To the majority of the United States, Alaska is some unknown territory that they have only seen in movies like "The Proposal." Since we Alaskans are so far from the rest of the States, we are often forgotten about. When people hear me say, "I am from Alaska," along with the endless amount of igloo and polar bear jokes, it is often followed with a ridiculous amount of ignorant questions that I must painfully answer. Here are a few questions that my fellow Alaskans and I have received while in the states:
1. What are the Lower 48?
"Lower 48" refers all the states aside from Alaska and Hawaii. Yeah, pretty self explanatory.
2. So why is Alaska so cold if it's next to Hawaii?
3. Does Alaska look the same as in The Proposal?
I really hate to burst your bubble, but most this movie isn't filmed in Alaska. Its actually filmed in Rock Port, Massachusetts. Most Alaskans don't need a boat to get to their house.
4. Can Sarah Palin really see Russia from her house?
Sarah Palin is not the typical Alaskan. When we hear anything about Sarah Palin, expect our eyes to roll back into our head. In regards to if she can actually see Russia from her house, the answer is no. No she can not.
5. How do you sleep if the sun doesn't go down?
Yes, the sun is up most of the days in the few months of summer that we do have, but there is this fancy thing called blinds that work awesome for blocking the sunlight. And no, they are not "special," they are just like yours.
6. Why are you cold? You're from Alaska!
Oh you're right, I forgot us Alaskans have completely adapted to the harsh weather and are able to withstand negative degree weather no problem.
7. Do you guys really get paid to live in Alaska?
Every year each Alaskan resident gets a Permanent Fund Dividend that comes from the oil revenue. I guess you could say we get paid to live in Alaska, I mean, they would have to pay us to keep people here through the winter.
8. Oh I know someone from Alaska! Do you know _______?
9. Do you like Alaska?
Alaska has extremely cold weather, a crazy sunlight schedule, and is pretty much exiled from the rest of the United States. This may sounds like a chilly version of hell to most people, but I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world and couldn't imagine growing up anywhere else.
