We’ve already established that a Fargo Factor should be used as the economic indicator to measure the intangibles of the human spirit and drive for success. But before that can happen, we need to expound on five crippling myths about the people in the Fargo-Moorhead area.
Myth #1 – Fargo is like the movie.
While most Fargoans are happy that the film put us on the map, most outsiders don’t know the film wasn’t shot anywhere near Fargo. In fact, it was shot two hours away in Brainerd, MN, which is, ya know, a lot more like the movie.
Myth #2 – We hate the weather.
Sure, it’s insane to say we enjoy weather that varies 140 degrees throughout the year. Still, the ability to survive all of the craziness gives the community a sense of strength. Furthermore, I’ll take the harshest three months of winter for three months of summer every time. Sunny weather never gets taken for granted, and people who live here soak up every minute of it.
Myth #3 – Fargo is completely behind the times.
When on the road, it’s baffling how people can honestly believe we still travel by horses. We may not leap at every gadget trend, but Fargo-Moorhead continues to build its technology sector. Microsoft is one of the areas largest employers for Pete’s sake.
Myth #4 – Fargo is compiled of rednecks and Republicans.
As far as politics are concerned, the majority of the state is comprised of conservatives, but I would guess the majority our Republicans are more fiscally conservative than those in the Bible Belt. As far as being a redneck is concerned, for it’s size, Fargo is one of the best communities for harboring the fine arts. Those growing up here have as many opportunities to pursue acting, singing, dancing and visual arts.
Myth #5 – We find seasonal stitch work sexy.
Now I realize I may be upsetting a lot of my mother and grandmother’s friends, but snowman patches aren’t the norm as far as styles go in town. Fargo can be fashionable. We may not have a Saks Fifth Avenue, but Ugg boots were made for walking through two feet of snow up hill both ways.