Way to go Jamie!

Missoula, a town with a personality as big as Montana’s sky, often presents itself as a tapestry woven with the threads of community spirit, natural beauty, and, unexpectedly, moments of discord that remind us of the complexity of human nature. My recent experiences, echoed by local commentator Jamie Kelly’s sharp wit in the Missoulian’s Entertainer, bring to light the nuanced dance between embracing this community and navigating its challenges.

One morning, as I drove past Sentinel High School, my car—a beetle, not a Californian billboard—became the unintended target of a young person’s frustration, manifested as a piece of wood. This incident, minor yet jarring, served as a stark reminder of the unexpected moments of aggression lurking in the shadows of Missoula’s serene landscape. It’s not just about a piece of wood or a car; it’s about the assumptions and quick judgments that punctuate our daily interactions in this town.

Jamie Kelly, with his characteristic blend of humor and insight, seems to understand this dance well. Through his writings, he captures the essence of Missoula’s identity crisis—proudly insular yet struggling with the concept of the “other.” His articles, like a mirror, reflect the absurdity and beauty of our communal life, highlighting the tension between wanting to preserve the essence of Missoula and the reality of its evolving demographic and cultural landscape.

Amidst these reflections, my personal saga with Best Buy—a mundane episode of consumer grievance—unexpectedly paralleled the broader narrative of belonging and conflict. A morning call from Bob, the manager, promised a resolution to my lingering laptop saga, yet it felt like another chapter in the ongoing story of navigating community relationships and personal rights in a small town.

In my blog, “Is it Safe in Missoula?”, I’ve often pondered the safety and welcoming nature of our town. These recent events, coupled with Jamie Kelly’s satirical observations, underscore a vital conversation about the kind of community we aspire to be. Do we choose to embrace the quirks and challenges with open arms, or do we retreat into the comfort of the familiar, wary of the unknown?

Missoula is more than its picturesque landscapes and vibrant cultural scene; it’s a community at a crossroads, grappling with the realities of change, conflict, and coexistence. As we navigate these waters, let’s remember the power of dialogue, empathy, and a good sense of humor, as championed by voices like Jamie Kelly’s, to guide us through the complexities of life in this beautiful, baffling town.

Reference list:

1. Kelly, Jamie. Articles in the Missoulian’s Entertainer. Available at: http://www.missoulian.com/entertainer/
2. Kelly, Jamie. “Violence goes against our Missoula nature…” Missoulian’s Entertainer.
3. Kelly, Jamie. “So today I’m wondering: What the heck are you idiots doing…” Missoulian’s Entertainer.
4. Montana Department of Justice. Concerning complaints and consumer protection. Available at: http://www.doj.state.mt.us/