Does a government survey define what it means to be a Mainer? The American Community Survey measures where people are born. That’s it. Where we are born is not the same as who we are. Birthplace is a matter of galactic chance.

People who have spent their lives here are rightfully proud of this place. But the label “Mainer” too easily gets used as a cudgel — to exclude and deride. A recent column feeds into that behavior, and so does a lot of the way people talk about Maine (“Portland’s Maine-born population has dropped to 40%. Is that a problem?” May 8).

Here’s an alternative. When someone says they’re worried about people “from away,” go a little deeper. The answers are specific. I was born here and I’m not sure I can afford to stay. I was born here and the schools near me are closing. I was born here and my rent has gone up 40%.

Those are real problems. They have nothing to do with where anyone was born. Maine’s reputation didn’t come from birthright. It came from work and savvy. From a rugged landscape that demands pragmatism. From a community that built something distinctive by necessity. That’s what draws people here.

Mainers know that worth is earned, not given. Our reputation is a function of our effort, not our pedigree.

So here’s my suggestion to fellow Mainers, and yes, I was born here. Don’t pin hard problems on individuals. Name the actual problems and bring the pragmatism Maine is known for. Let’s focus on nurturing what makes this place distinctive.

Patrick Diamond
Portland