a controversial rant.

I have something I desperately need to get off my chest.

Before I start let me state a few facts that you all need to keep in mind as I rant on a public domain.

I was born in Utah.

Grew up in Utah.

And still live in Utah.

I've lived outside of Utah.

I've been outside of Utah a lot.

I've met many people who aren't from Utah.

In my experience with a lot of people from out of state (and in state), I get negative remarks.

Why?

Why do people think it's okay to take an entire state and judge them so harshly?

When someone tells me where they're from,

I would NEVER in my life say to them

"You're from ___? Oh that sucks, that's like the worst place I can think of to be."

"That's probably the last place I would want to live or grow up. I would never raise my kids in ___"

"People from ____ are the worst."

(I'm not kidding, I've been told all of those about my home.)

It is so incredibly sad that I feel ashamed to tell people where I'm from.

In my opinion, it's just wrong.

This stigma has to stop. It kills me every time I hear things like this and I am officially ticked off about it.

You say you feel judged? Try actually talking to people instead of just assuming what they're thinking.

Guarantee they're thinking more about themselves than about you.

If you're getting negative comments from people, in my experience, you're giving more than you're getting.

You aren't going to please everybody in the world.

People are more concerned with their own problems then they are of you.

Unless you're directly effecting me or anyone close to me, I care about you and you are physically or psychologically damaging yourself, I really could not care less.

Even if you think this way, why do you have to say it to my face?

It's a hurtful stereotype.

On the flip side,

I'm not saying everybody in this state isn't judgmental. Of course not.

There are going to be judgmental people everywhere you go though.

I once was asked out on a date while living in another state but was cancelled when he found out I was a "churchy" girl. Was that judgmental? uh yes.

Not everyone will accept you.

But can't we all just love each other? I know it's a lot to ask but I'm asking it.

Is it really that hard to just accept people for who they are?

You could be doing this and not knowing it. Maybe keep it at the forefront of your mind for a week or so and you'll notice a difference.

I'm from Utah. Born and raised.

I'm the least judgmental person you will ever meet in your life.

I'm LDS, I'm not perfect and have made some large mistakes in my life and I've never felt judged for it.

If you have a legitimate problem with what I've said, I would like to hear it.

Utahans, let's be proud of where we live and where we're from please?