this post was submitted on 16 Jul 2023
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Columbus. Or the surrounding area
It's been a while since I've lived in that area, but the greater Columbus area is pretty nice. Generally speaking, as long as you are within an hour of bigger cities like Cleveland, Columbus or Cincinnati you'll be fine. Things get pretty red further out. There's parts of outer Ohio that are straight up Appalachia.
What's wrong with Appalachia? I think folks have the wrong perception of "pretty red", people are still people. I'm originally from Appalachia Ohio and go back frequently. People are genuine and nice there. Just because some folks don't agree politically doesn't mean they are bad people. There are left and right in my home town and everyone is nice and civil to each other. I now live in a large Ohio city and there is just as much political diversity.
I don't have a problem with Appalachia. I've moved all around the country and spent time living in almost every group imaginable. I agree that the people themselves are likely to be lovely once you get to know them. My issue is that I'm not fond of people who actively vote against their self interest. When you get ab hour or two outside metropolitan centers in Ohio, you're deep into Trump country... by which I mean people who have numerous flags in their yards, stickers all over their trucks. Not to mention an unhealthy amount of confederate battle flags.
The Maga cult is a literal lifestyle choice in parts of Ohio, and if I were not a cis white male, I wouldn't feel comfortable in these areas. The reason why is because these people who REALLY ARW warm and friendly when you first meet them, they are the same people who have alarming amounts of Trump paraphernalia. It's a cult. Plain and simple. And no amount of "they're hearts are in the right place" makes up for the fact that they not only vote for, but loudly share their deep love for a man who literally represents the absolute worst of America.
The people aren't the problem. Their beliefs are.