Chicago: The Second City - Is That a Burn or a Badge of Honor?
So, you’ve heard Chicago is called the Second City. Let's dive into this whole "second fiddle" thing.
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| What is Chicago Called The Second City |
The Windy City, Not the First City
Now, don’t get us wrong, Chicago is a fantastic city. Deep-dish pizza, world-class museums, and a skyline that could make a skyscraper blush – it's got it all. But why the "Second City" moniker?
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The Blame Game
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The main culprit for this less-than-flattering nickname is a New York-based writer named A.J. Liebling. Apparently, he wasn’t a big fan of Chicago. In his 1952 book, "Chicago: The Second City", he compared it unfavorably to his beloved Big Apple. Ouch.
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A Phoenix Rising from the Ashes
But here’s the thing: Chicagoans are a resilient bunch. The city was literally rebuilt after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. So, maybe being called "second" is a badge of honor, a testament to their ability to rise from the ashes and become something even better.
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Second City: The Comedy Powerhouse
Ironically, one of Chicago's greatest exports is a comedy troupe called, you guessed it, The Second City. They’ve produced some of the biggest names in comedy, from Bill Murray to Tina Fey. So, while the original insult might have stung, Chicago has certainly gotten the last laugh.
How to Embrace Your Inner Second City
So, how do you embrace your inner Second City? Here are a few tips:
- How to order deep-dish pizza: With gusto! It's a Chicago staple.
- How to survive a Chicago winter: Layers, people, layers. And maybe a hot toddy.
- How to become a comedy legend: Take an improv class at The Second City.
- How to appreciate Chicago's architecture: Look up. Seriously, just look up.
- How to enjoy a Chicago hot dog: No ketchup, ever.
So, there you have it. Chicago: the Second City. A title bestowed by a disgruntled New Yorker, but worn with pride by its residents. And hey, if you’re ever in doubt about the city’s charm, just grab a slice of deep-dish and enjoy the view.
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