How Do Out-Of-Towners React When You Tell Them You're From Cleveland? (Columbus: houses, bankrupt)

[QCongress83216]

Originally Posted by Kamms

It seems like older folks, esp. 60+ not from Cleveland retain the negative news and image out of Cleveland from the 1960s & '70s. Younger people not as much, if at all. I used to hear a lot of Cleveland bashing in Chicago; esp. from people from places like Toboggan Run, WI or Haystack, IA living in Chicago.

What would they say to you?

[bjimmy24]

^ Old people think walking into Cleveland city limits is volunteering to get shot.

[Cleveland_Collector]

We really shouldn't stereotype by age. I know many people over the age of 60 who go into the city without fear and are great supporters of the arts, dining scene, and other institutions. It's more of a mindset that transcends generations of suburbanites. I liken it to any other form of bigotry. The more knowledgeable and enlightened you are, the less bigoted and prejudiced you will be.

[bjimmy24]

Originally Posted by Cleveland_Collector

We really shouldn't stereotype by age. I know many people over the age of 60 who go into the city without fear and are great supporters of the arts, dining scene, and other institutions. It's more of a mindset that transcends generations of suburbanites. I liken it to any other form of bigotry. The more knowledgeable and enlightened you are, the less bigoted and prejudiced you will be.

I don't know very many like that. I do think proportionately, a very high percentage of senior citizens in Northeast Ohio don't think much of Cleveland.

[kallinan]

Originally Posted by Peregrine

(Pretty sure he's being sarcastic)

(I know)

[dubyanumberone]

I'm from Akron but when discussing "where are you from" with people from out of state I usually mention Cleveland as a reference point. At least half of the people either make a disparaging remark about Ohio State, the Browns or Cavs (Indians don't get much flack). I traveled for work quite a bit around the time of the decision and people were pretty much 100% rooting for LeBron to leave.

If the person is southern you can almost guarantee an anti Ohio State comment. Usually it's good natured but some are obsessed. Some of my family members are SEC alums and they can't help but to make comments non stop despite the fact that thir alma mater is NOT one of the SEC powerhouse schools. I've never quite understood the south's obsession with OSU

[Cleveland_Collector]

The OSU obsession is pure envy. The SEC success has been very recent. Big 10 and OSU have the history to go along with it.

[Cleveland_Collector]

Originally Posted by bjimmy24

I don't know very many like that. I do think proportionately, a very high percentage of senior citizens in Northeast Ohio don't think much of Cleveland.

I know quite a few. Though I do agree that the number is disproportionate, on any given day you can go to Playhouse Square, Severance Hall, a game, etc. and find more of them.

[bjimmy24]

Originally Posted by Cleveland_Collector

I know quite a few. Though I do agree that the number is disproportionate, on any given day you can go to Playhouse Square, Severance Hall, a game, etc. and find more of them.

Ok, yes that's true- a large percentage of the audience at any given cultural performance is probably over 50, which is great (though I'd like to see more younger people too). These people are also likely from Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights, or Lakewood or maybe live in a place like Ohio City now. But, for most of this population, the 50 plussers who reside in, say, Strongsville, Parma, Willoughby, etc. this is definitely not the case.

[tribecavsbrowns]

bjimmy, what do you think middle-aged people in Strongsville and Willoughby do with their time exactly, just work and watch Fox News?