Letter: Quirky is not important


Graphic by Lori Deaton

[Regarding “Can Asheville Stay Weird? Businesses Try to Maintain Uniqueness Amid City’s Rapid Growth,” May 24, Xpress:]

Hey readers,

I came here from Chapel Hill two years ago. I am stunned by the lack of respect for such beauty that surrounds us. I have never seen such filth as I have here. I have traveled the country, and now I must move on.

Get real — quirky doesn’t work. Picking up the garbage does. Come on, so-called cool people: Take care of your community or don’t live here. Have some pride, for God’s sake.

— Karen White
Asheville

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Letters
We want to hear from you! Send your letters and commentary to letters@mountainx.com

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

7 thoughts on “Letter: Quirky is not important


  1. kww

    You’re certainly welcome to move back to Chapel Hill if “quirky doesn’t work” for you.

    I think many of us who have lived here over a decade are sick of people moving in and dictating how things should be.

  2. Shultz!

    Have to admit, I always get a kick out of the bitter “I’m out” letters…such an odd choice.

    Well Karen, good luck in your future endeavors- hope you find what you your looking for. FWIW, if you’re looking to stay in the the old north state, Cary is very tidy and most un-quirky, something to consider!

  3. El Gordito

    I don’t know what you are talking about. I’ve lived in plenty of places with much bigger littering problems than Asheville…. If that is indeed what you are talking about. I imagine your complaint is with the homeless population. You probably bought some overpriced condo downtown… “it’s too noisy, there are too many tourists, too many homeless people”, and maybe some trash dropped by our out of state visitors.

    If you’ve “never seen such filth before” you must have been living under a rock your whole entire life.

    Be sure to tell all your rich snob friends what a terrible place this is. The only garbage I see comes in daily on private jets. Bye.

  4. Vfrancia

    I am sorry to see the back lash to her comment. Asheville does need to be cleaned up. I’ve often commented on friends photos of cities around the world how clean they are and don’t see the litter there. I don’t think the quirkyness is what she was referring to.

  5. Lloyd B Van Dyke

    Are all of you so oblivious that you don’t notice any of the issues Asheville now has including all of the litter? Open your eyes!!!

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.