What defines a "local" and does it really matter?

[Kimmifunn]

So for those of you who don't know, all hell's broken loose in the Bikes on the Road thread. It totally got off subject to Locals v. Non-locals.

Please verfiy this for me:

1. How long do you have to live somewhere to be a local?
2. Do all locals feel hostility towards tourists?
3. Does anyone else think that it really doesn't matter?

It's just gotten a little crazy in that thread and I honestly want to know why it matters so much. I get joking around about the toursits, the snowbirds, ect., but come on. It's a tourist driven city. Let's be honest, it drives the economy.

Not trying to start an argument, but would love to hear thoughts. The way I see it, if you live somewhere, you're local to that area. I get being "old school" (like the Steele's are old school), and reminising about when the area wasn't developed, but other than that it doesn't make sense to fight over it.

Am I wrong? I have been before.;-)

 

[Cil]

That definition has probably been a bit of a controversy since back when tribes of cavemen staked out their territory. Certainly it is a global issue (more than ever.)
A local is someone Who Got There First. It might be a generation or two ago, it might be ten years ago.
How much it matters is up for debate; I've seen it played out before.

When my dad moved our family from New York to Colorado in 1969, concern over Texans moving in was just beginning. Within 8-10 years of our move, Colorado Native bumperstickers first appeared. Everyone was worried about too much growth.The stickers resembled a Colorado license plate, but proudly and defiantly displayed the fact that the driver had been born there.
(We got my mom one--she was born in Denver. ;-))
Within a couple years, "Semi-Native" bumperstickers joined the scene, and I think that says it all. The "locals" made their statement, and the incomers replied.

People Who Got There First often worry about an influx of outsiders and there is an entire litany of reasons. SHELLY's elgiac posts provide a literate illustration of how people feel--WaltonUndercurrent's as well.
Quality of life is subjective, but I think the biggest concerns are cost of living being driven up, the beauty of the region being marred, the character of the place dissolved, and ambivalence towards being a resort town.
All are valid.

The very first time I shopped at Piggly-Wiggly here, the guy who bagged my groceries asked where I'd come from (my non-Southern accent instantly pegs me for an outsider.) He did not know that I had moved here for good and he cheerfully encouraged me to spend my money and then go home.

The funny thing is, he got to know me over time. I think he's figured out that I came for more than a week, and that I am not such a terrible person.

This board is a good place for locals and newcomers alike to ask questions, rant, discuss and problem-solve.
I know what it's like to b*tch and moan about the special way a place used to be. But the state parks aren't going anywhere soon. And even SoWal locals' ancestors, unless they were Native Americans, originally emigrated from some place else.

The reality for all Americans is that we live in a capitalistic society; the assumption is that we can legislate zoning with consideration for schools, childcare, small businesses and affordable housing--not just million dollar mansions.

 

[Kurt]

We are ALL "one with the beach". Although some people are more "one" than others. ;-)

 

[Miss Kitty]

A very thought provoking question Kimmi. I must go read the other thread before I can answer. I just try to be a good citizen, no matter what locale I am in.

 

[Hop]

Not everyone can be a Steele...for those of us that were not born here, Local is a state of mind...a sense of belonging...It's when you hit the bay coming south and get that "I'm Home" feeling. I would hazard to guess that everyone who post on this thread...thinks they are a local.

 

[Kurt]

Cil - good post. Whan I see a bumper sticker that says "local" or "native", to me it might as well say "jerk".

Having a "SoWal" sticker is hip. ;-)

 

[Teresa]

I'm a proud local, but being so doesn't mean I can or should rag on tourists and visitors (many are frequent visitors who really care about sowal and sort of live here part time). here is the deal:

if you see some biker on hwy 30A slow down and go around him/her. it's very simple. serious bikers don't do the bike path because of all the walkers and baby strollers and others. they use the road as they should, and it doesn't matter if their shorts are black or light blue.

 

[Poodleone]

In Texas, you will see a bumper sticker that says "I wasn't born here but I got here as fast as I could!"

That suits my husband to a T- he is from Missouri but couldn't be any happier living here in Texas with me, a "local". I really do try not to hold his "foreign status" against him. :roll:

If I could afford to live in So-Wal, I would be glad to take any abuse heaped on me by "locals"- it is a great and beautiful place. When I first saw Destin in the 70's, I never dreamed it would turn into the tourist mecca that it is today. I guess all we can hope for is some amount of reasonable growth control on 30-A. And maybe education of tourist bikers.

 

[Allifunn]

Not everyone can be a Steele...for those of us that were not born here, Local is a state of mind...a sense of belonging...It's when you hit the bay coming south and get that "I'm Home" feeling. I would hazard to guess that everyone who post on this thread...thinks they are a local.

VERY WELL SAID!!!!!! I get that feeling every time I drive accross the 30A bridge entering SoWal!
Being a local means having a deep sense of respect for the enviornment and the people who do live there year round. It is not being condescending nor demanding. It is being a real human being, not an a$$H...which some people are because they feel it is their god given right to DEMAND
the beach, and SoWal in particular, means peace and contentment!

 

[Smiling JOe]

By definition, a local is someone living in a specific "local" area. A "native" is probably the word for which Capt William is thinking. A native is someone who is born in a particular area.

I have lived here for only 4 years, and I am a local, but not a native. It is really pretty simple.