New Mexicans know a thing or two about stereotypes. Those of us who live in the Land of Enchantment have dealt with them for years. Some, of course, are true. Others just aren’t. And, not all stereotypes are bad, are they? Here are 14 totally true stereotypes we should just accept as fact.
1. Santa Fe really is the "City Different."
You never know what you will encounter when you turn a corner in Santa Fe. Not only is it the seat of our government, it's an artist community, a tourist haven, and a holy city of faith. Plus, being the second oldest city in the U.S., it is a curious blend of old and new.
2. Old churches are everywhere.
The churches here were built to last! Not only do we have a ton of churches, chapels, and cathedrals, we also have the nation's oldest -- the San Miguel Mission, in Santa Fe, built between 1610 and 1626.
3. Some of us live in adobe houses.
Sure, some of us live in newer adobe-like homes, covered with some version of brown stucco. But yes, some of us do live in real-deal adobes - houses made of mud and straw bricks.
4. We wear our state pride.
State Pride? We wear it well. You will find our state symbol, the zia, on anything from shirts to hats and earrings. The more dedicated among us even wear it on our skin.
5. We're nuts about the great outdoors.
We have our cities, but we can be gone from the hustle and bustle and be outside in mere minutes. We are fortunate to have a myriad of mountains, streams, forests, lakes and wilderness areas in New Mexico and we love them all.
6. We like our turquoise.
Turquoise has been with us a long time. Sure, the tourists flock to it, but so do we. With our supply of local stone and skilled artists to cut and set it, why not show it off?
7. We have a lot of empty.
People picture New Mexico as a big empty desert. Though we have a lot more going on than desert, we do have miles and miles and miles of long, lonesome roads.
8. Everyone is a Lobo.
While New Mexicans don't take sports to the extreme, we do root for the home team. Some of us even have gotten a high five or two from Lobo Louie.
9. -- Or an Aggie.
Let's not forget the Aggies! These are our next engineers, aerospace pioneers and the people who keep our crops (we mean chile) growing strong. So, let's hear it for Pistol Pete and the school down south!
10. We know the truth is out there.
If you're looking for the truth about alien visitors, start in New Mexico. We have Roswell, of course, and
Dulce Base . Plus, there are scads of UFO sightings and other unexplained phenomena, all right here in New Mexico.
11. New Mexico chile is the best chile!
Hey, Colorado. Pay attention. New Mexico chile is the best. Don't even pretend like you own this one. Be a gracious neighbor and give credit where it's due.
12. We do eat tacos and burritos.
New Mexicans eat mountains of tacos, burritos, enchiladas, rellenos, and more. If you can wrap it in a tortilla or cover it with chile (preferably both), it's going to be on the table somewhere in New Mexico.
13. The roadrunner always wins
Roadrunner, if he catches you, you're through. Luckily, most of the time, you can outsmart that wily ol' coyote.
14. New Mexico is the Land of Enchantment
All of our stereotypes, both good and bad, play a part in giving New Mexico its unique flavor -- our churches and our room to roam, our wilderness and cities. Together, they help make New Mexico one of the most enchanting places to live.
What’s your favorite true New Mexico stereotype? Talk to us in the comments.
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