The spirit of Madison makes it unique
Meghan Carpenter, Clarion Arts & Culture Editor
Issue date: 4/29/09 Section: Entertainment
When I made the decision to move to Madison about three years ago, I was warned about what I was getting myself into. I came from New England, where places like Madison don't exist, and if they do they are quite consciously ignored. I was even warned by a professor at the University of Maine who said, "Oh, Madison. You better be careful, it's easy to have too much fun. Madison is its own little world," and when I arrived, with my suitcase and fresh eastern accent, I was happy to find he was refreshingly correct.
My first walk down State Street was a memorable experience. When any native Madisonian walks down it, they don't see the fine details - we're all so used to what we see. But that day in the summer of 2006, I saw more of Madison than I've seen since. I saw someone riding a bicycle with only boxers on, a young man with hair so spiked it was about a foot tall having a conversation with an older man in a Polo and Dockers, and a mass demonstration with people using sidewalk chalk to color peace signs. I was immediately taken aback and, I'm ashamed to say, too embarrassed to use the chalk.
Aside from that, I immediately felt comfortable. I felt like this city was made for me. Politically speaking, it's about as liberal as it comes, so liberal in fact that former President George W. Bush wouldn't even dare to enter city lines. But there is no denying the incredible power that starry-eyed driven college students can create in large numbers. There is no stopping heart-filled, peace seeking Madisonians, they will always continue to fight for what they believe is right, because it's the Madison way.
And if you don't like politics, Madison has an incredible thriving arts community. Just one glance through the Isthmus and any out-of-towner will find that in one night you can find a blues concert, folk, rock, hip-hop, poetry readings, philosophy discussions, dances, art exhibits, lectures, powwows, and protests, and the list goes on and on. Having such a free spirit city certainly has its benefits for the creative community because it allows so many outlets to express creativity, and it is welcomed throughout the entire community. If you were to live in a small 'postcard' shoreline Connecticut town and you were labeled an artist, the stares at the grocery store will never cease.
My first walk down State Street was a memorable experience. When any native Madisonian walks down it, they don't see the fine details - we're all so used to what we see. But that day in the summer of 2006, I saw more of Madison than I've seen since. I saw someone riding a bicycle with only boxers on, a young man with hair so spiked it was about a foot tall having a conversation with an older man in a Polo and Dockers, and a mass demonstration with people using sidewalk chalk to color peace signs. I was immediately taken aback and, I'm ashamed to say, too embarrassed to use the chalk.
Aside from that, I immediately felt comfortable. I felt like this city was made for me. Politically speaking, it's about as liberal as it comes, so liberal in fact that former President George W. Bush wouldn't even dare to enter city lines. But there is no denying the incredible power that starry-eyed driven college students can create in large numbers. There is no stopping heart-filled, peace seeking Madisonians, they will always continue to fight for what they believe is right, because it's the Madison way.
And if you don't like politics, Madison has an incredible thriving arts community. Just one glance through the Isthmus and any out-of-towner will find that in one night you can find a blues concert, folk, rock, hip-hop, poetry readings, philosophy discussions, dances, art exhibits, lectures, powwows, and protests, and the list goes on and on. Having such a free spirit city certainly has its benefits for the creative community because it allows so many outlets to express creativity, and it is welcomed throughout the entire community. If you were to live in a small 'postcard' shoreline Connecticut town and you were labeled an artist, the stares at the grocery store will never cease.
Be the first to comment on this story