... When someone from Edmonton makes it big, many Edmontonians become fiercely proud and supportive of them. Gretzky comes to mind, though I was never an avid hockey fan. I went to Ross Sheppard High School, the same school that Olympic gold medalist Jamie Sale attended. Jens Lindemann, world class trumpet player, was in high school with my parents at McNally.
Why are we so immensely proud of these Edmontonians that have made it big? Is it that Edmonton could be finally put on the map, that we could be good for something? Or is it a hidden hope that we all have the potential to escape the city and move onto bigger and better things? On what is this proud founded? Is it misplaced?
You're definitely right that Edmontonians are very passionate about talent that comes from here or somehow represents the city.
ReplyDeleteEven though Gretzky isn't actually from Edmonton, nor were the Oilers the only team he found success on, I think people remember his 'greatness' for the service he did here, how he put Edmonton on the map in a new way, and he'll forever be commended for it.
Do you think that Edmonton is more notable for this kind of recognition more than other cities/towns?
No, I don't think that Edmonton is any more notable than any other place for having support and pride in other, bigger-named Edmontonians... I Just find it curious that many of us show such pride while we still scorn the city.
ReplyDeleteThis is really interesting! One thing that I don't like about the idea of "making it big" is that most of the people are welcomed in other places, and move on. It's seen as an accomplishment, escaping Edmonton. I think it's sad that we don't celebrate local talent that stays local. My favourite author, Thomas Wharton, lives in Edmonton and teaches at the university. After reading both Minister Faust's Coyote Kings of the Space-Age Bachelor Pad and his second novel, From the Notebooks of Dr. Brain, I think he's hooked me as a lifetime fan; another local author who's involved in the arts community. I'm beginning to see that involvement in local communities is a really valuable thing, something that shouldn't be scorned.
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