Hometown Pride - Good or Bad? (transplants, homes, earthquake)

[Chicago60614]

I think it's good for a city in general, although some people can get way too carried away with the pride thing. There are some cities on here that get mentioned in almost EVERY SINGLE thread, even if it's about cities that have nothing to do with the city being mentioned, or about cities that are 20X larger than the city being mentioned. That's when it just needs to be toned down. I find that becomes a real turn off on certain areas that probably aren't that bad, but get a bad rap because over-zealous fans just don't know when to let it go....


I was also surprised when I moved to Chicago at the absolute pride and love that the people here have for the city. It's almost like sticking up for a family member.

On the flip side, I've noticed Detroit people seem to be the first ones to bash their own city, and I've also noticed this from a few Philly people I've met in person.

[StuckPA]

Originally Posted by Chicago60614

I was also surprised when I moved to Chicago at the absolute pride and love that the people here have for the city. It's almost like sticking up for a family member.

On the flip side, I've noticed Detroit people seem to be the first ones to bash their own city, and I've also noticed this from a few Philly people I've met in person.

As for Philly,there's more sticking up for it than bashing it for some reason

I mean,when a place has more of a crappy side than a good side you'd think the people would acknowledge it. But alas,blind pride

[south-to-west]

Sometimes hometown pride goes overboard on these forums. If someone were to say that they couldn't live in Atlanta because of smog and traffic, I would totally understand because they are major problems for this city that I love. It really detracts from having a well-informed, objective discussion if someone is too sensitive.

[StuckPA]

Originally Posted by south-to-west

It really detracts from having a well-informed, objective discussion if someone is too sensitive.

Agreed !

[sav858]

Originally Posted by italianbluesboy

So why do people have so much of their identity tied up in their home (or adopted home) areas? And when does it go from being a positive trait to one that stifles honest conversation and problem solving?

I dunno, it's kind of annoying. Some people have too much hometown pride where i'm from, the Bay Area, and constantly put down other parts of the state and country for no good reason.

[mrkue]

I'm from Detroit and I love my city to death, whether it's the good or the bad because no city is perfect so you have to deal with the baggage that comes from living in a large urban city. Also, I wear my DETROIT tatoo on my arm proudly, a sign that displays my loyalty to my beloved city and no matter where I'm at in a different city or State I can be proud of my Hometown.

[lammius]

I like where I live now, and I've defended it in some of the threads here, while admitting it's not perfect. I hate the place I grew up and I don't think I've said a single nice thing about it on city-data.

I think supporting one's home town or current place of residence is fine. What bugs me is when people spout off claims of greatness about their towns that are either (A) false or (B) matters of opinion, though stated as pure indisputable FACT.

[StuckPA]

Originally Posted by mrkue

I'm from Detroit and I love my city to death, whether it's the good or the bad because no city is perfect so you have to deal with the baggage that comes from living in a large urban city. Also, I wear my DETROIT tatoo on my arm proudly, a sign that displays my loyalty to my beloved city and no matter where I'm at in a different city or State I can be proud of my Hometown.

So given the general opinion of Detroit,if someone saw your tatt and said Detroit sucked how would you react?

[mrkue]

StuckPa, Believe me, I have heard that before, but not from people in the Hood, it's mostly people from the suburbs, yet when they are out of state and asked Where they are from they will say DETROIT. Now, if Detroit sucks so bad why claim it? Why not say Warren or Dearborn or the other burbs? Don't hate on Detroit and then claim it when you are out of state...that's kind of lame.

[john_starks]

Originally Posted by sav858

I dunno, it's kind of annoying. Some people have too much hometown pride where i'm from, the Bay Area, and constantly put down other parts of the state and country for no good reason.

a quick anecdote. about 10 yrs ago, i worked in a call center in little falls nj & my client's population base was in southern cal (BOA). i recall talking to a guy who proudly boasted that he was sitting on the beach at dana point (orange county i guess?) and the weather was perfect...
first thing he asked me was: " where are YOU located?" i said "new jersey" then he replied " not a great place to be, IS IT?" and started laughing......

boy what a horse's $@&%^$%* LOL. yeah, lets sit on the beach and call a rep to inquire (for the 5th time that day) about your 401k balance....

i know its not the bay area but amusing notheless.