“The types of folks that come to Alaska are for the most part Mercenaries, Missionaries and Misfits.”
That’s actually quite rude. You can add, “Military”, to your cute little List Of “M”s, as thousands go to Alaska via Uncle Sam. That’s how I got there. I found the people to be tough free thinkers, very un-PC, and wonderful people. I hate to think what my life would’ve been like if not for my years in Alaska when I was young.
Not rude, rather an honest observation of the pioneering independent types that were first drawn to Seward's Folly. Yes, add military, but I was quoting an expression made about 50-60 years ago.
They arrived in Alaska as cheechakos defined as a new-comer to Alaska, ignorant of the terrain, the weather, the animals, the culture, the necessary driving skills in the winter, etc. Opposite of a sourdough.
I have heard many Alaskans use the phrase about themselves, adding that they were at times all three.
I will add one personal account.
I was on a work assignment at Kodiak Alaska nearly 40 years ago. I remember a story related by a woman. She had come to Kodiak during a summer to work the fish canneries for college tuition. She had been a nursing major.
I asked her why she did not return and continue her career goals. Her response was that in Alaska she had experienced for the first time a people that accepted her as she was. She had discovered that Alaskans are not pretentious.