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Are you feeling superlative? Portland is. In the last few months alone, the city has been hailed as the skateboarding capital of the world (by the Wall Street Journal, which should know?) and the greenest city in the world. It has the nation's most courteous drivers, is one of the best arts destinations, and ranks as one of the world's best biking cities.
Of course, this kind of ink doesn't come out of nowhere. Travel Portland, a private non-profit marketing agency that contracts with the region to attract media mentions and tourist dollars, spends money to lure reporters to this city.
Portland is not alone. Travel Oregon, which does the same kind of marketing on a state-wide level, is currently spending nearly a million dollars on Oregon Bounty to promote travel during the fall harvest season. (And they have their own list of successful media hits.)
All of this marketing might just be working: not a day goes by, it seems, without another glowing article about our brews, our bikes, our bites... even our babies. But aside from tourist cash — or new transplants? — what do we get from all of this attention?
What is it about this region that so interests the taste-makers and style-watchers from larger (and largely eastern) cities? What do they seek when they come here — and what do they find? And how does the way we sell ourselves to the rest of the world end up informing the way we think about our own home?
GUESTS:
- Beatrice Cassina: Freelance writer based in Milan
- Holly Macfee: Director of Brand Strategy for Travel Oregon
- Andrew Collins: Freelance travel writer based in Portland
- Aaron Mesh: Screen Editor for Willamette Week
Photo credit: Random Dude / Creative Commons
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When I attended college on the east coast I was homesick for the Oregon with its open spaces, slower pace, and its less frenetic people. The east coast felt tired and used up while Oregon remained fresh in my rain-worshiping mind.
When I was in New Zealand I got a massive warm fuzzy because it reminded me of Oregon, but with more dramatic scenery. Many of the Europeans I was hanging out with had heard of Oregon, and several of them had visited and had positive experiences.
Working at a windsurfing shop in Hood River I remember a particular interaction with a customer from the east coast. I was replacing foot straps on his board while he was talking on his cell phone to a buddy back east.
"You won't believe this, Phil, this guy is fixing my board for me. You would never get personal service like this on the east coast." I thought he was kidding. He laughed and thought I was a sucker for not charging anything. I got the weird impression that east coasters expect to pay or be paid for everything.
Frankly, I'm like former Oregon Governor Tom McCall. Please visit Oregon, enjoy your stay, buy our stuff, and go home. No, don't move here. Don't even think about it.
As a real Oregonian (webs between the toes, gills at the base of the neck, green slime coating) I do secret rain dances so that it will rain three or four months on end. Got to drive some of these overly-tanned sun worshipers out of here. Oregon's gotten too crowded.
Oregon for Transphibians
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK33Ji2imjo
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I've been fascinated watching Oregon's image evolve over time. When I first left home in '93 to go to college in CO, inquiries about our state were often downright absurd: "Do you have highways?" (No, we just walk the OR trail to work!) OR "I heard that the suicide rate is off the charts!" (Yeah, Oregonians are throwing themselves off bridges everyday!)
The past 15 years have done wonders for our image. I believe it to simply be a discovery of what's always existed here, although current themes and increased occupancy have brought our state to the forefront. Oregon has always had a pioneer reputation for progressive policy, green living and community participation. I think on a national level, those attributes have been held in higher regard of late, so our light shines bright. And many new transplants have been more than happy to join the spirit. Most recently, I spent a year in NYC and was overwhelmed by the sense of awe & admiration when claiming my home town, Portland (the food, the art, the bicycles, the bridges, the farms, the coffee, and on and on...)
It's also worth noting that Travel Oregon has done a tremendous job selling our state to tourists. Their ad campaign is compelling, enticing and downright beautiful. On one level, it makes me incredibly proud and inclusive, on another, I'd like to evoke the sentiment of our great Tom McCall and say, welcome to Oregon. Now go home.
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It's funny that Oregonians don't want more people to move here because the unemployment numbers might rise. Who is Oregon enticing? Let's see: one of the biggest "industries" in Oregon is college. With 5 large universities in Portland alone (University of Oregon, Oregon State, NCNM, OHSU, and Lewis and Clark), people are bound to move here to go to school. Who goes to school? unemployed young people. Who pays less taxes...renters or home owners? renters--the same people who may be unemployed. The way to get more taxes from people who are not well employed or who are visiting is through a SALES TAX. Yet Oregonians remain SSOOOOOOOO proud that there is no sales tax in Oregon. Who is more likely to smoke pot? Unemployed young people. yet the politics of Oregon voters continuous to favor medical marijuana and be soft on pot smokers/dealers. Where are ski lift tickets the cheapest? Oregon (certainly cheaper than California and Colorado!) Who does that attract? Marginally employed young people.
