Here are 11 stereotypes about Washington state that need to be put to rest right now:
1. It Always Rains in Washington
Contrary to popular belief, only the western part of the state sees frequent rain. Eastern Washington is actually quite dry and even desert-like in places, with much less precipitation.
2. Everyone Drinks Starbucks Coffee
While Starbucks started in Seattle, many locals prefer small, independent coffee shops or other brands like Dutch Bros. Not everyone is glued to a Starbucks cup.
3. Everyone Owns a North Face Jacket
North Face gear is expensive and not as universally worn as outsiders think. People in eastern Washington, for instance, rarely wear this brand compared to western Washington.
4. Washingtonians Never Use Umbrellas
This odd stereotype is true to some extent, especially in Seattle, but not everyone relies on this practice. Many folks simply rely on rain jackets instead.
5. Seattle Represents the Whole State
Washington is much more than Seattle. The state has diverse cities, landscapes, and cultures, from wine country to mountain ranges and agricultural regions in the east.
6. Everyone Is Obsessed with Grunge Music
While grunge is part of Washington’s rich music history, residents enjoy a wide range of genres including indie, jazz, hip-hop, and more.
7. Everyone in Washington Smokes Pot
Though recreational marijuana is legal, not everyone uses it. The stereotype overlooks the distinct lifestyles across different regions and age groups.
8. All Washingtonians Are Die-hard Seahawks Fans
While the Seahawks have many passionate fans, not every resident follows football intensely or supports the team.
9. Washington People Are Cold and Unfriendly (Seattle Freeze)
The notion that Washingtonians are unfriendly is mostly a myth. People outside Seattle describe many Washingtonians as kind and helpful.
10. Washington Is Full of Lumberjacks and Tree Huggers
Only some areas fit this stereotype. The state has urban areas, tech hubs, and culturally diverse populations not captured by this cliché.
11. All Food in Washington Means Apples
Washington produces a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and other foods beyond apples such as cherries, asparagus, grapes, and potatoes.
These stereotypes simplify the rich and varied reality of Washington state and often misrepresent the diverse people and culture found there.
Sources
(https://www.theodysseyonline.com/washington-state-stereotypes-myth-or-fact)
(https://newstalkkit.com/7-surprising-wa-state-stereotypes-outsiders-always-get-terribly-wrong/)
(https://929thebull.com/myths-in-washington/)
(https://keyw.com/5-fun-myths-people-outside-of-wa-still-believe-about-washington/)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/Washington/comments/1ek8pd8/what_are_some_washington_things_only_we_get_and/)
