Before I write the rest of this article, I want to preface it by saying that I do not claim to be from Philadelphia. Despite spending a considerable amount of time in the city, I am from Mount Laurel, New Jersey. If you look at a map, it is about a 25-minute drive from Center City, but if you ask me, I think that makes me somewhat qualified.
The influence that Philadelphia has on surrounding towns like mine is evident. Just within a 2-mile radius of my house, there are four Wawas and various hoagie places. Most people in my area say “wooder” instead of water. Philadelphia sports paraphernalia is hung by every front door, right next to the American flag, almost as if Philly fans are equally as proud of their team as they are their country.
Aside from the physical aspects of Philadelphia influence, there is something else under the surface. If you take the buildings, the vocabulary, the people and the food, you still don’t get Philadelphia. There is something else about Philadelphia that makes it unique. There is an energy that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.
From the beginning, Philadelphia has been a place of rebellion. During the American Revolution, it was the location of the First Continental Congress and the home of the Declaration of Independence. Now, that rebellious attitude is more evident than ever. Despite pleas from Mayor Cherelle Parker not to climb light poles in the event of a Super Bowl Victory, Eagles fans set the city on fire, climbed on top of garbage trucks, removed light poles from the ground and rode horses down Broad Street.
While I don’t condone violence and destruction that will ultimately cost tax dollars to repair, I do appreciate Philadelphia’s attitude and togetherness. Despite often feeling like underdogs or outsiders when compared to others, Philadelphians have a strong community and will ride for a neighbor or stranger. From drug-ridden Kensington to newly gentrified Fishtown, Philadelphians show love to one another and stay loyal even in the darkest or strangest of places.
This is most evident through our sports. The Eagles and Phillies bring together fans of all backgrounds and walks of life. And the community found through sports isn’t isolated from the city, either. In airports, on college campuses and overseas, Philly fans will bond with one another
Though I could name a hundred things that make me proud to be Philly’s neighbor, the most important is the resilient attitude of Philadelphians. With a blue-collar background and an economy built on immigrants, Philadelphians have the most grit I have ever seen. My grandparents grew up in Philadelphia and they were by no means rich. The children of Irish and Italian immigrants, they pulled themselves up by the bootstraps and got out of Philadelphia and into the suburbs. Don’t be fooled, though. You can take the people out of Philadelphia, but you can never take the Philadelphia out of the people. Despite living down the shore, my grandparents were the most determined people that I have ever met. They never quit, even when the going got tough.
What I mean to express in this article is that I think that Philadelphia is the best city in the world. It is absolutely inimitable. You may want to point out the rising crime rates or the grimy subway system, but beyond that there is beauty in every part of the city. Maybe if you go there, you’ll understand or maybe you won’t. If you don’t, don’t worry. It’s just a Philly thing.