I didn't think I'd get to this point already, but here I am. Where I'm at is wanting people to be following my blog here so that when I post this I'll get some responses with input. *Sigh*...I promised myself I wouldn't do this. On we go...
So I've gotten to thinking about what Orlando does for its residents and visitors. More specifically: what Downtown Orlando does for its residents and visitors. A common thread of conversation about our little fledgling urban core is comparison to larger cities with more established centers. Fair or not it happens, and the argument is generally on the topic of diversity and functionality or, as many are so quick to say, Orlando's lack thereof.
What about big cities? New York, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia...these are cities with identities: The Big Apple/The City That Never Sleeps, Beantown/The Hub, Second City/The Chi, The City of Brotherly Love/Illadelph. As legend has it, these are cities that inspire. These are cities that have no limits, no ceilings, endless opportunity. These are great cities that make great people. Moguls, tycoons, world-renowned artists, the uber-talented.
Where does Orlando fit in? What are we known for? Does anything "great" happen here? Does this city make people? It's really hard for me to avoid the prevailing train of thought. That Orlando is a city of transients; a stepping stone. A small fish going through a massive identity crisis. Well...I'd be a lesser man if I didn't recognize the validity in those opinions. However, I'm one of the few that I know that will defend this city to the end and extol its merits and values.
Personally, I love this city. I love the fact that it's like a small child, learning the ropes and trying its best. A lot of us wanted to be like big bro or big sis; mom or dad. We tried on their clothes, we acted like them, ate what they ate. But here we all are, grown into ourselves, developing our identities all the while keeping the lessons we learned from our bigs at the core of who we are. Learning from example is the foundation of life, so I can't possibly fault my city for doing the same. I think the opportunities for happiness, success, and balance are all here. As for the magnitude of those opportunities, I'll admit that it's apparent that we're still a small fish. However, in the same breath I challenge myself and everyone one else to redefine the roles of city and resident. If our city doesn't provide the opportunity then why not create it? Turn the tables and be the inspiration.
A little dedication and loyalty can go a long way in creating the type of environment that so many of us admire. One at a time the people who finally claim this city as their own and take pride in living here will add to the momentum that I believe will ultimately transform Orlando into...well, whatever nickname it eventually comes to be known by because, the truth is, great cities don't make great people. Great people make great cities.
