From: mike@isgtec.com (Mike Sellers)
Newsgroups: alt.culture.oregon
Subject: Re: am I suited for Oregon???
Date: 14 Dec 92 17:51:52 GMT
Distribution: alt.culture.oregon
Organization: ISG Technologies Inc., Mississauga Ontario

sbiles@nmsu.edu (Susannah E Biles) writes:
> I have been reading this group pretty avidly since it appeared on my
> list because the one time I went through Oregon I loved it and I have an
> interest in moving there "when I grow up", which hopefully will be in
> about one year.
> 
> So, my question is this:
> 	If I am against guns 

There are a lot of hunters in Oregon, but I think the general
population is ambivalent about guns in the home.  You can probably
generate more debate by talking about catch-and-release fishing
than you can about assault weapons. :-)

> 	If I am pro-homosexual rights
> 	If I am pro-environment (but understand the ins and outs of 
> 		the logging situation)
> 	If I am hoping to teach English/Theatre/Speech

Don't know what the employment situation is like, but there are
a lot of small theatres in Portland, probably more in Eugene.
You can go to Powell's and hear authors read from their works...
sigh.  I'm 2000 miles away now.  

> 	If I am hoping to NOT face racism (esp of the neo-nazi kind)

Most of the racism that people in Oregon complain about is the
complacent, we-don't-mean-any-harm kind.  There _are_ hate groups
there, as anywhere, but they aren't well tolerated in most sectors.
The ignorance of the general population to the plight of those who
have been discriminated against is more difficult to root out, but
Oregon generally does well there, at least compared to most other
places.  

> 	If I shy away from organized religion (personal preference not
> 		to be pushed on others)
> 	If I tend to be conservatively liberal (NOT liberally
> 		conservative ;)

Oregonians are fascinating for these last two traits among others.
Years ago Oregon had the smallest per capita church-going population;
I don't know if that's still true, but it might be.  Of the religious
folks I know there (I was one), there does seem to be a pretty 
neighborly attitude toward others of different persuasions, or no 
particular one at all.  When the LDS (Mormon) temple was being built,
the only vocal nay-sayers came from out of state.  Others no doubt 
wondered about it, but they didn't try to get in the way of someone 
else's religion.  I find that heartening.  In addition, Oregon has 
stringent land-use planning laws; gardens, canning, and other such 
"domestic" pursuits are highly valued; and the people can pass any 
legislation they want without going through the legislature. A _very_
interesting mix of conservative and liberal.  

> WILL I FIT IN???????

It sounds like you may have been born in the wrong place; mistakes
are made sometimes. :-) I think you'll fit in fine.  You didn't mention
whether you like beer.  It isn't necessary (I don't drink), but it helps.  

--
              Mike Sellers      User Interface Team Leader
           mike@isgtec.com      ISG Technologies, Toronto, Canada
              "Actum ne agas" -- Do not do what has been done.
                         Furare tantum ab Optimis
Newsgroups: alt.culture.oregon