Quote:
Originally Posted by Homeslice
No, not illusions but considering that Philadelphia is sandwiched between the #1 tourist city in the usa and the #3 tourist city its performance is a tad underwhelming. Throw in all the unique historic destinations, the magnificient Ben Franklin Parkway, the tony center city neighborhoods and quite frankly the tourist that Philadlephia does get leaves alot to be desired. Lets not get it twisted, Its a slacker.
The national perception of NYC is of romatic Manhattan. The national perception of Chicago is the sparkling exciting Loop and the Lakefront. The poverty stricken rough and tumble areas like the Bronx,South Chicago somehow are overlooked in the overall national perception because those areas and the poor people that live in those areas are kept at arms length from the touristy downtown area which people visit. Leads for a much easier sell of the city to tourists and potential businesses.
In Philadlephia its all one gigantic economically entangled mess in the tourist areas. That is why NYC and Chicago gets Wows and Philadlephia gets Woes.
|
While I think that you could have stated your arguement in a better way (so hardcore Philadelphians could look at another view), I generally agree with your point. National perception of people that have never visited is extrememly negative. However everyone that have ever visited me in the city, has left with a new positive impression of Philly and says the same thing "I would love to live here" (granted I live in Old City).
Everyone is to blame for the negative perception. Police, government, citizens and especially media. Police don't cite for minor crimes in more affluent areas and we all know about the recent alleged beating event. The government (corrupt for years) ignored many needs of the people. Citizens throw trash out their car windows and don't maintain properties. And Philadelphians generally are outspoken...and tell it like it is at the worst.
Don't forget the media. After a recent visit to Chicago, I'll use this as an example. There were two murders in the city, but the media described them as occuring in Southside. And continuously said the __ murder in SS this year. Never once did they group the entire city into a number or act like people should fear the entire city.
The worst areas in the city can only improve if the best areas of the city improve. Look at how places like Northern Liberties are improving after bordering a postive Old City. And Fishtown is improving from a better NL. Or how Queen Village improved from a positive Society Hill. The wealth and growth will spread to other areas, but the base (tourist areas) must maximize their potential.