The not-great people in your family aren't representative of your "culture" ... I'm saying Midwestern culture is just as good as any other. I say this as a white woman who has always lived in central Illinois. Marrying a European who often delights in observing something new here taught me that Midwestern culture is nothing to be ashamed of. You will find shitty people anywhere you go, honestly. But you'll also find great people everywhere.