I'm from Philadelphia, and I know that we have a reputation. If you're also from Philly, then you know we do as well. People have said we're rude, bad drivers, aggressive, our sports fans should be in jail, pretty much any insult under the sun that you can think of, and we've heard of it. The interesting part is, people tend to be afraid to be honest with you to your face, despite their strong opinions on our city. So, I asked a few people what the first thing was that came to mind when they thought of Philadelphia.
All survey respondents were asked the same question, "What's the craziest thing you've seen happen in Philly, or a stereotype you've heard about Philly?" Here are the results:
1. "Something about the steak and I hear that it smells weird." -Kelly M.
It's just wafting over from Camden. Trust us, we use deodorant.
2. "In West Philadelphia, born and raised..." -Cameron F.
We're one of the most historic cities in the United States, and all you can think of is Will Smith?
3. "Don't you say the word water weirdly?" -Matthew S.
4. "Philly cheesesteaks or something?" -Sarah L.
OR SOMETHING?! It's what we live for.
5. "One time, someone came up to me in Philly outside one of the Pop Up gardens I was working a show at and asked me if I was an actor. I said I wasn't, but told them that there was a show in the garden that evening that I was crewing. They pointed to my short, asymmetrical haircut and screamed, "A-ha! I knew it! That's the haircut of a Philly artist!"" -Cole C.
LOL. You don't know what a Philly artist looks like, because they could be homeless or dressed in Michael Kors head to toe. Philly style changes constantly.
6. "I'm not sure, but there's probably definitely a mafia war between the cheesesteak restaurants." -Tracy B.
On this, the day of my daughter's wedding...
7. "Not a stereotype, but once I went to a club show in Philly and outside of the club two guys on drugs were fighting over a sandwich. Like full on fist fighting, rolling in the street." -Taylor B.
I mean, I'd be lying if I said it sounded strange. Philly will do what Philly wants.
8. "Everyone has a hard-on for Rocky." -Kelsey R.
Again, you're not wrong...
9. "One time I was sitting in a park in Philly and a random man came up to me, untied my shoes, and asked for a selfie. I took six." -Maria K.
What else would you do in that situation?
10. "There's a show about your city and Danny DeVito is in it." -Terry D.
And it's beautiful. If you haven't seen it, you're not living your best life.
11. "People eat from gas stations and love it for some reason." -John S.
It's not a gas station. It's a lifestyle.
12. "A homeless dude was screaming in my face and it was scaring the shit out of me." -Chuck M.
Interviewer: Why was he screaming at you?!
Chuck: He said that I was an asshole for not noticing him and that he hoped he'd never see me again.
13. "I once met this guy from Philadelphia who called me "bull." I don't know why. It was all he'd ever call me. I don't even know if he knew my name." -Kevin T.
It's not my problem that you don't get my vernacular.
14. "Wooder. You say wooder, don't you?" -Marriam K.
GET. OVER. IT.
15. "Everyone is alcoholics." -Angie Y.
I can neither confirm nor deny that we all have a collective drinking problem.
16. "Driving to a club and seeing a someone getting tased. No by a cop but a very unmistakable transsexual. I'll never forget the sound of the taser." -Phil Q.
This one is pretty wild, yet highly impressive.
17. "I saw a car drive down a SIDEWALK to get out of traffic the other week..." -Charlotte B.
Again, I'm not surprised.
18. "People from Philly eat spray can cheese!" -Kirstin W.
It's called "processed," and it's very special to us.
19. "I don't know, I try not to associate myself with them [Philadelphians]." -Grace D.
Well, then, f*#$ you too.
