“I hope you can handle all the rain” … the mantra of advice given to me by countless friends and coworkers upon the news of my departure.
Stigmas of Spokane from those living in other parts of the country typically stem from the stereotypes associated with Seattle, as a majority of people have never been anywhere near Spokane itself and assume Washington has only one hub of activity. Until I moved a few weeks ago I was a part of this uninformed, geographically ignorant demographic. But as I gather my surroundings and begin to acclimate to Spokane I’m finding that a majority of my apprehensions won’t hold much water.
Spokanites seem to fit into two groups. One longs to part ways with this city and try their luck in various other locations, whether it be from a lack of opportunity here, or a slowly manifested distaste for the area. The other group consists of a proud and patient mentality that sees Spokane for what it can be, and likely will become. This group waits for the next stages of reform to push their city closer to the mecca of prosperity it was in decades past.
So what’s it going to take to make this a reality? I’d say time. Spokane has been fortunate enough to not feel the recent economic pinch quite as hard as some other cities. Things might not be great, but the potential for recovery seems more feasible if businesses can attract the necessary capital.
Counterproductive to the likeliness of a happy ending, people moving into Spokane from other states are often met with unopened arms. In coming here I may be perceived as part of the unwanted ‘foreign hoard’ that the some natives feel squander valuable job opportunities that could have supported a local worker and his or her family. But an influx of new blood is ultimately something Spokane must have in order to adequately hoist itself out of the rut; which began with the loss of the railroad’s significance and escalated into an era of slumped commercial and residential growth paired with a seedy and sometimes dangerous urban core.
I see young people, with a baby in one hand and a cigarette in the other, asking for money while standing just outside the doors of the Davenport, a lasting symbol of Spokane’s triumph over disasters of all nature. I see hillbilly retards beat the piss out of each other in a dive bar over some pointless and mundane gesture being taken the wrong way. I see college-aged women, wearing what looks to be 8 square inches of fabric, desperately trying to validate themselves as attractive. But then I also see mothers playing with their children at the park; businessmen exchanging handshakes on street corners; talented artists of every medium showcasing their passion throughout the city; and the headstrong, young workforce who are self-reliant and ambitious.
These characteristics, both good and bad, are those of a genuine, real deal American city. The depth and reach of a community’s culture is clearly not limited to the summation of its populace. Spokane, with its measly 250,000 citizens, has surprised me with the amount of eager and talented contributors who are making waves, changing mentalities and pushing the city closer and closer to something more than just ‘Seattle’s illegitimate cousin.’
The talent and ambition are here, but what are the outlets for these virtues? If a Spokane resident is good at their trade, do they have to ultimately move away to actually succeed? Most do. And sadly, I’d say they are probably wise in doing so, for now. But I wouldn’t be surprised if success eventually finds its way here, rather than waiting for its time to get out.
But really, what the hell do I know? I’m a newbie, a greenhorn. I find it easier by the day to feel fortunate to be involved with this city, especially at this time.
Good things are in motion.
Tags: Identity Crisis · Rants · Spokane Pride7 Comments
7 responses so far ↓
You shouldn’t use the term “hillbilly retard”. It is redundandt.
Thank you.
“If a Spokane resident is good at their trade, do they have to ultimately move away to actually succeed? Most do. And sadly, I’d say they are probably wise in doing so, for now.”
My two trades are music performance and software engineering … and I work at Next IT and perform with the Spokane Symphony.
No need to move away. In fact, I came back.
I have lived her all my life. I have watched people, ideas, business’ and money come and go through this city. I agree with every thing you are saying here. You nailed it right on the head Newbie.
Thanks for your words of optimism and truth.
Welcome to Spokane.
Welcome to Spokane.
It is true that this community is in the midst of a transition, but there are many who are trying their best to prevent it. Ultimately, they will fail as the optimism of the people eventually overtakes them. Then it will be they who seek out other places or merely fade away here, reminiscing about the good old days. Never mind that they never actually happened, but in their bitterness they will invent them nevertheless.
Thank you for your contribution. I look forward to seeing more posts.
I love that Spokane is “in the midst of transition.” It has been for about 20 years. To me that says we are still capable of any possibility. The combination of imagination, optimism, and persistence I see in the city (and dare I say our country?) bodes well for all of us.
It sounds like your read of the city may be skewed a bit toward the young professional crowd. I moved here 4 years ago and when I first got here I was probably inclined to see most things in Spokane relative to my experience growing up in Seattle and living in L.A. or Houston. It lacks some of the diversity and density that bigger cities provide. It doesn’t attract the capital investment that other regions do, and probably never will. I saw it in a similar way that you are seeing it, as a city and region that could be great someday and has potential.
I still believe that, but I’ve come to know, and become a part of a group, you missed in your assessment; the group of who love Spokane for what it is, even as they are invested in what it someday will be. My sense is that this is the core of the city’s population. It’s the Air Force families that spent a few years at Fairchild and came back when they got in their 20 years. It’s the teachers who moved away to Seattle to get enough experience to land a job in Spokane and stay. It’s the 20 somethings who couldn’t wait to get out of here after college, but who couldn’t wait to get back when they got married and had kids. It’s the people I know who got out a map and picked Spokane because of its proximity to nature, health care and the city. And yes, it’s the young professionals who moved here on their way up the ladder, who couldn’t wait to leave even before they arrived, who came to love the city and decided to stay, even if it meant having a shorter ladder to climb.
Welcome to Spokane.
Newbie………..what a great and well written letter and you are so totally right-on with all your comments. Yes indeed our Spokane is a great city and we are so very lucky to have a well versed guy like you living with us. Good luck my friend and welcome!