It's just ridiculous that Oregonians say that they don't want people to move here to increase the unemployment roles, yet who is Oregon seducing? Young people who want to bum around, go to school (maybe), smoke some pot, be involved in a subculture that devalues money by devaluing lifestyles where people who actually have good jobs, pay taxes, and own property or businesses could be enticed to produce here. thank goodness some "cool enough" people (those who have bike shops or brewpubs) keep this city going by making money on the subculture that despises money and conservative voters.
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Don't. Just don't 'Sell' Oregon.
Every year more people stream across Oregon borders to enjoy a culture they immediately start to dismantle.
I do not advocate closing our borders, but could we 'Educate' about Oregon instead of 'Selling' Oregon. Citizens of Oregon have made choices that have shaped our government and our culture. We have not viewed our government as some foreign enemy, out to get us, but as a tool to build a better place to live. We have used our government to create a vibrant culture that supports diversity and restricts monopoly.
Too many new Oregonians bring with them ideas and actions that will dismantle and disfigure the very things they value about their new home.
Education of our newer Oregonians might slow this process.
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That's a great idea. We do run the risk of watering down our culture if we do not successfully incorporate the people who move here. Thankfully, I think we outnumber them and so it would be difficult for them not to be influenced by our culture if they move here.
On a side note, the city of Portland seems to still be head and shoulders more progressive than even it's surrounding suburbs. For instance: voter owned elections for mayor and city council.
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I have always stood behind the immortal words of former Governor Tom McCall, who said about people visiting the state: "We want you to visit our State of Excitement often. Come again and again. But for heaven's sake, don't move here to live. Or if you do have to move in to live, don't tell any of your neighbors where you are going."
We have 12% unemployment and many of the people who are coming here are young creatives who don't have jobs and are adding to the problems we are facing. I love my state, but I see it in decline and an glossy ad campaign is not a practical fix.
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I've always wondered if the phrase "don't move here" has a reverse psychological effect.
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I'm afraid that some of the Portland's reputation as a "green city" is really overhyped. Just looking at the air quality alone makes me wonder how healthy it is to live in Portland. Specifically, the levels of benzene as reported in the Oregonian newspaper and overall toxicity of Portland's air as reported in Northwest Examiner (September 9, 2009) does not, in my view, make Portland the "greenest city in the world".
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Personally, I find Portland good for me, my career, and my outside interests. The bloviating about this town, however, has become completely nauseating.
Wow, we have food, art, and bikes. Big deal, folks. Is there a big city in the Midwest, for example, that doesn't? As a friend said, "it's a good place, but it's not the only place." The word "narcissism" comes to mind...
As for the marketing of the town, my question remains, why is it so important to market this town to the world and invite MORE people? What is the end game??
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thank you!!!! I've lived in places with great bike paths, lots of organic agriculture, mountains, beaches, etc. I wouldn't say that Oregon has the best of any one particular thing, but it's nice that alot of good things are all in one place...or not too far of a drive.
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What the hell is she talking about? That building has been called the World Trade Center well before the New York buildings were destroyed. It has nothing to do with New York. What an uneducated response.
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As a transplant from the South and California for many years living in cities of 2 million plus, I've found the Portland area somewha provincial and a little too homogenous to me.
Haven't found it any more friendly than the majority of the many cities I've lived. Food is O.K. but if you cook ethnic foods, it's tough sometimes to find ingredients that you would readily find in most large cities.
Unfortunately Portland is NOT a cosmopolitan city....that would be reserved to Seattle. Look at the definition of cosmopolitan.
And beauty including the outdoors...if you've lived in the San Francisco Bay Area...Portland doesn't even compare!
And jobs...probably the least amount of opportunity I've experienced living anywhere. And many people working low or no skilled jobs rather than a highly educated workforce. Due to this one major component, I will only be here another year...just not enough opportunity to get ahead.
And the person on the radio who commented about Portlanders not facing reality...I've found the same...people here refuse to acknowledge negative things such as low employment and very low wages...and housing is not affordable compared to the low wages.
And, again, if anyone has lived in the S.F. Bay area, the "environmenalism" here is limited to a 5 mile radius of portland...and no one here carpools.
I'm very leery when I hear these P.R. campaigns about how great a place is...remember someone paid them to do marketing.
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Wow! Surprise surprise this is NOT New York City... thank God!
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I am from Vermont originally and have lived here for over a year. There are many great things about the city, but there are also some problems with the image. It is hard to go to the coast or out to mount hood and see the clear cut forests the entire way. The traffic here is also bad even with a "great public transit system." I love to ride my bike around the city and I am so happy about the wealth of art and music, as a musiscan myself. But without jobs and an increasing poulation I don't believe that the city is actually sustainable.
