The Golden Triangle, City of Champions, City of Bridges, and more are all nicknames for the great city that is Pittsburgh, PA. The Burgh is one of a kind—it's not Midwest or East Coast, but rather a mix of the best of both. Instead of disappearing with the steel mills, a new Pittsburgh emerged from the rubble of smokestacks and factories—one that championed top universities, the arts, and technology. But despite modernization, Pittsburgh stills retains glimpses into the past, whether it be the ketchup brand that names our football stadium, or even the rich culture that immigrants brought here long ago.
Anyone from the Pittsburgh area knows Pittsburgh's charms, and doesn't need to be convinced. As a Pitt student and native Pittsburgher, I'm always ready to talk about my city, and I really try not to put down other people's hometowns. However, out-of-towners are not as generous.
I've heard non-Pittsburghers complain about our weather, our supposed lack of 'things to do', our distance from other 'more fun' places, and so on. I've lived here my entire life, and the weather doesn't seem all that abnormal to me- true, when it rains, it rains a lot for a day or so, big deal. But let's not think that Pittsburgh is overcast 99% of the year.
Others criticize Pittsburgh's cuisine—Chicagoans refuse to eat our pizza because it's not from Chicago, others think pierogies are weird (apparently people don't eat pierogies elsewhere in the U.S.?), and even more think it strange to put fries on a sandwich. (Okay, that one is a little weird, but it's delicious so who cares!)
And of course, Pittsburgh is criticized for it's language- that is, the use of words such as 'pop', 'gumband', 'sweeper', 'chipped ham', and of course, 'yinz'. But to all you non-Pittsburghers out there, just a disclaimer: most people from Pittsburgh do not say 'yinz'! Part of Pittsburgh's charm are all the little things that set us apart from everywhere else. Yes, our way of speaking might be different from yours, but how would you like it if I criticized your hometown? There isn't a right or wrong way to say or do something (like using 'pop' versus 'soda'), just different ways.
Still, Pittsburgh not what it used to be- a blue collar steel and coal town. Over the years, Pittsburgh has literally cleaned itself up—just take a look at what the Cathedral of Leaning looked like prior to its $5 million-plus makeover in 2007:
The Cathedral in 2007 shortly before its cleaning.
The Cathedral in 2007 post-makeover.
The beauty and impressiveness of the Cathedral after its makeover is just one example of Pittsburgh's ever-forward progression; it proves that something beautiful can emerge from something tarnished.
Sure, the Burgh isn't as big as Philly, and we don't have beaches like Jersey, but we're ok with that. Pittsburgh is unique and proud of it. If you're going to come here and criticize us, go ahead, but does your football team have six Super Bowls?
