14 Comments
Sep 7, 2022Liked by Rebecca Holland

Being mindful of where to spend and not spend your money is a great way to still feel the freedom to go where you please while not being supportive of something disagreeable. I will say, as a person who is from the south(but not in favor of certain recent developments) I was almost put off, but I appreciate that it is known that what has happened is the result of a small group of people making unpopular decisions on the "behalf" of everyone else. Still visit the south, it is beautiful and a world all it's own, but yes, there are certain people here who are not worth giving the time of day.

Expand full comment

There is so much good writing & information in here! I have to just bookmark the entire newsletter.

I vote in Tennessee. It is disheartening, but I will keep sending in those blue ballots (& deleting those infuriating Marsha Blackburn emails)

We used to spend summers in Rehoboth Beach & one of my best pals lives near Annapolis so crab cakes & Old Bay & Thrashers are some of my most favorite things. (Blue crabs are invading the Tyrrhenian sea, which I know is terrible, but they are so delicious 🦀)

Expand full comment

There are a very small handful of countries to which I would not travel because of the government, laws, etc. As you note, writing off all of the South writes off millions of people who might agree with you. And having traveled around the Balkans for the past several months, I've seen firsthand what happens when groups stop talking and start fighting instead.

Expand full comment

This is a very interesting and challenging post!

I find it sad that anyone would consider avoiding any state because of political affiliation or a disagreement in ideals or values. While I understand the theory behind it, I think when we just surround ourselves with people or places who only agree with our own biases, that it's short sighted.

Are we trying to build a nation that's inclusive or exclusive? Why do we have to cause more division instead of trying to find ways to be united?

We preach the ideals of freedom in this country -- like the freedom of expression or freedom of speech. Yet so many people have become hateful or closed minded when another's viewpoint doesn't match our own. This is a sad mentality because regardless of what "camp" we are in, there is still common ground and we can learn so much from each other if we allow it.

It's OK to disagree with each other and to not support certain businesses or people we choose not to support, but this doesn't mean we should close ourselves off to anyone or any place that doesn't fit our biases or beliefs.

My wife and I travel full-time and we've never considered not going to a state based on political views, even when we strongly disagree with them. If we did, we would miss out on so many incredible places, but more so the amazing people we've met on our adventures -- people from such diverse backgrounds, experiences, and belief systems. We've learned from others and they from us. And we have grown because of it.

Obviously there are times when we should not travel to countries based on certain situations as stated in this post. But as it relates to the United States, let us not be so closed minded that we don't see the big picture. It not only hurts ourselves but others as well.

Expand full comment

As someone who currently lives in Indiana, moved back to Indiana last summer after six years in Texas, and considers myself from Michigan, all the yes. States are not monoliths, citizens are more diverse than we know unless we visit, and we can positively impact the politics of the places we visit. I recently wrote a piece for The Educator's Room that talks about this issue, but related to where we choose to live.

Expand full comment

Thanks for sharing! I was just in San Sebastián in May and used some of Marti’s recommendations (they did not disappoint). Mimo was a really fun food tour, and I’m not usually one to book tours. :) also - I have lived in the South on and off for years and will reiterate there is some really amazing stuff happening in places you’d never expect - politically, creatively and otherwise. I think if you visit with an open mind, you will be pleasantly surprised at what you find most of the time. ❤️

Expand full comment