State Nicknames

I hate State nicknames. They are pointless, and usually deal with rather obvious and not all that unique qualities of the different states. Some may be fine. But for the most part, they stink. To use an example, I will pick on one of my favorite states, Rhode Island ('hey, it's up and coming."). The great state of Rhode Island has cleverly dubbed itself, "The Ocean State." And boy are they proud of that. It is on signs as you enter the state, on their license plates. It is everywhere. Really, why shouldn't they be proud. They are a state. They are bordered by an ocean. The Ocean State. Freaking brilliant. I mean how many states can claim to be bordered by an ocean? I can't think of any other. So they slap it all over the place, letting the people know that Rhode Island and ocean go together like none other.

And that is the point - Fine, you have a dumb nickname. It happens to the best of us. But maybe acknowledge that calling yourself the ocean state isn't exactly something you should be rushing to point out to the public. It doesn't exactly give anyone an indication of what is important, special or unique about the particular state. It could be too late to change the nickname, but possibly, don't be so proud of it. Or, get together, and decide on a new name - something that tells people something about your state - Rhode Island: The State you drive through when going from Massachusetts to New York if you want to avoid the Mass Pike. Something catchy like that. Or they could just use the old standard, "The 401."