The grass is greener on the other side

Photo by Dori, via Wikimedia Commons

Diego Saldaña-Rojas/Staff Writer

“I hate Miami.”

I’ve heard these words more than once and not always from individuals donning thick rimmed glasses and leather boots.

From my native perspective, it seems that quite a few people hate this place: It’s too hot, the weather is, like, super unpredictable, people are legit rude, traffic is freakin’ crazy and drivers are ridiculous, bro.

If you smirked or rolled yours eyes at the monologue of a stereotypical Miamian, then you know exactly what I am writing about: the disdain of this city by some of its own people. I realized how silly we Miamians can get sometimes.

A few days ago, I met a student who had just transferred from one of my favorite cities–Chicago.

I blabbered on about how much I loved their functioning mass transit systems, music venues, concerts, art scene, bars, cuisine and architecture. The culmination of the conversation was me declaring my love for Chicago, a statement which made the student’s eyes instantly widen with surprise.

He, in turn, went on to describe Chicago’s hellish winters and crime rates. He then proceeded to describe Miami’s cultural beauty and superb year-round climate.

Then it hit me: The grass is always greener on the other side.

As old and cheesy as that phrase is, it’s absolutely true. I include myself when I say that sometimes Miamians harshly judge their own city and the people that inhabit it.

Cities are complex machines and, like all machines, they are susceptible to wear and tear. Not all are built with the highest quality parts and engineering. Not all are maintained by the most skilled mechanics.

Yes, this city does have its issues–some that go beyond heat and humidity and extend into the realm of corruption and crime.

That does not mean it is inhospitable. Just Google “Chicago murder rate 2013” and you’ll see what I mean.

It’s easier to romanticize and yearn for somewhere else than appreciate sites set right before you.

We have miles of coastline, warm and sunny weather year round, a plethora of cultures, languages and cuisines, history and architecture.

No one is asking you to be infatuated with this city. Take a second to think critically before you go about bashing it while praising another.

As some of my fellow Miamians would say: Don’t be such a hater, bro.

 

diego.saldana@fiusm.com