Posts tagged rhode island

This is a series in which you help me learn about America. 

Kally is a self-described “second generation hippie,” who grew up with no electricity or running water near Rhode Island. Her parents still live there, but now she’s in Boston (with modern amenities). I was thrilled to learn more about her experience, and I hope you enjoy her interview as much as I did!

You grew up in a commune, but… what does that even mean?

For us, it meant hosting an inclusive community of 20 to 50 like-minded people. Some families lived with us in the house or in various outbuildings. Others stayed in teepees in the woods. Now that I think about it, seems like everyone had a teepee?  But most people just lived nearby and spent a lot of time at our house. 

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This is a new series in which you help me not be a dum-dum about America. I’ve been thrilled to hear from some of you, and hope to feature everyone who has expressed interest. 

Janet is a 56-year-old literacy worker, teaching teachers who work with refugees. She’s lived in New York City and Vancouver and made her way back to her home state of Rhode Island about 15 years ago. (Sidenote: she also leaves some fierce replies when she comments on blogs.) Janet was generous enough to talk to me about her life, turning 50, and America, and I hope you find her interview as interesting as I did!

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I went to Providence, Rhode Island last weekend for a wedding. I’m amazed by how little one can learn despite being there for 36 hours.

So little, and yet, so much.

Like the fact that—despite what I’ve believed my entire life—the state of Rhode Island is not actually called “Rhode Island.” It’s called The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

Excuse me? That’s not a state name. That’s a Jonathan Safran Foer book title.

I understand that the state is embarrassed and tries to give itself a nickname. But what I don’t get is: HOW, AT MY AGE, DO I NOT KNOW THIS?

Can I pin this one on teachers’ unions? 

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