The Observer, March 30, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 22
Cleveland on Fire: Experiencing Cleveland more valuable than talking about it
The age-old adage challenges any boaster to walk the walk of their talk. Words are, after all, letters thrown together – sometimes in a print format that can be ripped up, thrown away, or burnt. Sometimes words come out of the mouth only to fall on deaf ears, yet other times words flash on a screen for a second – causing a blip in one's mind. When it comes to Cleveland, words are not enough, and action is what is truly necessary.
On a broader level, the work of major institutions in Northeast Ohio has traditionally given terrific lip-service to the improvement of our region. The Cleveland Plain Dealer is a terrific example of this with their "Believe in Cleveland" campaign that aims to promote the city and the great future it holds through billboard ads and television commercials. This effort is undermined, however, by the paper's repeated history of doom and gloom stories about the city. Reporting the news is an important and necessary task; however, their efforts are often narrow and misleading. It is easy to understand then why the general public has a certain view of Cleveland.
In our own backyard, University Circle Inc. (UCI) has been traditionally seen as an underachieving organization that has lofty goals but fails to take action on them. This, thankfully, is beginning to change as the new leadership at UCI has seemingly brought an energy and action to the neighborhood which should catalyze University Circle into the future as a leader.
Even at Case Western Reserve University, there has been a culture of talking about improving the neighborhood, the economy, and the region, but a lack of action. This can be seen in the slow- moving projects, lack of real connection to the community, as well as a lack of connection between the students and the city.
Lastly, many personal relationships blatantly show the double-sided talk working in Cleveland. There are many students, faculty, and staff who will tell you that they think certain areas, attractions, or restaurants in the city are terrific. But when you can ask them when they have been there, a response will follow explaining that while they've never actually gone there, they've heard how great it is.
They may want to "Believe in Cleveland," but through a simple conversation it is apparent that this person has never really been to anywhere except for Coventry, Beachwood, and University Circle. They are saddened by what they believe to be the state of the city without having taken off their 'campus bubble' blinders.For everyone who wants to support this city and learn more – please stop talking about it. I'm tired of hearing, "Tremont has this really great restaurant, I love the art museum and the Flats are the place to be for a party."
Welcome to reality – have you ever actually been to one of the many restaurants, coffeehouses, art galleries, or gorgeous townhomes in Tremont? There are over a dozen terrific museums in Cleveland that deserve just as much attention as the Cleveland Museum of Art and most of them are here in University Circle. Walk to them.
And the Flats? Is it still 1996? All the business has moved up the hill to the Warehouse District and a new hot destination has emerged on East Fourth street. In addition, the East Bank of the Flats is literally being bulldozed for residential and public space redevelopment.
Go see Cleveland, don't just talk about it. Put your face, feet, money, mind, and heart where your mouth is.
Verespej is a senior Political Science/Pre-Law student involved in the performing arts and is also the Executive Director for the Student Turning Point Society.
