My Own, My Native Land

To the Editor:

After reading John Strand’s editorial, “Cold Reception,” and receiving an e-mail from a North Dakota friend regarding the National Geographic article, “The Emptied Prairie,” I felt compelled to respond.

As a faithful subscriber to National Geographic, I coincidentally cut out the January article about the dying prairie towns of North Dakota. I thought it was beautiful and poetic, and as usual, the photography was amazing.

On the other hand, as a former North Dakota resident who lived in a tiny South Dakota town on the tri-state border for most of my life, I knew how some people would feel about the article. They would feel defensive it shed light on such a sensitive subject, and John put it best when he said, “Our feelings are hurt.”

I am proud to tell people I used to live in “the Dakotas"--that I graduated with a class of 14 in a town with no stop lights; that Fargo is a great, youthful city with a thriving music and art scene; that, yes, North Dakota is the windiest state in the nation. I have come to expect one of two reactions: total fascination or complete disgust.

Consider yourselves honored by the publicity, and boast and continue to promote the positive qualities of the place you call home.

-Katie Johnson
Austin, Minn.