Slogans. They are short and striking phrases that are used in advertising and other things. They are everywhere. Slogans can be found in all 50 of our United States.
Some are great. And others? Not so much.
Take Nebraska, for example. Its tourism slogan is officially toast after five years of chuckling and cringing, and debating. Their tagline, “Nebraska, honestly it’s not for everyone,” is being retired.
That slogan cracks me up. To be honest, it was kind of daring, especially when every other state is trying to convince you they’re the “best.”
But was it the worst state slogan ever? Oh, there are contenders.
Take Rhode Island’s “Cooler and Warmer” back in 2016. Nobody knew what that meant. Was it about the weather? The attitude of the people there? Whatever it was supposed to be, it confused enough people that the state’s marketing director ended up resigning. I think it had to do with their love of thermoses.
Or how about Idaho’s license plate slogan: “Famous Potatoes.” I mean. What the heck? Sure, those spuds are quite famous. But Idaho probably doesn’t need to remind anyone of this. Their name is printed on every potato bag.
Then there was Washington’s “Say WA?” back in 2006. It flopped in a big way.
On the flip side, some slogans are classics. “Virginia Is for Lovers” has stood strong since the late 1960s. I never much cared for it. But many people think it is good.
“I Love New York” is basically a brand in itself now.
And “Pure Michigan,” launched in 2008. This one just sounds great, through and through.
Other good state slogans include New Mexico’s “Land of Enchantment.” I think it feels like something out of a fairy tale.
Alaska’s “Beyond your dreams. Within your reach.” It is pretty cool. No pun intended.
And what about my good old home state? Ohio just revived “The Heart of It All.”
A really good slogan stirs something emotional. They invite you in with a feeling, not just a fact. The bad ones? They overthink. Or perhaps they try too hard. They might over-promise, or just plain confuse.
At any rate. I like a good state slogan. Like when New Jerseys said: “New Jersey: You Got a Problem With That?”
And somehow those slogans always say:
You talking to me?
“””””””””””””
“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” — Anita Desai
“””””””””””””
“Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
“””””””””””””
“Oh, the places you’ll go!” — Dr. Seuss
“””””””””””””
