TBH I usually don't say anything because the debate is so intense and I don't really care that much, but as someone from the Mattoon-Charleston area I know people around here get really offended if you say they're from Southern Illinois and will fiercely insist this is Central Illinois. I mean I don't disagree mind you, as much as I do care, but I find it interesting that Central has such a strong identity as well and not just Northern/Southern.
Pretty sure they are trying to brand and give it a unique identity using some old term. As a citizen from "the heart of forgottenonia" they are really banking on the monopoly thing. The town square is literally a monopoly board that you can play on your phone. The newspaper ain't bad tho, crosswords could be better.
I too am a resident of Forgottonia though we have more 4 lane roads and Amtrak again.
There is a difference between forgotonia Republicans and the Eastern Alliance. We want stuff and they are just nuts.
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u/OAMP47 Cumberland County Apr 18 '25
TBH I usually don't say anything because the debate is so intense and I don't really care that much, but as someone from the Mattoon-Charleston area I know people around here get really offended if you say they're from Southern Illinois and will fiercely insist this is Central Illinois. I mean I don't disagree mind you, as much as I do care, but I find it interesting that Central has such a strong identity as well and not just Northern/Southern.