Growing Up City or Suburb

What makes one city stand apart from other rural areas around it? Historic events, famous people, art, and even food all contribute to the defining characteristics of a city. I have to admit the bias that I carry with me has a lot to do with my hometown of Philadelphia. When I say Philadelphia, I don’t just mean a suburb or small town outside the city, I mean the actual city, block parties and all. Perhaps I can’t blame imposters who claim to be from the city of brotherly love, because Philadelphia is a historic city famous for numerous landmarks and defining moments of our country as a whole.

Growing up in Philadelphia I was exposed to many of the famous trademarks of the town. Philadelphia may be the best living textbook available for understanding the history of our nation. The roots of American democracy are found in Philadelphia. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were not drafted here by accident. Instead, they stand as the most recognized symbols of the American Enlightenment. Because of our forefathers, we are all able to experience history through sites such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

In addition to the history behind the city, I have also learned so much about diversity and culture. Often considered a “melting pot,” Philadelphia is city with the Eagles, cheese steaks, and friendships that’s makes everyone family.

A person from the city’s favorite Philadelphia sandwich is the cheese steak. Too To many people, a sandwich is a sandwich and cheese is just cheese, but for us it’s different. Many local pizza shops or restaurants argue that they have authentic Philly cheese steaks, but until you have had one, you do not realize what you are missing out on. Many people living in the suburbs don’t know the right way to make the sandwich. The main difference between a “real” Philly cheese steak and a phony is in the two obvious ingredients, the cheese and the meat. In Philadelphia, steak meat is sliced and grilled, while others chop the meat. Furthermore, the only cheese accepted by true Philadelphians is Cheese Wiz. Although these two factors may not contribute entirely to my opinion on the cheese steak, ordering techniques, atmosphere, and timing all play a huge role into reasons why Philadelphia is so well-known for this food.

Pat’s is a Philly favorite residing in the heart of South Philadelphia. Opened 24 hours a day, Pat’s attracts thousands of visitors each day. I still remember the first time I went down to Pat’s Steaks with my friends. With the line wrapped around the block, and loud Eagles fans lining the street, I felt right at home. This seemed more than a late night snack, it was the beginning of a tradition. Ordering the steak was an adventure in itself. In Philadelphia cheese steak ordering has a lingo of its own. I ordered a “wiz with.” This implied that I would like a steak with Cheese Wiz and fried onions. Saying the name of cheese choice as well as “with” or “without” is all they need to know. In a matter of minutes my sandwich was done and I became a loyal customer. Whether my favoritism of the Philly cheese steak has to do with how the steak is prepared, the quality of ingredients, or the roll on which it is served, I am not sure. All I know is that others do not compare.

Growing up an Eagles fan in the city was great. Going to the games was a great deal to someone in the city. They are wearing your city across their chest, not some little suburb. The Philadelphia Eagles was a franchise born in 1946. The franchise had some early accomplishment, winning three championships in 1948, 1949 and 1960. In recent years, the Eagles have jumped back on the charts as one of the league’s most dominating teams. Led by quarterback Donovan McNabb, they have reached the NFC Championship Game each of the last four years before this one. Two seasons ago, the Eagles cruised to a 13-3 record in the regular season and finally reached the Super Bowl again in January 2005, only to see their dramatic fourth-quarter comeback fall just short. Even though the Eagles have been great they still have to be up to par when it comes to the fans. The past four years watching the Birds has made friendships grow and families get closer. You could count on Sunday for people to be sitting around in groups watching their team play and win. People partied when the Eagles were on. It was a given when a big play arrived or when Donovan hit Terrell Owens for another touchdown that everyone got up and gave high fives and hugs. Being an Eagles fan is the pride and joy of many people who live in the city of Philadelphia.

Another great part about the city is everyone knows everyone from the neighborhood. The city is much more of a family of friends then the suburbs.Growing up playing sports is what most children do in my part of the city. When children reach the age five they are playing baseball, basketball, and football. The neighbor hoods have this bond to their organization where they treat each other like family. They take care of each other and there is always someone there that will help you with anything.

It is always a great feeling when you can go around the block to the local playground and see millions of friends. Every time you are board you can count on the playground and basketball courts to have people there doing something. On the other had you don’t have the unity the city has when you are form out side the city.

All the rural areas around the city are very nice and load with rich million dollars homes but the suburbs just don’t come close to the city. Everything is different. You can’t just get up and walk to your friend’s house or walk to the corner store to get something to drink or an ice-cream cone. You have to drive everywhere. The difference too is the whole friendship atmosphere. Many people out side the city don’t have to bond the people inside do. I love the city.