“Make Chatta Nooga Weird” — seen on a bumper sticker
It was the first warm, sunny Sunday since shivering our way through what’s felt like a very long winter to most of us. A friend and I were out and about—the Hunter, the pedestrian bridge, the North Shore—thoroughly enjoying the people-watching, one of my favorite pastimes.
We were in conversation about a slogan I’d seen in both Portland (OR) and Austin (TX): “Keep Portland [Austin] Weird.” I’ve enjoyed these cities during past travels for their diversity, commitment to a thriving arts community, and the way people there seem to feel very comfortable being exactly who they are, no matter how far from society’s “norm” that might be. I’m a big advocate for letting freak flags fly, celebrating the intoxicating blend of uniqueness and freedom. It does my heart good.
Then I turned and saw a bumper sticker I hadn’t seen before, on the car right next to mine: “Make Chatta Nooga Weird.” I thought, “Maybe we’re getting there, too.” Does my heart good.