Columnist doesn't know Bloomington very well

As both an IDS alumna and a native Bloomingtonian, I was deeply offended by Matt Glenesk's column, "To the remaining, b-ware." I tried to dismiss it as a (dismal) attempt at satire, but it was too mean-spirited to ignore.\nIn his characterization of all Bloomington residents as tobacco-chewing, mullet-sporting pick-up truck drivers (and not even nice pick-up trucks) who "lurk" around town until the students leave, Mr. Glenesk simply reveals himself to be both a total snob and also completely unfamiliar with any part of Bloomington except campus and the bar district. \nMr. Glenesk, did it ever occur to you that a town that can support both a Wal-Mart and a Target, plus two major shopping districts and a vibrant downtown is actually fairly affluent? Or that your beloved Kirkwood area exists in its current state because the people who spend more than eight semesters here are sophisticated enough to conceive and enjoy it? That's not all done for you.\nAnd far from being composed entirely of rednecks, Bloomington is actually a haven for liberals and intellectuals, and welcoming of diversity. \nFurthermore, many Bloomingtonians take full advantage of IU's cultural opportunities. They love IU -- even at the expense of enduring occasional morons who dismiss anything outside the Sample Gates as their personal garbage can/toilet. \nIt's clear that Mr. Glenesk has never really seen Bloomington -- or he'd know that most neighborhoods in town resemble the one in "Desperate Housewives" -- far more than one from "Jerry Springer." True, the neighborhoods around campus are a bit shabby -- but that's because the students live there! Most Bloomingtonians prefer not to live next door to porch couches and beer can strewn yards. The natives have fled to the outer suburbs. \nMr. Glenesk got only one point right in his entire column. Locals do look forward to summer. There is no traffic, immediate seating at restaurants is the norm -- but most of all, Bloomingtonians (almost none of whom have mullets) relish the chance to enjoy Bloomington without dealing with out-of-state snobs who slander their town without ever bothering to get to know it. One final thought -- what is the term for someone whose worldview is based upon their own limited experience? Oh yes, I believe the term is "hick"