Michigan Unity: 10 Things Every Michigander Can Get Behind

There are certain topics you just don’t bring up at a family dinner or on a first date, like politics or religion. In a time when it feels like the nation is more divided than ever, and with people choosing sides instead of coming together as Americans, I thought maybe there’s something we can unite around: the fact that we’re Michiganders!

Is There a Political Influence in Social Settings?
Do politics influence conversations and fuel debates at get-togethers with friends and family? Absolutely! But other Michiganders, like my friend and I, can have completely different political views and still agree to disagree through a friendly and civil conversation. We continue enjoying the event without things getting heated.

But, if you ever need to steer the conversation in a more neutral direction at a social gathering, here are a few things most Michiganders can agree on. Here are 10 conversation starters that are safe, fun, and proudly Michigan.

10 Things That Michiganders Can Find Common Ground On

1) Do You Use Your Hand as a Map of Michigan?

Anyone from Michigan, especially the Lower Peninsula, has at one time or another, pointed to their hand to show others where they’re from. My parents moved to Florida, but I won't get into that.

2) Michigan’s Great Lake Beaches Are Better Than the Ocean

Who doesn’t love a day at the beach? With no saltwater and no sharks, the beaches that line the state in the summer heat are better than anything else. You can actually catch some descent waves on a good day.

3) Michigan Has Only Two Seasons: Winter and Construction

You’re doing one of two things. Driving cautiously through snow, ice, or a winter storm, or you’re moving at five MPH cautiously driving through one of our infamous construction zones.

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4) Do You Know Someone in the Auto Industry?

With Michigan’s Big Three automakers based in the Metro Detroit area and plants across the state, odds are you know, or are related to, someone in the auto industry.

5) What Does It Mean to Go "Up North" in Michigan?

Whether you’re going from Flint to Caseville or Saginaw to Houghton Lake, from Linwood to Mackinac Island or Tawas to Sault Ste. Marie, anytime you travel north for a vacation, a quick visit or literally anything, you’re going 'Up North.'

6) Can You Pronounce Michigan Cities Correctly?

Speaking of that, from Sault Ste. Marie to Ypsilanti, Michigan has a wide variety of town and city names. It’s a dead giveaway when someone who’s not local tries to pronounce them. Most out-of-staters pronounce Corunna as 'Corona'. The list goes on and on.

7) Michigan’s 'Soda vs. Pop' Debate

Try ordering a 'soda' in Michigan and you might hear, 'You mean club soda?' That’s because everyone in Michigan calls it 'pop'. Not 'soda', and certainly not 'soda pop.' Anyone who claims to be from Michigan who says 'soda pop' is not a true Michigander.

8) What Are Your Favorite Michigan Sports Teams?

Whether you’re a fan of the Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, Pistons, Spartans or Wolverines, we all love our local teams. While there might be fans of rival teams and in-state feuds, our loyalty to Michigan-based sports teams runs deep. This is better than bickering about anything else.

9) Is a Michigan Accent a True Midwest Accent?

While folks in the Upper Peninsula may have a dialect influenced by our Canadian neighbors to the north, what Michigander hasn’t blurted out the word 'ope'? Whether you’ve got the 'Up North' dialect or not, there’s a definite way for out-of-staters to point out a Michigan accent.

10) We Love Our Michigan Coney Dogs - Both Styles

Whether you prefer Detroit-style or Flint-style Coneys, this favorite is loved by most Michiganders. Your choice might spark a debate. But let’s face it, it’s a tastier disagreement than most. And for the record a hotdog IS a sandwich.