How does Chicago relate to it's Midwestern relitives? (Atlanta, Detroit: transplants, employment)

[LittleMathYou]

Chicago is by far the biggest and most "powerful" city in the Midwest. However, the other major cities in it's region have their stake as well.

My question is, how does Chicago, the government, the citizens, or the city as a whole, relate to it's Midwestern relatives? As a big brother, a father, a fun uncle, or a loud mouthed Mudder-in-law who doesn't give them no respect?

And elaborate on your answer, by explaining why and how Chicago acts this way.

[MannheimMadman]

From my point of view, it's like the big brother who assumes he is better. I'm not speaking for the citizens as a whole but for myself. I've been to the Twin Cities, Milwaukee, Detroit, Des Moines and St. Louis and always leave feeling that Chicago is superior.

[lincolnparker]

Chicago to the midwest is the same as NYC to the United States. That superiority complex of Chicago disappears instantly in the Boston-DC corridor.

[Avengerfire]

I get the feeling this thread is going to turn out poorly as usual.

[oakparkdude]

Originally Posted by LittleMathYou

Chicago is by far the biggest and most "powerful" city in the Midwest. However, the other major cities in it's region have their stake as well.

My question is, how does Chicago, the government, the citizens, or the city as a whole, relate to it's Midwestern relatives? As a big brother, a father, a fun uncle, or a loud mouthed Mudder-in-law who doesn't give them no respect?

And elaborate on your answer, by explaining why and how Chicago acts this way.

Chicago is to the rest of the Midwest as the Mongol khanate was to Europe and Asia in 1200 AD.

[Chicago60614]

I really think people in Chicago who aren't recent transplants or travel all the time probably think about the Midwestern metros about as much as they think about Eastern or Southern metros. You'd tend to fly anyway, so what's the difference between going to the Twin Cities and Atlanta?

Chicago is so large and self concerned that really it doesn't think of itself as sitting at the table and participating in the Midwest. It just runs its show and whatever else happens happens.

Growing up in Iowa we always got little tid-bits of news from around the state and the midwest. I don't really see that in Chicago as much. It always seems more of a little fluff piece - like "oh, and also blah blah blah bizzare thing happened downstate in blah blah blah". Then it's over.

[MannheimMadman]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

I get the feeling this thread is going to turn out poorly as usual.

While you are probably right, I had to contribute because I have nothing better to do and a post count to fluff.

[Drover]

Chicago is like the strongest dog in the pack that gets its share first.

As the employment base of other regional cities stagnates or declines, Chicago has been absorbing the excess labor pool. It remains to be seen how long that will last.

[Sunnydee]

Chicago is wonderful! It's like the New York City of the Midwest. It's big, brash, powerful, loud, fun, and inspiring.

[williepotatoes]

Chicago is a grandiose, multicultural metropolis that is planted in the belly of Americas corn and grainbelt. It's where other midwesterners can come to experience the cosmopolitan lifestyle without traveling to either coast. Chicagoland is also the center of commerce and banking in middle America.

I don't think most Chicagoans look down their nose at anyone in general. After all, they flock in huge numbers to states like Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota for vacations and recreation of all sorts. Also for retirement in many cases.