When did Minnesota nice become Minnesota nasty? |
By John Freivalds
Published 8/29/2020
Duluth News Tribune
When did “Minnesota nice” become “Minnesota nasty?”
Answer: Never was nice. The reputation was an ongoing urban legend that I actually always thought was strange after coming here from Washington, D.C. Since Minnesota was first populated (apart from the Native Indians) by taciturn Scandinavians, outsiders assumed Minnesotans were shy, quiet, respectful, and, deep in their hearts, nice — if not a little slow. You know, the well-meaning innocuous couple well portrayed in the Sven and Ole jokes.