My mom always knew I was up to something when the house was quiet. In moments of silence, she could be sure I was taking every item of clothing out of my drawers or quietly escaping to the neighbor’s house — either way, I was on the move: running, jumping and dancing my way to become the person I am today. These quiet, little movements were just as formative to my identity as the momentous events.
Like me, Wisconsin’s identity is made up of big and small moments. These moments, regardless of volume, generate energy and movement to create a state that is ever-changing and constantly kinetic.
“Kinetic”, the theme of Curb magazine’s 16th edition, seeks to determine how this motion shapes who we are and what we will become. Wisconsin is home to nearly 5.8 million people, and each one has the power to change the state’s identity through their movements. Whether they do this through reviving the UW-Madison volleyball team, fighting to end sex-trafficking or teaching art class, the people of Wisconsin are always on the move. As much as we would like to hope this movement is always pushing us forward, sometimes it can hold us back. We have explored those stories as well such as the increase in meth usage across the state and racial disparities in education.
Frequently this semester, I came home to realize that, in my frantic rush to get out the door that morning, I had once again ripped all of my clothing out of my drawers. It seems ironic that in the most transformative semester of my life, I am still so similar to that little girl who deviously sat on the floor in a pile of all of her belongings. Although I, similar to my home state, may change, there are some things that will always stay the same — our traditions and sense of community.
The Curb staff has worked tirelessly to create a magazine that features the untold stories of motion in Wisconsin, whether this motion is propelling us toward change or fighting to keep us the same. This culmination of positive and negative creates an authentic portrait of the Badger State. These stories will remind you that movement is inevitable, change is powerful, and each and every one of us has the opportunity to construct tomorrow. Don’t believe me? Turn the page.
On Wisconsin!
Taylor Palmby