"Napoleon Dynamite" (2004) tells the story of an alienated teen struggling to cope with a non-existent social life and a bizarre family. Set in the small Southern town of Preston, Idaho, "Napoleon Dynamite" isn't shy about stereotyping Idahoans as field-loving and awkward. Napoleon himself definitely lies at the extreme end of the awkward-spectrum. However, I believe if we're all honest with ourselves, we could all find a few ways to relate to the Liger-loving teen.
While there's several stereotypes that us Idaho-natives might find hurtful, you know what they say-the truth hurts.
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1. Yeah, we like food.
This isn't L.A. -- we eat and we're proud of it. Contrary to popular belief we do eat more than potatoes. But our potatoes sure do go good with Uncle Randy's beef.
2. You probably rode a bus to school.
At least once, if not often. It's rural Idaho, so chances are it was too far to walk. During that dreaded bus ride you probably got bored, so Napoleon's game of throwing an action figure out the window was actually a pretty good idea.
3. The fashion sense.
Obviously, this movie is set in a different time period. My best guess is the 80s, but there is still something to be said about just how much Napoleon doesn't care. While we know how to be classy and get dressed up, we are also acutely aware that there are very few people to impress in our beloved state. (Chris Pratt doesn't frequent Idaho.)
I mean, look at those boots.
4. The Southern Idaho landscape.
It sucks. If you've traveled throughout Idaho you know that the north and the south could be different states. The north is plush with mountains, lakes and rivers while the south just looks like.. well, the set of Napoleon Dynamite.
5. Chap-stick is a necessity.
The wind does this really annoying thing here -- it blows a lot -- therefore drying out your lips. You won't be caught dead in the winter without your trusty chap-stick.
6. Our dear friend, Pedro.
Diversity is few and far between, in most places. So kids like Pedro usually get a lot of attention, for better or for worse.
7. We have weird pets.
Growing up, my best friend had several dogs, several chickens, two goats and a couple horses. Around here, it's not unnatural for families to raise livestock outside of the typical cat or dog.
8. We have odd jobs.
Sometimes you had to get creative about how to make money. You couldn't just go get a job at the local mall because there wasn't a local mall. You probably mowed lawns, raked leaves or shoveled snow.
9. We all know a Rex.
Someone who takes living in Idaho and being American just a tad too far.
10. We don't pull off the 'hood thing.'
Probably because we're pretty much the opposite of 'gangsta.'
11. Riding on your friend's bike pegs.
Because it's fun and recreational.
12. The weird-o ranchers.
Be it at the grocery store, home football game or tractor repair shop, we've all met at least one rancher than makes us want to leave the state.
13. We're all a little awkward.
We're not accustomed to large crowds of people and it might take some time for us to pick up on social cues. Don't let our awkwardness keep you from experiencing the beauty of our state -- just go back to California when you're done.
