it's a long history of respecting moderate republicans--i worked for silvio conte as a page/intern in the early 80s. he was a republican, and a self-described conservative, but he explained to us that THEREFORE he was pro-choice "why would a conservative want to let the government tell a woman what to do with her body"? and an environmentalists "the word conserve is right in there!"
could you imagine a republican saying any of those things now?
Maybe if you searched really, really hard! Though perhaps they're in the closet. The hard right Republicans have scant regard for anyone not as hard as they are.
Dan, many thanks for writing this. I'm a 15-year "native" myself and feel the same way--something I wouldn't have expected 15 years ago, esp. having grown up in NC. You alluded to but didn't directly comment on Boston's tribalism--the old-school enclaves remain strong in Boston (yes, during the busing days this was bad), and that means the city retains something of the Eastern Seaboard working-city feel that, I think, NYC has lost and DC never had. Plus, there's working-class pride in Boston that doesn't curdle into grievance--everybody seems to appreciate Casey Affleck playing a Masshole on SNL.
I have NOT lived in Boston for about the same period that you HAVE, and lived there otherwise all my life (and we are the same age). So I'll add this one charm of the area: I am still a local, and will never be a local of anywhere else.
Oh my goodness, the game! And because I am hopeless I remember "Star Market for a bunch of quarters" very well especially since I have shopped at Shaw's/Star Market in New Hampshire.
Thank you for your take on becoming a local in Boston. I’m a native that has long since moved to the west coast but I still call Boston my home. I’d definitely say it’s hard to crack into the locals. Growing up there as a college student commuting from home I felt kinda the opposite thing. That being a local set me apart from the rest of the college kids enjoying Boston. Boston is so unique in that (back when I read this quote in the late 90s) it has/had? over 60 colleges and universities in its metro area.
I haven't lived in the greater Boston area in over 30 years now (that cost of living is a big reason I don't now), but it will always be home (and I vote there). I feel a lot of pride in those good things you listed, and hope the city can continue to work on its issues. Overall, way more good than bad IMO. Thank you, Dan.
I hear you. Am orig from CT, but have been in and out of boston since college. I like it here. People generally respond, that’s not to ignore pockets of hate(it’s all over) but we tend to come together, by and large. Maybe because we are a bit insecure about how good we are. But, I’ll take Boston any day.
Yes I agree New England is a special region much like the Pacific Northwest but different.
it's a long history of respecting moderate republicans--i worked for silvio conte as a page/intern in the early 80s. he was a republican, and a self-described conservative, but he explained to us that THEREFORE he was pro-choice "why would a conservative want to let the government tell a woman what to do with her body"? and an environmentalists "the word conserve is right in there!"
could you imagine a republican saying any of those things now?
Maybe if you searched really, really hard! Though perhaps they're in the closet. The hard right Republicans have scant regard for anyone not as hard as they are.
Dan, many thanks for writing this. I'm a 15-year "native" myself and feel the same way--something I wouldn't have expected 15 years ago, esp. having grown up in NC. You alluded to but didn't directly comment on Boston's tribalism--the old-school enclaves remain strong in Boston (yes, during the busing days this was bad), and that means the city retains something of the Eastern Seaboard working-city feel that, I think, NYC has lost and DC never had. Plus, there's working-class pride in Boston that doesn't curdle into grievance--everybody seems to appreciate Casey Affleck playing a Masshole on SNL.
Bravo, bravo, bravo!
I have NOT lived in Boston for about the same period that you HAVE, and lived there otherwise all my life (and we are the same age). So I'll add this one charm of the area: I am still a local, and will never be a local of anywhere else.
Oh my goodness, the game! And because I am hopeless I remember "Star Market for a bunch of quarters" very well especially since I have shopped at Shaw's/Star Market in New Hampshire.
Yes, technically that is Hamm MOCKING a Boston accent.
Thank you for your take on becoming a local in Boston. I’m a native that has long since moved to the west coast but I still call Boston my home. I’d definitely say it’s hard to crack into the locals. Growing up there as a college student commuting from home I felt kinda the opposite thing. That being a local set me apart from the rest of the college kids enjoying Boston. Boston is so unique in that (back when I read this quote in the late 90s) it has/had? over 60 colleges and universities in its metro area.
I haven't lived in the greater Boston area in over 30 years now (that cost of living is a big reason I don't now), but it will always be home (and I vote there). I feel a lot of pride in those good things you listed, and hope the city can continue to work on its issues. Overall, way more good than bad IMO. Thank you, Dan.
I hear you. Am orig from CT, but have been in and out of boston since college. I like it here. People generally respond, that’s not to ignore pockets of hate(it’s all over) but we tend to come together, by and large. Maybe because we are a bit insecure about how good we are. But, I’ll take Boston any day.