It’s easy to see how those in charge would like the new tourism campaign themed, “Chicago: Second to None.” It’s got that “you talkin’ to me?” attitude that some obviously think is needed to change attitudes about Chicago.
Well, I’m not one of them.
This line speaks more to Chicagoans than it does to those who believe New York is the city that is second to none. Do those in charge of this campaign really believe that this is going to convince anyone that Chicago deserves to be called the First City? Heck, go for it. Why not tell people it doesn’t snow here either?
Why are we so hung up on being called the Second City? Give it up. We are! Some might even say we’re the Third City. If that hurts, I’m sorry. But here’s the good news: Nobody besides us really cares who’s first, fourth or eighteenth. What they care about is what this city has to offer that makes it special. Period.
Chicago is more than just a city. It’s a rich and inviting story, unlike any city could tell. It’s a story that needs no comparison. And it’s a story that many can identify with. It’s about finding how it’s better to be different. It’s about being too good to care about rankings. And it’s about the value of confidence over self-consciousness.
On its surface, “Second to None” tells the world why we shouldn”t be disregarded. But underneath that line is a tone that might explain why we often are.
— Jim Signorelli, Evanston
