Here are 10 common stereotypes about Utah that need to be corrected immediately:
- Everyone in Utah is Mormon
While the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) members make up over 60% of Utah’s population, about 40% of Utahns are not Mormon. The stereotype that everyone in Utah is LDS ignores this significant diversity. - Polygamy is legal and common
Polygamy has been illegal in Utah for over a century. Although some fundamentalist groups still practice it unofficially, the state does not recognize multiple marriages legally. - Alcohol is illegal in Utah
Alcohol is legal, but Utah has strict liquor laws. Hard liquor and wine are sold only in state-run stores, which can confuse visitors who don’t see liquor aisles in grocery stores. Bars and tap houses are plentiful, especially in Salt Lake County. - Utah is always covered in snow
Utah has diverse climates. While famous for its ski resorts, southern parts like St. George have desert climates and rarely see snow. - Dancing is illegal
Dancing is completely legal in Utah. This myth is unfounded and likely a misconception from Utah’s conservative culture. - Utahns have a unique, strange accent
Utah’s accent, including features like dropping the “t” in words like “mountain” (mou’un) or saying “melk” for milk, is not unique to Utah. Similar speech patterns exist in places like California, New Jersey, and the South. Negative perceptions stem more from cultural biases against rural speech than linguistic uniqueness. - Utahns don’t drink caffeine or eat chocolate
This is false. Many Utahns, including Mormons, consume caffeine and chocolate regularly. The stereotype arises from misunderstandings of LDS health codes but does not reflect reality. - Utah families have an unusually large number of children
While Utah does have a higher birth rate and larger families are more common than in many states, it is not unusual for families to have three to six children. This reflects cultural values prioritizing family but exaggerating it as a stereotype is misleading. - Utah is politically monolithic and extremely conservative
Utah is predominantly conservative and usually votes Republican, but there are liberal pockets, especially in Salt Lake City and Park City. The political landscape is more nuanced than the stereotype suggests. - There’s nothing to do in Utah
Utah is known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and family-friendly culture. It offers abundant recreational opportunities, including skiing, hiking, and cultural events. The stereotype that Utah is boring or lacks nightlife is inaccurate, though nightlife may be less prominent than in larger metropolitan areas.
These stereotypes oversimplify and often misrepresent Utah’s diverse population, culture, and lifestyle. Dispelling them helps present a more accurate and respectful understanding of the state.
Sources:
- https://www.ksl.com/article/50009828/7-utah-stereotypes-that-are-absolutely-inaccurate
- https://b921hits.com/5utahmyths/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMOYdTooOp0
- https://matadornetwork.com/life/13-ways-youll-stereotyped-living-utah/
- https://magazine.byu.edu/article/do-utahns-talk-funny/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/videos/comments/1bxa9u0/why_utah_is_so_weird/
- https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/5-most-common-misconceptions-about-utah