Tuesday, November 15th, 2005 at 6:56 pm | In Wisconsin |

There’s been a major rift developing over the last few years at the University of Wisconsin. Two sides struggling for respect on a campus known for its radicalism and fights over freedom of expression. One minority ridiculed by the native population for their different upbringing and manner of dress. And only the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is bold enough to cover the story.

That’s right, the divide is between “Coasties”, students hailing mainly from New York, New Jersey, and California and “Sconnies”, a term I’ll use to cover students who call the Midwest home.

According to the Journal Sentinel:

Of the 28,217 undergraduates at UW-Madison, 58% are from Wisconsin and 11% are from Minnesota.

Most of the other 31% come from Illinois, New York, California and New Jersey. These students form a distinct demographic, and are often clumped under the all-purpose category: Coasties.

Unfortunately the Journal Sentinel has failed to acknowledge that students from Illionis have their own unique title: FIB.

Randy Frankfurter, a freshman from East Brunswick, N.J., who lives in a private dorm called Statesider is quoted in the story:

“They look down on us just because our parents have a little bit more money, because we talk about where our fathers work. They want to feel superior to us because they think we think we’re superior to them. Then we’re forced to.”

It’s a rough life in the land of popped collars, skin-tight black spandex pants, Ugg boots, North Face, massive sunglasses, and daddy’s credit card.

My advice if you don’t want to be scoffed at: stop wearing stereotypical clothing and avoid the KK like the plague.

Lori Berquam, dean of students, described the cultural conflict on campus as “good-natured,” and a lot of students agree.

But Wren Singer, director of orientation and new student programs, takes it seriously. At freshman orientation, students are prodded into discussions of “stereotypes of coastal culture vs. Midwest culture,” Singer said.

“Most people think about ethnic diversity, people from different races,” she said. “But I think it’s much more likely that a freshman would make a derogatory comment about someone from the East Coast than someone of color.”

A serious question for other college bloggers: is the divide between regional and out-of-region students so visible at other schools?

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: The great ‘Coastie’ divide

Thanks Anne and Meg!

Note: I’ve got nothing against anyone from Illinios or either coast, only people who insist on wearing ugly, overly expensive clothing and sit in tanning booths until their bodies are a peculiar shade of orange.