The phrase “Keep Portland Weird” refers to the people of Portland and their age old customs and beliefs. I have a sneeking suspicion that the concept of said phrase was for just one of our age old customs…”The Bunny Thing”. Now as a Portlander born and bred, I was never forced by my parents to adopt this superstition, I took it upon myself at a very early age to adopt this custom…and why not? For I am a Portlander! Why should I not conduct myself as my ancestors did?
I tought myself not to say the Bunny word and I even read the Bunny word when written as the proper English word, as Bunny? Am I weird? No! I am continuing a tradition, in the hope of keeping my Island home alive, such as many people do with their own customs and way of doing things.
Do I chase after a stinking Cheese down a steep hill? Do I run the gauntlet with dozens of Bulls heading towards me, hell bent for leisure? No….so why am I weird?
Do I dance around a maypole? Do I dress like a twonk and with little bells around my socks continue to hit another mans stick with my own? No! All of these customs are looked upon with love by those who partake in them, they do it…because it is traditional and they want to continue the custom. They certainly are NOT weird! They are keeping the tradition alive and I say good luck to them.
As for me….I can’t say the Bunny word, no matter how fast I read aloud or how drunk I am…it is a Portland tradition! And I am happy it continues! For those who say we are weird….Take a good look at yourselves firrst before you bandy the word around.
Thanks for listening! Andy.
