What Stereotypes Do You Hear About Cleveland? (Columbus, Canton: amusement park, theater)

[Kamms]

Originally Posted by andrew61

Although I don't think Italian-Americans have been considered "diverse" for at least two generations now. We're pretty well assimilated these days.

I didn't know that ''diversity'' was based on racial/ethnic groups not being "assimilated". Are African-Americans not considered diverse now because there is a two-term African-American President? Talk about being assimilated. So how are Italians assimilated when the U.S. has never had an Italian-American President and the black community is not assimilated with an African-American President living in the White House since the 2009 inauguration?

[Peregrine]

My dad was an 2nd gen off the boat Italian, 100%. Married my mutt mom who had a little: French, Irish, English.
So I am only half Italian... and my son a quarter.

As I like to say: he's an American.

I hate these terms: African American, Native American, Italian American... we are Americans. Period.
Totally off-topic, sorry.

[Kamms]

Originally Posted by Peregrine

My dad was an 2nd gen off the boat Italian, 100%. Married my mutt mom who had a little: French, Irish, English.
So I am only half Italian... and my son a quarter.

As I like to say: he's an American.

I hate these terms: African American, Native American, Italian American... we are Americans. Period.
Totally off-topic, sorry.

Absolutely agree. So let's get rid of all those questions on anything you apply for requesting racial/ethnic backgrounds. What do you think that's all about?

[Clevelandgal]

I'm so far away from Cleveland that people don't even have many opinions other than it must be dreary in the winter, and let's face it, that is true. the fact that I am impressed I have not heard the crackle of gunfire since I moved is suprising to some in a city where a purse snatching at the mall can make the newspaper. The big thing I talk up is the food scene which I miss terribly. i think people are suprised that Cleveland is such an amazing food town. They know it must be true because they have tasted my cooking and then, despite being life long residents, discover all the funky ethnic markets and restarants I found within 6 months of living in San Diego.

[Amercity]

I always hear its a depressing city with no jobs, tons of crime, no interesting places and there is a huge amount of segregation in the metro area. I also hear that cleveland has a very nasally and annoying accent and many of the people there are racist.

Honestly this is the same steryotype for st.louis, cincy, detroit etc. Im pretty sure Cleveland is great

[CiaoBella14]

I always thought Cleveland and most other cities in Ohio were just really depressed, dead (not much good night-life, trendy restaurants or shopping), and not flashy at all.

[robertpolyglot]

I was on the main board and this caught my eye.

Plus: that people who somehow end up there, and didn't know much about it, are pleasantly surprised and like it, for the most part.
Minus: that it still has some rougher and more dour kinks to work out.

[costello_musicman]

Originally Posted by robertpolyglot

I was on the main board and this caught my eye.

Plus: that people who somehow end up there, and didn't know much about it, are pleasantly surprised and like it, for the most part.
Minus: that it still has some rougher and more dour kinks to work out.

For better or worse, this is the most common feedback I receive. People who relocate here or visit me often mention "you know, Cleveland is fun/cool, I wasn't expecting this." I take as a compliment, but am always slightly annoyed of the low expectations to begin with.

I have two more buddies visiting next month who have never been to Ohio -- they're about to get the culinary and city culture Tour de Cleveland.

[rlhjr72]

Born and raised in Cleveland, I moved to Atlanta last year. One of my co-workers told me that Ohio is "just Bob Evans and bowling alleys". His wife is from NE Ohio so yes he has been there.

[costello_musicman]

Originally Posted by rlhjr72

Born and raised in Cleveland, I moved to Atlanta last year. One of my co-workers told me that Ohio is "just Bob Evans and bowling alleys". His wife is from NE Ohio so yes he has been there.

And did you correct them by rattling things off like the Westside Market, Playhouse Square, Cleveland Orchestra, Little Italy, NASA Glenn, University Circle, Great Lakes Brewery, Cuyahoga Valley National Parks, Lake Erie...etc?

It's funny the only bowling alley I've been to in Cleveland in the one on E.4th street...