Is This Just a Nebraska Thing?

[stormchaser]

Before I dig into writing my post, let me preface things by saying I'm not originally from Nebraska. I've lived here since 2015 and originally lived most of my life in Minnesota (for ~30 years). This post is simply an observation from a non-native Nebraskan.

Since moving to Nebraska, one of the biggest things I've noticed is how people here seem to latch on to the opinions of certain people. This isn't something I noticed when living in Minnesota but admittedly, maybe I just didn't see it too.

A recent example of this is Warren Buffett and his comments about the street car project in downtown Omaha. I just overheard a conversation where someone was explaining to another person why they were "against the street car project" (which is fine - my post isn't intended to debate for or against it). To paraphrase their reasoning/logic for being against it - "I just don't think it's a good idea - even Warren Buffett is against it". What I hear them saying is: "I really know very little about the project but if Warren Buffett is against it, I am too". Maybe I’m being presumptuous?

Another frequent example is Tom Osborne. It's shocking to me how many people here seemingly rely on what he says to either form their own opinion or as some kind of silly validation. "Tom Osborne is against marijuana usage and gambling". Ok? And why does that matter exactly?

It makes me wonder, are these people simply unable to form a cohesive thought themselves by actually researching the topic(s) or are they just lazy and decide it's just easier to agree with the opinion of a recognizable name?

What does Warren Buffett actually know about the street car project?? Has he been involved in any way? Has he researched the project and if so, to what extent and how so? Similarly, what does Tom Osborne know about marijuana/gambling and their effects and pros/cons? What research has he done and what sources has he used for the research? If the answer to these questions is "I don't know", perhaps you shouldn't rely on their opinion?

Ultimately my point is this - only using the opinions of others to form or validate your opinion (even if it's a recognizable name) is a dangerous game to play. It makes you vulnerable to being manipulated into believing absolute nonsense (just look at the gibberish spread on social media these days). Unless the source you're listening to has some kind of direct involvement (like in the street car project) or an expert in the field, the info should probably be taken with a huge “grain of salt” (as the saying goes).

Also, I hope nobody takes offense to this post as that is definitely not my intention. Just an outsider trying to offer up an observation/constructive criticism from my own personal experience (which could be completely different from yours obviously).

[Big E]

I don’t really have an answer for you, but if you let me find out what everyone at my church thinks first I can get back to you with my opinion.

[ita]

It's a people thing. We all listen to certain people despite them not having expertise. Whether it's news people or influencers, we can follow someone's opinion even though they have little or no expertise. Just look at joe rogan's followers. Having said that the Buffett/Osborne thing is uniquely Nebraskan; most anyone from anywhere else wouldn't care what those guys say outside of money and football. I am sure regionally people have similar allegiances to local well-knowns.

[stormchaser]

I don’t really have an answer for you, but if you let me find out what everyone at my church thinks first I can get back to you with my opinion.

LOL!…And touché.

[stormchaser]

It's a people thing. We all listen to certain people despite them not having expertise. Whether it's news people or influencers, we can follow someone's opinion even though they have little or no expertise. Just look at joe rogan's followers. Having said that the Buffett/Osborne thing is uniquely Nebraskan; most anyone from anywhere else wouldn't care what those guys say outside of money and football. I am sure regionally people have similar allegiances to local well-knowns.

I agree, it definitely is a people thing but the regional aspect is interesting to me. Like I said, I didn’t notice it in MN but that obviously doesn’t mean it wasn’t there (in fact I’m sure it was).

Also, it can be INCREDIBLY difficult knowing WHAT to believe. The amount of propaganda out there is insane.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Ha!..

I don’t think what you’re bringing up is a Nebraska thing per se. I hear a lot of the same nonsense in Texas (I have a ton of family in Dallas-Ft Worth)..and I agree, it’s very annoying..

I had brought this up in another post in the streetcar thread- why is Warren just now expressing his concern with the streetcar project, writing a letter of concern to the W-H, and meeting with the mayor about it just this past Wednesday? Why was he not expressing these concerns when the streetcar project was announced over ELEVEN MONTHS AGO?..

It’s a classic after the fact “red herring” and total BS..

And to your point, “The Oracle’s” latest revelation that the now practically done deal streetcar plan is a boondoggle, has become a rallying cry for the sheep who can’t think on their own..It’s the same crapola with Tom Osborne..

Circling back to your question (as I stated before) I don’t think this latching on is a Nebraska thing, as I’ve seen, heard and read the same sheep-like behavior elsewhere in the United States..but it is completely annoying and sad. Which is another reason why we’ve kept this Omaha discussion forum going for as long as we have..Even sheep can be educated to think on their own, once they’re willing to open up their minds to do it …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[edsas2]

I can't speak to your broader point of whether Nebraskans are more adherent to the opinions of prominent locals than elsewhere, but I will say that the initial headline of Buffet opposing the streetcar had an impact on my worldly wife (a lifelong journalist with stints at the St. Pete (FL) Times and the Los Angeles Times). When she read the article she already knew that I was extremely excited about the project so she treaded a bit lightly with the news of Buffet's remarks, but it was clear that her opinion was, "Well, if the Oracle of Omaha is opposed, yada, yada yada..." It's a tough thing for public support when someone like Buffet comes out against something.

Fortunately, with my wife, all I had to say is, "Well, it's worked out extremely well for other cities like Kansas City." She did about 30 minutes of internet searching (specifically focusing on the Kansas City streetcar) and came back to where I was, believing in the viability and economic potential of the Omaha streetcar.

[ricko]

Yeah, I think it’s just a people thing. Some would rather have celebrities, politicians, clergy, etc. do their thinking for them. Life is much more comfortable when you don’t have to figure things out for yourself. For example, some would take the word of a celebrity for investment advice. I think many of us (myself included)have fallen into that trap.

[bigredmed1]

Buffett may be a celebrity, but his opinions are as valid as yours. The things that bug me about this issue are that only one side (pro-street car) is allowed to be voiced unchallenged and that ad hominem insults are allowed to address all opponents.

[GetUrban]

Buffet is free to express his opinion on any subject, but I hope he doesn't think his remarkable success in his stock market endeavors and controlling ownership in multiple companies should carry enough weight to persuade people to agree with everything he says, based on his past successes, without thinking and researching a topic on their own before jumping on his bandwagon. Celebrity endorsements mean nothing without proof to back them up.

[stormchaser]

A good example of what I was referring to in my original post can be found on the OWH site today (I realize as others have already established this isn't just a Nebraska thing but still).

https://omaha.com/news/state-and-region ... -top-story

I don't care what Tom Osborne thinks - at least not any more than anyone else. His logic is silly too (IMO) saying it will add pressure to the athletes. They are already under ridiculous amounts of pressure. I doubt sports gambling with home games is going to make any real difference with that pressure one way or another. Not to mention people can already bet on the Husker games (just not on the home games here in Nebraska). So will adding the ability to bet on the home games really make a difference? I don't think so.

[Louie]

Tom Osborne is a very very old man and should not have any more of a say than each of us in the future of this state.

[stormchaser]

Tom Osborne is a very very old man and should not have any more of a say than each of us in the future of this state.

I 100% agree...

[Greg S]

People will only reference someone famous when they agree with them. The ones referencing Buffett with the street car, you will never hear referencing his political views and vice versa.

And it's certainly not just a Nebraska thing.

Greg