows all fifty states.
Being from WV I know where you are coming from. It really is amazing how many people don’t realize we are a state. But a BEAUTIFUL STATE IT IS!!!
Lynn, you are so right. West Virginia is a very beautiful state! I do miss it.
Paula
This drives me crazy also!!! I absolutely find it hard to believe that adults are walking around who can not recognize the states in this country!