Wikipedia's article for the term defines "Minnesota nice" as "the stereotypical behavior of people born and raised in Minnesota to be courteous, reserved, and mild-mannered". This is definitely a befitting nutshell of what this means, however, I choose not to use the phrase "Minnesota nice", but instead, "Minnesota doormat" since I feel that sums it up in a much more pragmatic sense.
Hearing the words "Minnesota nice" used by anyone to describe the state's residents always sends a chill of utter embarrassment down my spine. Whether it be Minnesotans, themselves, boastfully proclaiming this disparaging title amongst one another or those from elsewhere who facetiously refer to Minnesotans, as a whole, as "nice".
Now, I know what you're probably thinking: So what? What's wrong with being acknowledged as a state full of friendly people? Well, for starters, it's a complete lie. Minnesotans, in general, are not nicer than people from any other state in the country. Crime is still a factor. Gang violence and murders still occur. Children are abducted. School and workplace shootings take place. Domestic abuse exists. Rapes. Just like anywhere else. And aside from actual crime, just go out for a walk or to the store. I've never noticed everyone being overtly pleasant or nice. Minnesotans aren't walking around smiling for no reason. People are CIVIL as many regular folks are in day-to-day life. You will encounter the much-too-chipper department store cashier or someone who will hold the door for you as you're walking into the bank, but this is nothing that is specific to Minnesota "culture". The majority of people in America are just decent enough. Decent may not be overwhelmingly "nice", but decent is a common behavior anywhere.
Another reason the "Minnesota nice" label tenses me up every time it is secreted from someone's ignorant vernacular brings me back to my "doormat" rephrasing. It makes the citizens of Minnesota come across as small town bumpkins whom you can take advantage of and push around. Just look at the well known 'slogans' other states/cities have, such as "If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere" and "Don't mess with Texas". Also, "Chicago: Second to none". These places insist that they are strong, industrious and not to be messed with. What is Minnesota? Friendly and welcoming. Cheerful and modest. Cuddly and naive. The stereotype gives off the false impression that ALL Minnesota residents are hospitable to a fault. That we're sheltered, simple and all have pies cooling on the window sill. MN has decided to write itself off as "soft" and fully embrace this as something endearing when it really just makes them a joke. Just like that dweeby kid you knew in elementary school who was always mocked behind his back, but still laughed along at his own expense because he was just happy to be noticed. That's MN.
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