Understanding the Culture in Color Country
Published by DanM December 12th, 2007 in Southern Utah Talking Points and Questions, Southern Utah People.A Continuing Series
Outsiders often wonder what the ‘culture clash’ is in Utah. I have to admit, it’s subtle. So I’m going to document significant examples when I see them. Here’s one.
Recently, Bruce Hucko, a visiting artist did a great little show for us at our Community Center. He introduced himself and gave us a very quick biography.
“Born in Montana. Raised in Salt Lake City. No, I’m not.”
http://www.brucehuckophoto.com/about.cfm
Great line. It got an instant chuckle from the whole audience, those of us who were and those who were not. If you have to ask, then you’re not really integrated into the local culture. But if I’ve confused anyone, ask anyway.
I didn’t want to destroy the subtle humor by explaining it in the main blog.
Since the Mormon culture dominates Utah so much, one of the first questions that Mormons and non-Mormons will seek to answer is which culture do you belong to. It’s not that it makes a huge difference. People just want to know.
It is considered bad form to come right out and ask on introductions, however. So it often lingers there for quite some time even after you get to know someone. Bruce “broke the ice” with his audience by coming right out and answering right up front.
I am! What fun to read about this culture shock from someone who isn’t but lives in Utah!
I lived in Utah until I was about 21 years old. Moving away from Utah was a bit of a culture shock, too, but it has been and continues to be a very wonderful experience. I enjoy both friends who “are not” and friends who “are.”
Not just “lives” … Have lived. Will live.
It’s like someone once said in a slightly different context, “Why … Some of my best friends are Mormons!”