The DC Bubble

I've just left my “DC bubble” for the first time in six weeks. DC is urban, multicultural, and very liberal, representing its own microcosm of American culture – hence the “DC bubble.” Within the ten by ten square miles that make up our nation’s capital you can assume several things including: people are liberal, fairly well educated, probably do not have kids and/or have prioritized their career over their kids, and your city government is going to be dysfunctional.* An avid traveler for work and pleasure, I seem to have an excuse to leave the “DC bubble” about once a month. These moments outside DC are a good reminder of the America beyond the beltway.

Today, my travels were taking me to Tucson. I had a layover in Dallas and as I exited the plane amid a sea of cowboy hats and boots I recognized I was outside the “DC bubble.” Looking for lunch, I walked by a restaurant called "Dickey's BBQ Pit" wondering who would want to eat there before remembering my dad and sister would probably both like to eat there. Ah, Texas. And then, Tucson.

When I landed in Tucson, I was reminded again of the stark beauty of the Western landscape. I was also reminded that, outside DC, there are families with children. Kids in DC, for me, seem to be contained to the suburbs. Enjoying a nice meal at a great restaurant with a view, I was surprised to see a family with three little girls at a table nearby. Each little girl took their turn crying throughout the course of the meal. Near the end of the meal a gentleman from a nearby table approached the family.

“Oh boy,” I thought. “He is going to say something about their kids crying.” But no! To my surprise he complimented them on their lovely family. As I reflected on that moment, and the difference between my expectations and what had happened, I first realized that in the “DC bubble” my default assumption is people will behave rudely. And secondly, I realized that it’s good to step outside the “DC bubble” now and again. Here's to a week in Tucson!

*This is more specifically the “DC transplant bubble” as opposed to the “DC native bubble.”