The Windy City

I had this huge epiphany regarding the city of Chicago this weekend. Similar to the epiphany I had about the social dynamic of San Francisco it took years of visiting the city for me to truly see the essence of the city.

I've been taking weekend trips to Chicago since the early rave days when I was 16. The city has always held a certain allure although I have no idea where that allure stems from. It could originate from my perception of big city life, public transportation, and endless boutique shopping. I truly have no idea, but growing up the city always seemed so much more substantial. During this trip I really got a feeling that the city was soulless. This may sound harsh but I feel the city has endless potential had it not been built in the Midwest. The city is literally made up of thousands of people from the Midwest trying to make it big, people trying to be somebody. In fact the only thing that makes the city worth anything is the immigrant population which adds a bit of culture to this otherwise lifeless society. The first dramatic disappointment is with the city's fashion. Considered to be one of the few fashion and modeling meccas within the US I was surprised to see the lack of originality in clothing options among the residents. Most of the 20-30 somethings were dressed conservatively in the same completely unoriginal trendy styles. While the neighborhoods each hold their own characteristics and architectural brilliance I just felt that this city has nothing to offer but places to get shitty drunk before roaming around like an asshole. My accusation of it being a soulless city comes on my belief that this is not one of the great "creative" cities in our country.

I would love some feedback from those that live in Chicago and those who have visited. While I do admit that there are a few things I love about the city- public transit, unique neighborhoods, fairly reasonably priced housing (compared to the west coast), and the fact that you can get Mexican fare and fresh carrot juice at 4 a.m.; I still feel that the thing holding the city back are it's people. Although many try to be "big city" people they still carry the "small town" mentality and the fear of fitting in.

After years of traveling to San Francisco I finally realized what a great city it is. For years I failed to comprehend the true qualities of this city. On the outside all I saw were dirty streets lined with old insanity ridden hippies and young homeless kids following suit. I thought California was an overrated amusement park for the lost. A place where humans came to escape their family ties and lose themselves in themselves. My last trip was different. I stayed a few days with my minimalistic friend who rents a huge place with 8 roommates ( I can't even fathom living with that many people). During my stay I met several of his mid-twenties roommates who were all doing their own thing. One told me she ran a "chai" business which really consisted of her selling chai tea within the park on the panhandle. Another one made his own analog synths which filled several rack-mount towers within his tiny bedroom. While I didn't really groove to the music he produced; I did respect it for it's originality. Then there's my friend, dj, artist, philosopher, free-thinker, minimalist, etc. This trip made me realize that everyone I've ever met here has a niche. They all have something they are passionate about, something that brings out their true creative self. At this point I realized why people are drawn to this place despite a geographic location that evades true warmth all year round, filled with overpriced lodging and limited parking. I guess there's something to be said about a mediocre climate when true creativity and freedom to be yourself are abundant...you can overlook a few cloudy, foggy days when you are inside collaborating on a phenomenal piece of human expression.

Although I am not sold on moving to San Francisco I finally understood the reason why so many of my cohorts have migrated to this city. I don't expect all cities to be the same nor do I completely condemn Chicago, I just think there is no point to paying the premium to live in a city that does not provide you with the full worth of the asking price.

Tell me if I am missing some fantastic component of Chicago. I'd love to hear that I'm completely wrong.