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The caller who moved here from NYC needs to get a life.
Portland is not NYC. Never has been, never will be. People are not all the same, places are not all the same. Just because she personally prefers NYC to Portland doesn't mean there's something wrong with those of use who prefer Portland.
If I really liked NYC as much as she did, I'd move there. Maybe she should consider moving back instead of complaining how horrible Portland is. (She can gripe all she wants, and it still won't change the fact that Portland is not NYC.)
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Let me guess...You are from Oregon!
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I agree with Janet that Portlanders are not friendly. It is almost a fake friendliness...people from here don't want to get to know others from other places and she is RIGHT ON about criticizing this place. Even if you mention that it is too rainy some native will say, But that's why it's so green! It gets annoying.
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In regard to the naming of the World Trade Center in Portland, OR there are 279 World Trade Centers wordwide.
A complete list can be found on wikipedia,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_world_trade_centers
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My husband and I have been all over the United States and when someone asks us where we are from, we tell them and they never know where it is. We end of having to explain we are between California and Washington.
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I was raised here in Oregon and then moved to Santa Monica Ca. when I was in my later teens. I have lived in Santa Monica for over 20 years and just recently moved back. Since I have been back I have noticed that Oregonians are rude, full of them selves, self centered and have a tendency to act superior. In Santa Monica you knew who those people were ( New Yorkers and the rich North of Montana Ave. people ) and just avoided them, however here I am finding it harder to do that. Every time I adventure out I encounter a rude/self centered person. These people are from all walks of life - rich, poor, hippy, yuppy ......
I was at LBCC to sign up for something and this lady dressed as a sudo hippy ( a hippy with money ) walked in front of me, while on her cell phone, and got in line ahead of me. She did not stop her cell phone conversation and motioned to the person behind the desk that she would be right with her after her conversation!!! I waited for the desk person to help me while she was on the phone but that did not happen. I waited about 5 min. and then spoke up " excuse me, I believe my thing will only take a second" the desk person said " I am sorry as soon as I am done with the lady in front of you". The desk person was not helping her, she was waiting for her!
I know I sound like a negative Nelly, and I am very sorry for that, you have no idea how sorry I am for that. Every day I put a smile on my face and try again. We will see, I will give the place were I grew up a chance, a year, but if I am still this unhappy with the so called "friendly" state of Oregon I will move. And I am sure many of you will say good riddance but I say to you stop being so uppity and self centered, please, I beg of you, be nice and have manners to your fellow citizens. You do not know if they are native or not. Is this how you like to be treated? I was raised to treat people how I want to be treated. I will continue to treat people with kindness, I just would like some in return.
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Well, that's just ridiculous. I would find a manager and complain. I don't like to make a big deal, but if I was waiting for someone who cut in line and talked for 5 minutes on the phone while the service person waited I would make sure that both of them knew how unacceptable that was.
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In regard to people who are full of themselves, I like to say to myself that I choose not to let the imperfections of other people get in the way of my happiness. What follows is a deep breath and I become more centered, more proactive, and less reactionary.
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With regards to Oregon's 'image'... Boasting about Oregon and how great it is seems very Un-Oregonian like to me-and wonder if it is all the newcomers that are doing most of the boasting. I preferred it when Oregon was an undiscovered secret and you actually had to work at finding it. Actually I recall in the late 1980's early 1990's where ppl did NOT want to boast about Oregon, so that ppl wouldn't know how great it is and move here!
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When you suggested that your two callers get together for coffee & bagels......coffee in Portland...bagels in NY.
I really like Portland and I hope that we can get more, better paying jobs here.
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I'm kind of sad that this topic had become a forum for people to complain cynically about their experiences here. It's not exactly on topic unless they have buyer's remorse about the Portland they believe they were "sold".
I've lived here my whole life and traveled up and down the west coast and I think the city is pretty well-rounded. I wonder if the detractors are just used to a more frenetic pace with loads of distraction and stimulation. I like Portland because it does not have those things. The varied cultures are comparatively organic, rather than force grown by mass marketing. You can easily get away to nature and hear yourself think and share physical activities with friends and family.
I would encourage people who feel unsatisfied (wherever they might live) to remember that satisfaction in life is more a result of loving oneself and the ones who's lives we touch, and that the loud noises, flashing lights, and outspokeness of the big city are just overstimulated illusions.
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i think that it isn't so much that we don't like hearing criticism of portland, but that i am sick of people moving here and complaining about it. if you chose to move here, but insist upon complaining about everything from your sense of entitlement to a job and a house, you hate the rain and the grey, that there isn't enough to do or not enough culture, well..
