“Lesser Seattle” (as opposed to Greater Seattle) was an invention of Seattle Times columnist Emmett Watson. It was a satirical rail against mindless expansionism. While it wasn’t the topic of every column, the “organization” did appear frequently.
Included were references to his “KBO Agents” (KBO meaning “Keep the Bastards Out”), diatribes against Californians (sorry, Emmett, they came), and admonishing outsiders about all of the horrible things about the city.
The Northwest is no place for your kind – sun-loving, sun-kissed, soft-headed, restless, nomadic Californians. This place is not for you. It is for spiritual descendants of Capt. Ahab, in pursuit of whales on stormy seas.
Emmett Watson
From what I understand, Watson was actually very welcoming to people, but I do wonder what he would have thought about how the area has grown since he passed away in May 2001. It turns out that Geek Wire mused on this very question…and asked Chat GPT.
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Description generated by Gemini
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"Lesser Seattle" isn't a formally defined term. It's likely used colloquially and somewhat derisively to refer to cities and regions surrounding Seattle that are perceived as being less significant, less sophisticated, or less expensive. The specific areas included would likely vary depending on who is using the term and in what context.
It might encompass areas like:
- Suburbs of Seattle: Areas like Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Everett, Renton, and Tacoma are often economically vibrant and have their own distinct identities. However, someone centered in Seattle proper might still consider them "Lesser Seattle" due to perceived differences in culture, pace of life, or urban amenities.
- Smaller cities within the Puget Sound region: Places like Olympia, Bremerton, Bellingham, and Mount Vernon might also be included, especially in comparisons emphasizing Seattle's dominance as the region's economic and cultural hub.
- Exurbs and rural areas: Areas farther from Seattle, even within the same counties, could be included, particularly if they are seen as less developed or less connected to the urban core.
The term carries an inherent bias and is likely used to express a sense of urban superiority. It's important to remember that the areas surrounding Seattle are diverse and have their own unique strengths and characteristics. Using a dismissive term like "Lesser Seattle" overlooks the rich tapestry of communities and experiences that make up the larger Puget Sound region.
