The Paris Of Appalachia (Pittsburgh, Athens: unemployment, theater, construction)

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by Fiddlehead

Good point. Yes, Pittsburgh has a fascinating history and culture, but would the folks in the Appalachian hinterlands ever revere the city? Seems like Nashville or Atlanta would have better luck.

Keep in mind there are really at least two distinct Appalachias: the Southwest part and the Northeast part. The Southwest part isn't going to have much to do with Pittsburgh, but the Northeast part . . . well if you consider the Pittsburgh Steelers culture, then there is a proven affinity. Meanwhile, I doubt the folks in Punxsutawney are going to show much affinity for Atlanta.

I know the red state blue state political divide suggests urban and rural areas see themselves as distinct cultures in many cases.

I think that is the bigger issue in the U.S. (rural versus urban), and it helps explain why once Appalachia got associated with rural, Pittsburgh was fated to be viewed as something apart from Appalachia.

[creepsinc]

Originally Posted by Hopes

I don't think Brian O'Neil likes Pittsburgh. Seriously. He has lived here long enough to know that Appalachia wouldn't appeal to Pittsburghers. He must not want to sell books.

Geography can't be argued with. Maybe he cares more about the truth than peoples' prejudices.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by creepsinc

Geography can't be argued with. Maybe he cares more about the truth than peoples' prejudices.

I doubt it. I've met him.

[Fiddlehead]

Originally Posted by creepsinc

Geography can't be argued with. Maybe he cares more about the truth than peoples' prejudices.

Agreed. As a person who would like to be a Pittsburgher, one of the biggest draws for me is that it is a fine, compact city surrounded by largely rural geography and wild spaces. As a life-long westerner, I could not place myself in the midst of the Bos-Wash corridor. I would feel like a rat in a cage. The unique bioregion there on the northwest slope of Alleghenies is definitely appealing and seems to be unique in the East. So, it seems wise to me for Pittburgh to take ownership and leadership of its unique setting and work to make it great. Why not?

Seems to me like O'Neill may just be laying out his vision.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by creepsinc

I wish people would stop using that word. The etymology is a combination of a typical white name and where a lot of poor white people lived historically. Akin to "Ghetto Leroy", if you will, and every bit as much of a racial slur, if "Ghetto Leroy" was actually in use. It's also the last acceptable racial stereotype.

Whereas I long ago grew tired of the "let's tapdance around the delicate sensibilities of the easily aggrieved" game. So notwithstanding your protestations, I will continue to use the word "hillbilly" when the context warrants.

[Fiddlehead]

Given the well-known appreciation of all Appalachians for urban culture, am I the only one who sees a bit of irony in the title?

The Paris of Appalachia seems like it would right along with:

The Athens of Kentucky

The Innsbruck of Nebraska

The Venice of the Mojave Desert

The Banana Belt of Idaho

The Riviera of North Dakota

The North Woods of Florida

[creepsinc]

Originally Posted by Drover

Whereas I long ago grew tired of the "let's tapdance around the delicate sensibilities of the easily aggrieved" game. So notwithstanding your protestations, I will continue to use the word "hillbilly" when the context warrants.

I'm not easily aggrieved, just not a fan of double standards. If certain other words weren't censored here, I wouldn't have as much of a problem with it. I'm assuming you don't have a problem with n***** or any other racial slurs. I sure don't, in their proper contexts. I think they (h*******y and r*****k included) are some of the funniest words in the English language. I think the racial problems in this country would be far less tense if race comedy would make a comeback. Unfortunately, these days that only means Cletus the Slack-Jawed Yokel.

You may resume feeling superior, not that you needed my permission, or ever stopped.

[Minervah]

Although considered the nation's most livable city, Pittsburgh ranks "254th in economic conditions and 250th in residential well-being.

Does this mean there is high unemployment in Pittsburgh? And what does "residential wellbeing" mean?

Maybe I should just go read the book.

[creepsinc]

Originally Posted by Minervah

Does this mean there is high unemployment in Pittsburgh?

The unemployment rate (the official one, anyways) is a couple points below the national one. So, relatively, no. 8.5% is still high, though.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by creepsinc

I'm not easily aggrieved, just not a fan of double standards. If certain other words weren't censored here, I wouldn't have as much of a problem with it. I'm assuming you don't have a problem with n***** or any other racial slurs. I sure don't, in their proper contexts. I think they (h*******y and r*****k included) are some of the funniest words in the English language. I think the racial problems in this country would be far less tense if race comedy would make a comeback. Unfortunately, these days that only means Cletus the Slack-Jawed Yokel.

You may resume feeling superior, not that you needed my permission, or ever stopped.

Ah, the irony of being accused of feeling superior from someone delivering smarmy lectures on the use of "hillbilly." It practically makes my day.