Do you believe each U.S. state has it's own culture and/or identity?

[PizzaSHARK]

I've never actually visited the States

We're gonna have to fix that oversight.

[Kerath]

We're gonna have to fix that oversight.

I intend to! I really do. At some point.

[Ave07]

As someone who lives in South Florida I can tell you that it's a lot more like the North East especially New York while North Florida is like the South.

[Sib]

I was born and raised on Long Island New York, I would say that culture is a more of a regional thing than a state thing. I've lived in Florida for about 16 years, and the only real difference is how scum bags operate. Up north, they will not hide the fact they are scumbags, down here in the south I think more people are the kind of "two-faced" scumbag, who will smile at you, and then stab you when you turn around. Otherwise you can get along fine in any state that has a city and some civilization. Do not go out to the country side, you will get into a lot of trouble there.

[serenka]

as an outsider, i would say they do, maybe not each state individually, but texas is quite distinct from Massachusetts for example, i dont think the differences are on the same scale as a difference between two European countires though.

[hakujinbakasama]

I'm in Illinois so in my experience, YES, without a doubt. (though I too clicked the wrong thing.)

Here in IL we're comprised of an entire state which generally leans 1 way and a really big cesspool of shit known as Chicago which some how outranks the entire rest of the state.

[artemishunter1]

So the people who hate anyone that isn't just like them (the south) and the people who just want to get on with their lives and drag the rest of the country into the first world (northeast and west coast) are the rude, arrogant jerks?

Yes that makes sense.

I am from NY. We are rude, we are arrogant and we are jerks. This should be one of the fundamental truth in the universe. Though it does not mean we don't care. Its that we care so much that we close ourselves in so we don't get hurt.

[crakerjack]

I like to think so... which is why I'm also in favor of no federal laws, only state.

[artemishunter1]

You imply that the ones with greater genetic variation and much larger pools to draw from are the inbreds?

Socioeconomic conditions. I would also note that there is plenty of crime in the countryside.

True. Cities create the socioeconomic conditions. Crimes are far far far far far far far less in the country simply due to less people living there, more resource being available per person etc.

[Roose]

Not only do different states have different cultures, but also counties and cities.

This is really the main redeeming quality of the states. The differences are huge and mean a hell of a lot.

[Kujako]

Depends on the states. We could probably get by with one Dakota. But areas defined by major geographical differences tend to develop their own culture and traditions.

[Ssith]

much more regional than state.

[crakerjack]

much more regional than state.

Not really... California has crazy drivers and I mean crazy... they can't stay in a single lane for more than a minute... it's like there's a timer going off and you have 1 minute to get into a different lane or your car blows up... here in oregon, it's much more relaxed... people typically drive the speed limit if not 5-10 over... you rarely see people going crazy fast or driving crazy... and when you do, their licence plate always says california. I think it's still state... not quite regional.