Don't Claim My City | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Don't Claim My City

"If you ain't really from the city, don't rep it!" - Vic Mensa

16
Don't Claim My City
World Cule Chicago

As I always stated, I am proud to be from Chicago, Illinois. The culture, the food, the sports...basically everything. I'm born and raised there, so I stick my chest to let it be known: "773312" (our main area codes) is me. (While you read my article, play this link to get a feel what I mean)

It pains me to watch people who are not from my city, claim as their own. I remember reading an article on here called Stop Yelling At Me For Saying I Am From Chicago. It was about the author basically saying that why she can't claim Chicago since she always visits. She's from a suburban area called "Crystal Lake, Illinois", so she fibs because she thinks that people outside of Illinois wouldn't care about her hometown. Her main point were she visits so often that she should claim it, explaining how it's a part of her, and that it shouldn't be a problem.

I had a problem with it though. To me, she is a tourist. You only visit, but you never lived. You don't know what's going on outside of the downtown area. My city is your escape, not you're virtue. I commented on her article to encourage her to tell people that she's from Crystal Lake and stop lying about it because outsiders are used to the "I'm from Chicago" line. I would like to know about Crystal Lake because I never heard of it until now and I would like to know what goes down there. Let them know about Crystal Lake, girl! Be proud from where you from.

I go to school in Arkansas, where I only knew about the cities of "Little Rock" and "Pine Bluff", but I was introduced to people who were from all corners of Arkansas because they were honest and proud about theirs. I never seen people from East St. Louis, IL, automatically claim "St. Louis, MO" because that's not in their hearts. I just want people to just be honest and never claim what you don't know because you never know who will bust you out for it. I know I have...plenty of times.

If your mailing address don't say "Chicago", don't claim it. You're not from Chicago. Represent what you know! Be proud, that's all I'm saying.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

18402
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7828
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5725
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4967
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments