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When people think of the United States, especially foreigners, which city's culture and icons are more prominent?
Is it Chicago with its ultra modern, sleek, and spiraling downtown, Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)and Loop?
Or is it Los Angeles with Hollywood, movie stars, beaches, and Beverly Hills?
This is not to discuss which city is better, more well off, safer, etc. Just which one sticks out more, which one is a greater producer of culture, which one comes to mind first when people think of the United States. Have at it!
What % of the world has heard of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Rodeo Drive? 70%?
What % of the world has heard of Willis Tower, Millenium Park and Michigan Ave? 10-15%?
Now Chicago beats LA in many things, but definitely not global reputation. LA is a super-iconic city, rivaled only by NYC, Paris, London and the like. Chicago is definitely not as well-known globally, and ranks behind NYC, LA, Vegas, Miami, Orlando, SF, and Washington in terms of global recognition.
What % of the world has heard of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Rodeo Drive? 70%?
What % of the world has heard of Willis Tower, Millenium Park and Michigan Ave? 10-15%?
Now Chicago beats LA in many things, but definitely not global reputation. LA is a super-iconic city, rivaled only by NYC, Paris, London and the like. Chicago is definitely not as well-known globally, and ranks behind NYC, LA, Vegas, Miami, Orlando, SF, and Washington in terms of global recognition.
Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Walk of Fame, Disney, beaches, Lakers, Dogers, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Muscle Beach, palm trees, celebrities, actors, sports cars...
LA is one of the most iconic cities on Earth and nearly everyone on the planet would be able to describe what they believe LA is like even if they've never been there. Sure their perceptions of LA won't be accurate, but they'll definitely have quite a lot to say about their image of LA.
What would someone who has never been to Chicago in Asia be able to say about Chicago? It has pizza and is similar to NYC? It is by a lake? It once had gangsters? Chicago has just never been as publicized. There isn't a strong cultural story of Chicago like the story that has been created about LA.
If this was NYC vs. LA, then I'd give my hat off to NYC. Feel free to list how many movies/books/stories have been told within the big ol' city of NY...
Chicago is a superior city by almost every criteria, but LA is more recognizable and "iconic" for better or for worse. In terms of being more cultural though Chicago beats LA easily in that category.
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