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As a native Oregonian, I have always been upset with the idea that Oregon is "for sale". The title of this segment (the selling of oregon) should be an alarm to everyone. I grew up here, and have spent time all over the US. There are two things, in my opinion, that make Oregon great; that there aren't very many people here-we have not "worn out" the natural beauty that the whole country once had, AND that those people that are here are Oregonians. You do not have to be born here to be an Oregonian, but you do not become an Oregonian simply by living here a certain amount of years. (no matter how much you love it, not everyone has the "right stuff"....so sorry) Whether we were born here or not, we are rare and special people in the way we think about and take care of the place we live. If you "sell" Oregon, it is gone, the same as if you sell any other thing of value. (can't have your cake and eat it)
It is very simple;ONCE YOU SELL SOMETHING, YOU DON'T OWN IT ANYMORE. I don't know why you (OPB) connot understand-I'm guessing most of the folks working for OPB, although probably good people, are not from around here, you're here because you have a great job in a beautiful place working for a wonderful organization. But your job, as everyone's, depends on people and businesses here having money. Yeah I know how you are funded, I am a supporter. And I know that no one can donate to OPB if they don't have money. And I understand that the economy is bad.
This particular show was just TOO much. You shouldn't pander to those who only interest here is the almighty dollar. There are plenty of organizations whose mission is to promote economic growth at any cost-that is NOT the job of MY public radio station.
I am afraid it is too late- Oregon has been "for sale" for years, I just heard this show and it reminded me that there are still many people that claim to be Oregonians, that are just marketing it.
Glad I got to live here while it was still owned (and shared) by everyone.
Mikey- Bend (Born in Eugene, grew up in Coos Bay)
(Yes, we hillbillies that don't live in Portland can read and write, too. )
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I had to turn the radio station today while listening to this show.
It made me so, angry.
I have lived in Oregon for 27 years. I was born here.
It never ceases to anger me when I see what used to be green-forested hills in Mt. Scott area now being carved out for condos and McMansions.
Gentrification is on the rise, and put on by developers not even from Oregon.
You are ruining this state. If you like Oregon so much, then emulate it in your own state.
DON'T MOVE HERE AND EXPECT OREGON TO ADAPT TO YOU.
The lady from Travel Oregon isn't even a native as far as I can tell. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. But I highly doubt an Oregon native would attempt to sell their state out...
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The young woman involved in selling Oregon as a travel destination is doing the state a commendable service, and if we have our heads screwed on, we have to thank her.
But I'm not sure I'll make her job easier, because this is what I'd say about Portland to anyone I know who might consider moving here and doesn't know it too well yet:
First of all, Portland is not a cosmopolitan city. If you've lived in a large, diverse cosmopolitan city before, you'll certainly understand that.
Second: Culturally and socially, Portland certainly has extremes. Places all over the U.S. look pretty much the same in many respects, but the cultural war sometimes invoked in the context of our national political "discourse" in this country in recent years seems to me real and particularly extreme in Portland. In some ways, it's a very progressive city. On the other hand, it's a place where you can ride the bus and see a young man proudly displaying the swastika tattooed on his arm (and combat knife on his belt) just after our recent presidential election. That's Oregon, and that's Portland. There definitely are racists too, and all manner of other persons with nothing at all in their heads.
Third: Portland is facing plenty of trouble economically. It was pointed out in the broadcast that young people can't find jobs. At the same time, the cost of living in Portland looks to be increasing way too fast given the economic base of the city. So I'd urge people to think twice about Portland for this reason especially.
Fourth: Portland is located in an extremely lush valley, and the weather is great, if you're accustomed to a climate where difficult weather is an unfortunate fact of life. It's comical to hear native Oregonians talk about it getting cold here. The weather is very mild all year round. Some people do miss the sun in the rainy seasons, and that's an important aspect you'd have to learn to cope with if you were moving here.
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Comments are now closed.
This brings to mind the dilemma of having a city (or state) that benefits from both excellent natural surroundings and wise public policy that takes advantage of them. Inevitably, others want to live here and those that have the means through education or wealth will do so successfully, however, at the expense of native residents by competing in the workforce and the real estate markets.
On the other hand, it is a wonderful thing to be recognized as successfully fostering a variety of cultures and by doing so become a source of inspiration for others to make the places they live better--not to mentions the benefits tourism brings to local businesses.
In the end, we don't want to let this all go to our head and become complacent. We've accomplished what we have by continuously challenging ourselves to do better through our own inspiration, not just by how well we compare with others.