The Perception of the Sun Belt

Residents in Arizona do not identify with the term 'Sun Belt,' preferring to describe themselves as part of the southwestern United States. This reflects a broader disconnect between political reporting and regional identity, as the term seems to be more appealing for its connotations of warmth and opportunity rather than a reflection of local sentiment. The conversation highlights the tendency of political reporters to categorize states, which may not resonate with the inhabitants themselves. This disconnect is indicative of the fluid nature of regional identities in the rapidly changing political landscape.