Californians say people from other regions often make surf jokes and political assumptions about them.

"People think that everyone from Berkeley is really liberal--that it's populated by a bunch of hippies singing songs about peace," says Rachel H. Garlin '96, who is from Berkeley, Calif.

Not all regions, however, come with a stereotype.

"When I mention Buffalo, people think of snow, football, buffalo wings--none of which reflect on me," says Charles A. Goodman '97, who is from New York. "Buffalo isn't a very distinct place."

Students from the Midwest say they face much the same situation. In fact, fellow undergraduates sometimes can't even tell their states apart.

"With the Midwestern states, people get mixed up as to which is where and what we grow. People always mix up Iowa, Idaho and Ohio," says Streyffeler, who is from Iowa. "One woman once thought my friend was from 'Ohiowa.'"

Although stereotyping does occur, undergraduates say that usually Harvard students look deeper.

"I don't think people care where I'm from," Streyffeler says. "There's no real animosity. It's fun to be a little different and meet people from different places."

Regional characteristics can also be a source of humor: there is great entertainment value in the various accents, students say.

"People always tell me to do 'Run, Forrest! Run!'" Hale says, in a reference to celluloid football hero and Alabaman Forrest Gump.

New Yorker Villafane is "often asked to say 'water' and 'coffee,'" she says.

Regional Identity

Region can also be a source' of solidarity for students, who say geographic origin is a basis for friendships.

"California has so many natural disasters--earthquakes, fire, drought--common things that draw people together," Garlin says.

When there are few students from a region, they tend to find each other.

"Southerners have a regional bond--particularly here where we're a minority," Hale says.