Being from the south side of Chicago, I'm used to seeing neighboring areas on the news for mostly the bad. I don't blame the stations either they want stories that sell not stories about the realities they never tell. It's never as terrible as the man or woman with the microphone on channel 7 tells you we have our great days topped with sunsets painted with pastel hues. In 2011 I saw a man get robbed at knife point and could never think of the Cta the same until next month when I had the best day downtown and I felt like David Blaine. There's only one say to see an accurate representation of the South side and that's to go there yourself or talk to everyone from there. But since I know that's not an option for everyone, here's a little real.
1. We Hate The Violence And Crime
You know those Facebook comments that say "You can't protest for #BlackLivesMatter if you all kill each other?" Well truth is, WE PROTEST BOTH AND HAVE BEEN FOR YEARS. Why Didn't you know? Because the news didn't want you to because they knew it wouldn't get viewers or it wouldn't sell. Mothers want their babies in school and big brothers want their siblings about success because that's the real cool.
2. We Have The Best Food
The best pizza, hotdog, and chicken joints aren't downtown. 87th Street Harold's Chicken with a can of Hawaiian Punch. It's not good if it's not from the hood people.
3. We Have The Best Parties
Juke Jam isn't just a song by Chance The Rapper, It's a reality when you come to this side. Anyone who went to a South side party in high school can recall at least one time a hole was made in the wall.
4. The Best Rappers Come From The South Side
Chance the Rapper, Kanye West, Vic Mensa, Chief Keef, Famous Dex, and the list goes on.
5. Pick Up Games Everywhere
Say the word and you can get a 3v3 game going any time.
6. Street Art
Street art is a staple of the South side especially at a location known as the walls of grace. A stretch of graffiti that goes on longer than gym class laps.
