Who needs the coasts when you can live in the heart of America?
That was the sentiment on social media around Kansas on Tuesday after New York City Mayor Eric Adams blasted the state seemingly out of nowhere, and New York Times bureau chief Emma Fitzsimmons tweeted about it.
Adams said that “Kansas doesn’t have a brand,” while talking about a recent international trip when people in the places he visited knew about New York.
The mayor — who previously and notoriously told people who moved to Brooklyn to, “Go back to Iowa!” while talking about gentrification in the city — is apparently also critical of those who stay and dare to take pride in a Midwestern state.
“We have a brand. And when people see it, it means something,” Adams said of New York. “Kansas doesn’t have a brand. When you go there, OK, you’re from Kansas. But New York has a brand.”
Online, Kansans bit back, because if there’s one thing we love to do in the Midwest, it’s defending the Midwest.
Even Kansas politicians got in on the fun.
Both Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and her November opponent, state Attorney General Derek Schmidt, shot back.
Kelly was born in New York City, but settled in Kansas as an adult and raised her children in the state she now governs. She touted the state’s natural beauty and recent economic wins.
“Kansas is the best state in America and I welcome anyone to come enjoy the natural beauty of the rolling Flint Hills, our farms and ranches that feed the world, business and family-friendly policies, and our rich history of fighting for freedom,” Kelly, the Democratic incumbent, said in a statement.
“After all, it is no coincidence that we’ve attracted over $14 billion in new business investments to Kansas, including Panasonic, along with the FIFA World Cup.”
Schmidt, the Republican challenger, offered a more aggressive retort to Adams.
“Mayor who? Kansas isn’t New York and we sure as heck don’t want to be. I’ll stay focused here in God’s Country on making life more affordable and keeping communities safe, neither of which can be said about New York.”
While Kansas is certainly more affordable than New York City, Schmidt’s suggestion of a noticeable safety gap in the two communities isn’t supported by data.
Kansas, which has a population of more than 2.9 million, reported 173 murders statewide in 2021, according to Kansas Bureau of Investigation statistics.
New York City, which has a population of roughly 8.4 million, reported 485 murders during the same period — a rate of 5.7 homicides per 100,000 people, lower than Kansas’ rate of roughly 5.9 per 100,000.
Do Kansans even want a “brand” like New York? It’s unclear, and some voiced on social media that they would rather keep the state’s best qualities for those who know how to appreciate them.
Some joked that Kansas’ brand is being home to the largest ball of twine. Others pointed out that while only tourists wear I heart New York shirts, Kansas Citians love to rep KC on our clothes.
After an extremely scientific (not at all scientific) read through Twitter, these are the top 10 things that make up Kansas’ brand, according to Kansans.
More affordable rent and housing
While rent is going up all over the country, Kansans pointed out that it is more affordable to live here than it is in a city like New York.
‘The Wizard of Oz’ and tornadoes
Kansans said they can’t leave the state without someone saying, “You’re not in Kansas anymore.”
Jayhawks basketball — and now also Jayhawks football
It’s safe to say that nowhere else is home to the national championship winning basketball team, and (at least for now) the undefeated University of Kansas football team.
Wheat and being the ‘Breadbasket of America’
Kansas is one of the top wheat producing states, producing carbs that feed people across the country.
Our free state legacy
Kansas has an abolitionist history. It was founded as a free state and was a refuge and stop on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War.
Our beautiful prairies
As Kansas City Star readers have already proved, Kansas is home to gorgeous, peaceful prairies.
Our stance on abortion rights
In August, Kansans overwhelmingly voted to preserve abortion rights in the state constitution, which some said is a brand-worthy characteristic.
Ted Lasso
The Emmy award-winning show with the iconic Kansas football coach played by Jason Sudeikis (who grew up in Overland Park) was some people’s top association with the state.
Our barbecue, cinnamon rolls and chili
The history and legacy of Kansas City barbecue — on both sides of the state line — is definitely part of the brand. And who could forget the classic cinnamon rolls and chili combo?
Sunflowers, obviously
I mean, we’re called the Sunflower State for a reason.
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