But every once in a while you think maybe you're getting a glimpse of something.

On the way in to see "Page One" at the Magic Lantern this afternoon, I asked the young guy taking money how this look at The New York Times was doing in terms of ticket sales.

John was his name. Or Jon, maybe. Seemed like a nice guy. He said it was doing OK.

But then, because he wanted to be accurate, he qualified that. "OK" shouldn't be interpreted to mean a packed house night after night. Or anything close. He said the movie started out with two strikes against it: 1. It's a documentary. 2. This is Spokane.

But the way he said "This is Spokane" is what caught my attention. He was not being whiny or petulant. His tone was quite matter-of-fact.

It's not the first time lately I've picked that up from people in their 20s. It's a kind of an acceptance that should not be confused with cultural surrender.

Less "Get me out of here" and more "Let's make our own scene."

Yes, Spokane isn't San Francisco or Seattle or whatever. But there is life to be lived here, and not everyone is the same.

Sure, maybe there aren't a lot of people here wanting to see a documentary about the media. But John didn't seem angry at Spokane because that's the reality.

That seems like progress.

www.mvtimes.com

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