So...I grew up in Colorado (Boulder and Denver) and I currently live here. I also have a website/podcast about Denver and the state. While I think what you're sharing are absolutely fair criticisms....you're no longer a resident so the connection that you would feel is difficult to cultivate if you're not having hard conversations with t…
So...I grew up in Colorado (Boulder and Denver) and I currently live here. I also have a website/podcast about Denver and the state. While I think what you're sharing are absolutely fair criticisms....you're no longer a resident so the connection that you would feel is difficult to cultivate if you're not having hard conversations with the people who love and care for the city and state on a weekly, etc. basis.
One thing I will say is that cities like Denver (cities with a lot of inbound migration from other parts of the US) have this distinct lack of cohesion. There are all of these people moving here but they don't have an EMOTIONAL connection to the cities that they've landed in. They can enjoy the city like a tourist and bitch about the bad stuff without putting in any work.
I think THIS is what you're noticing. Then-they leave.
For people like me who are civically engaged, have a regular local radio station spot, talk to people about the hard stuff-there is definitely a culture. How would you get a feel for it if you're not truly "here" (no shade-just asking)
You're wrong about the music. Denver is in the top ten for music cities and the breadth of variety and access. Great post.
Thanks for reading and rolling with my criticism as a current resident!
You're absolutely right that I can only scratch the surface of a city's culture as an outsider who is not a resident. And I think the influx of outsiders there has shaped a portion of my opinion. To answer your question though, when I visit any other city (showcased here or for personal travel) I walk away with some sense of the city's vibe and identity. Even if locals don't fully agree, I get a sense of place. Denver genuinely doesn't give me that. To me, that's on Denver. I don't think I should have to live in a place in order to understand the culture at a high level. There should be some characteristics that shine through if you're looking. I come up empty handed there.
As for the music, I gave love to many of the venues there, they helped shape who I am. I will always appreciate those places and I distinctly remember bands always saying Colorado crowds brought great energy to their shows. I agree the music scene is strong there. But, the music I pointed out is wholly separate from variety and access. That music being played in generic hangouts throughout the Front Range is a common thread I couldn't ignore.
Anyway, I genuinely thank you for reading and giving some push back (I was expecting that, and kind of hoping for it). And stoked to know there are locals still there getting in the weeds to make it stronger.
A couple of weeks ago I was in Portland and in Bingen-White Salmon, WA. I've spent time in Portland before and it was not an easy experience. Having conversations in real time with Portlanders gave a deeper understanding of what's going on in town. But, I'm not from there. I have an opinion...but, I'm not there everyday. Cities go through transitions and Denver, et. al. are currently in one. It will be interesting to see what happens next. Again, I actually think a lot of your critique is fair. I just think that you're not here for the hard stuff and so it's a very surface experience you're having of the city. Like my experience in Portland. Those folks are deeply invested. I am just a fly by night person coming and going with an opinion based on a very short amount of time in town.
Ultimately, I'm doing travel writing in my free time cause I love it. So, my weekend visits to cities will always be surface level to some degree. But I do try to put in the time to give the best view I can of a place, and at least give people a sense of what I understand a city to be about.
So...I grew up in Colorado (Boulder and Denver) and I currently live here. I also have a website/podcast about Denver and the state. While I think what you're sharing are absolutely fair criticisms....you're no longer a resident so the connection that you would feel is difficult to cultivate if you're not having hard conversations with the people who love and care for the city and state on a weekly, etc. basis.
One thing I will say is that cities like Denver (cities with a lot of inbound migration from other parts of the US) have this distinct lack of cohesion. There are all of these people moving here but they don't have an EMOTIONAL connection to the cities that they've landed in. They can enjoy the city like a tourist and bitch about the bad stuff without putting in any work.
I think THIS is what you're noticing. Then-they leave.
For people like me who are civically engaged, have a regular local radio station spot, talk to people about the hard stuff-there is definitely a culture. How would you get a feel for it if you're not truly "here" (no shade-just asking)
You're wrong about the music. Denver is in the top ten for music cities and the breadth of variety and access. Great post.
Thanks for reading and rolling with my criticism as a current resident!
You're absolutely right that I can only scratch the surface of a city's culture as an outsider who is not a resident. And I think the influx of outsiders there has shaped a portion of my opinion. To answer your question though, when I visit any other city (showcased here or for personal travel) I walk away with some sense of the city's vibe and identity. Even if locals don't fully agree, I get a sense of place. Denver genuinely doesn't give me that. To me, that's on Denver. I don't think I should have to live in a place in order to understand the culture at a high level. There should be some characteristics that shine through if you're looking. I come up empty handed there.
As for the music, I gave love to many of the venues there, they helped shape who I am. I will always appreciate those places and I distinctly remember bands always saying Colorado crowds brought great energy to their shows. I agree the music scene is strong there. But, the music I pointed out is wholly separate from variety and access. That music being played in generic hangouts throughout the Front Range is a common thread I couldn't ignore.
Anyway, I genuinely thank you for reading and giving some push back (I was expecting that, and kind of hoping for it). And stoked to know there are locals still there getting in the weeds to make it stronger.
A couple of weeks ago I was in Portland and in Bingen-White Salmon, WA. I've spent time in Portland before and it was not an easy experience. Having conversations in real time with Portlanders gave a deeper understanding of what's going on in town. But, I'm not from there. I have an opinion...but, I'm not there everyday. Cities go through transitions and Denver, et. al. are currently in one. It will be interesting to see what happens next. Again, I actually think a lot of your critique is fair. I just think that you're not here for the hard stuff and so it's a very surface experience you're having of the city. Like my experience in Portland. Those folks are deeply invested. I am just a fly by night person coming and going with an opinion based on a very short amount of time in town.
Totally. That's funny, Portland is where I live!
Ultimately, I'm doing travel writing in my free time cause I love it. So, my weekend visits to cities will always be surface level to some degree. But I do try to put in the time to give the best view I can of a place, and at least give people a sense of what I understand a city to be about.