Chicago: The Midwest's Pretentious Cousin
Who Ordered the Deep Dish?
Let's talk about Chicago, shall we? This city is like that cousin who insists they're "different" but still shows up to family reunions in cargo shorts. On one hand, it's got that big city swagger, towering skyscrapers, and a pizza so deep it could qualify as a small planet. On the other, it's smack dab in the middle of the Midwest, surrounded by cornfields and people who know how to pronounce "aluminum."
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So, why, oh why, is Chicago considered a Midwestern city? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive into the murky waters of geographical categorization.
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| Why Is Chicago Considered Midwest |
A Tale of Two Regions
The Midwest, as defined by the US Census Bureau, is a sprawling land of cornfields, friendly folks, and an inexplicable love for cheese. It's a region known for its heartland charm, not its haute couture. Chicago, with its towering skyline and world-class museums, seems to be a bit of an outlier.
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But here's the thing: geography is one thing, but history and culture are another. Chicago was born from the Great Lakes, a crucial transportation hub that connected the East Coast to the vast interior of the country. This strategic location made it a melting pot of cultures and a booming industrial center.
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
The Windy City: A Midwestern Maverick
While Chicago may have a big city attitude, it's undeniably rooted in Midwestern values. The city's love for deep dish pizza, hot dogs with everything, and endless amounts of cheese curds is as Midwestern as apple pie. Plus, let's not forget those brutally cold winters that would make a Siberian husky shiver.
So, while Chicago might try to distance itself from its Midwestern roots, it's like trying to separate peanut butter from jelly - it's just not gonna happen. The city's unique blend of urban energy and Midwestern charm is what makes it such a fascinating place.
To Sum Up...
Chicago is a city of contradictions. It's a Midwestern metropolis, a Great Lakes gem, and a cultural powerhouse. It's where deep dish pizza meets fine dining, and where you can find world-class museums and friendly neighborhood pubs. So, the next time someone questions Chicago's Midwestern status, just smile and say, "Have you tried a Chicago-style hot dog?"
How to embrace your inner Midwesterner:
- How to enjoy a classic Midwestern summer: Fire up the grill, crack open a cold one, and watch the sunset over the cornfields.
- How to perfect the art of small talk: Start with the weather, then move on to sports, and if all else fails, compliment someone's casserole.
- How to survive a Midwestern winter: Layer up, drink hot chocolate, and binge-watch your favorite shows.
- How to order a Chicago-style hot dog: Everything on it, except ketchup. Trust us.
- How to appreciate Midwestern hospitality: Be prepared to be fed, and be prepared to share your life story with complete strangers.