31 May, 2009
Bring the Heat. Chicagoans Aren’t the Only Ones with Hometown Pride
Posted by: Andrea Aker In: Odd Observations|Valley of the Sun
Very few of my 20-something and 30-something friends who live in the Valley are Arizona natives. The predominate group hails from Chicago. They originally came for college or new careers, and after one Phoenix “winter,” most couldn’t bear to leave. If you don’t knowingly run in circles of Chicago natives, then mingle with bar-goers in Old Town Scottsdale during any weekend. I can almost guarantee you that one out of every five handshakes will be with a diehard Cubs fan.
It strikes me that no matter where native Chicagoans may reside, they will always be “from Chicago.” Doesn’t matter if two decades have passed since they actually lived in the Windy City. If they were raised in Chicago, they’re self-proclaimed residents for life.
I don’t consider this viewpoint to be arrogant. I think hometown pride is innate to Chicago’s culture. Owning their titles is long-held tradition.
A Call for Valley Residents to Prep Their Vocal Chords
I wish more people here voiced their hometown pride. While many of us would have no problem broadcasting our love for the Valley from the top of Piestewa Peak, our collective pride doesn’t come close to rivaling the boastful nature Chicagoans are known for. Arizonans need to remember that we have a lot to brag about too. It took more than the promise of sunny days to lure hoards of deep dish devotees to a foreign desert, guarded by prickly pears and saguaros.
Let me start things off…
Folks in the Valley can hike on our lunch breaks, sustain a year-round tan and savor real Mexican grub on a daily basis. We’re a short drive from ski slopes, ancient ruins and infamous boom town saloons. Alice Cooper, Linda Carter and Sandra Day O’Connor all made their homes here.
And then to top it all off… we all get to bask in December’s sun.
What would you boast? Valley or other parts of AZ?
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