Topeka Capital Journal. September 30, 2022.
Editorial: Forget branding. Kansas fills the heart, stirs imagination and boggles the mind.
On Tuesday, Eric Adams the mayor of New York City tried to make Kansas a punchline.
“Kansas doesn’t have a brand,” he said.
Mayor Adams, with all due respect, we feel the need as Kansans to check in on you and make sure you’re OK.
Maybe you’re just confused? We’re known as the Sunflower State. We’re known for our legacy as a free state.
We gave the world Dorothy Gale and Toto, Ted Lasso, Superman and the Winchester brothers, among others. We’ve excelled in athletics, just ask two legendary coaches, both named Bill.
Such political greats as Dwight Eisenhower and Bob Dole taught us how to stand up for what we believe in, to disagree but remain respectful of one another, to work for a common good, but also take no bull. Kansas is home to a large aviation industry. We build the planes you use when you need a break from the hustle of New York.
Do you have a gluten intolerance? Because that might explain your lack of enthusiasm for the Wheat State.
Many U.S. breads, bagels, doughnuts, pizza dough, pretzels, pasta and so much more come from our fields. Those fields are worth a visit, too. Just before harvest to watch the grain rustle in the warm breeze. It’s breathtaking, peaceful and serene. We have 7.3 million acres of it — more than any other state in the union.
We’re certain there’s a farmer who would let you ride shotgun in their combine if you asked. It’s a Kansas right of passage. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
But there’s certainly more to Kansas than wheat. We have plenty of sorghum, beans, sunflowers and other cash crops. Our cattle herds produce quality beef. There’s a saying you’ll find alongside our highways, “One Kansas farmer feeds 155 people + you.” It’s true. If you have even a small appreciation for food, you might want to reconsider your views on Kansas. We proudly feed America like our other friends across the Midwest.
We’ve heard you’re not a fan of Iowa either. Who in the Midwest hurt you? You can rest assured most people in the Midwest are as friendly you’ll come across.
There’s more to Kansas than meets the eye, but the views it provides from the scenic Flint Hills to the prairie to the high plains will show the power of creation on display.
Kansas may not be a brand you can describe in a tagline, but it doesn’t need to defend itself to New York.
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