On imagining the future of Pittsburgh - can we unite our community around ideas of technology, the environment, and/or higher education? I attended Pop City Live! earlier this month at the New Hazlett Theater, an event planned by the creators of PopCityMedia.com, an e-magazine praising the people, businesses, and ideas leading Pittsburgh to a brighter future. The panelists encouraged attendees to promote technological, environmental, and educational initiatives to transform Pittsburgh into a “hot” city.
Sure, we have Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, Robert Morris University, Chatham University, Carlow University, Point Park University, La Roche College, the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and the Community College of Allegheny County (among others) all within minutes of each other and downtown Pittsburgh, PA. They are all teaching tens of thousands of young adults to think for themselves, become active and informed citizens, and to all-around enrich their lives - no doubt many lessons integrate the use of technology and challenge students to find sustainable solutions to environmental and social concerns.
However, are these students the people of Pittsburgh? Are the professors at these colleges and universities teaching the students about the rich history of Pittsburgh and truly providing them with a sense of community?
People of Pittsburgh - people that stay because they remember and reminisce about the Steel City, their families live here, they love the Steelers, the Pirates, the Penguins, and the Panthers, taking their children and grandchildren to Kennywood in the summer, watching the nostalgic documentaries by Rick Sebak, visiting the Carnegie Museum, the Carnegie Science Center, the Andy Warhol Museum, the Benedum, the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, and throwing back an Iron City or enjoying a Primanti’s sandwich with old friends.
A disconnect remains. Until our leaders and teachers understand what motivates the people OF Pittsburgh, and not the people in Pittsburgh on their way to a life outside of our Three Rivers, we cannot unite the community around a shared vision.
Ah, but here’s the rub: do the people who would stay here anyway share the same passion for new technology and change as the people who might leave?
Tech-based businesses, social media entrepreneurs, artists, revolutionaries — they don’t necessarily appeal to the people who still give directions according to where things “used to be”.
So, although the lifelong locals cannot be ignored in the push to make Pittsburgh a city the rest of the country actually pays attention to, it stands to reason that these same locals aren’t exactly generating buzz for the city in the first place.
United vision? Perhaps. But I’d be content with numerous vibrant visions competing with each other to nudge us forward, rather than having to wait for the status quo to catch up.
While I enjoy Rick Sebak documentaries (especially the food ones) as much as any Pittsburgher, I agree with Justin that our collective nostalgia probably won’t lead us into some glorious future.
I wasn’t able to attend Pop City Live! last week, but from what I’ve read on other blogs, it wasn’t much different from the other ubiquitous “Let’s revitalize Pittsburgh” style meetings/committees/initiatives that already exist.
Maybe it’s a lingering effect from Randy Pausch’s inspirational and heartbreaking farewell lecture, but I’m starting to get tired of people sitting around and just talking, whether it be in a crowded theater or in the local blogging circles (yes, I fully realize the hypocritical irony in that statement).
I encourage everyone to get involved in some local grassroots action like next weekend’s 24 Hour Creative Marathon at the Creative Treehouse. Perhaps we can continue the always popular “future of Pittsburgh” discussion there while actually doing something to help out the area.
You are absolutely right, the city needs leaders, rather than a city government that “governs” by press release. People are stuck in just living with the status-quo while the government is not doing anything about it. Elect a new mayor that will provide the leadership this city needs.
I too was at the PopCity event and left with two thoughts.
1. People of Pittsburgh need to take more pride in Pittsburgh.
There is so much happing in this city, yet we don’t always know what is always going on. Jackie told me about her attempt to follow all the happenings in the city and it is impossible because there is so much. I say this because I think not knowing (or participating) leads to this lack of forward thinking, and keeps us comparing ourselves with other cities. If Pittsburghers would take more pride in who they are and understand what they are then this city would be much stronger.
2. We need to go to each others events to develop this pride. Easier said than done right. Well I believe we start this by going to as many events outside our normal routine as possible. If we encourage old school Pittsburgh to get out of the burrow and cross the river they may discover what an excellent city they have. Or at the very least they may discover a community they otherwise wouldn’t have known.
First, thank you everyone for commenting.
Justin - I certainly agree with empowering the people taking initiative to make our city great, with whatever medium they choose. A small group of people can make a difference, but a larger group of people working towards the same goal can make a bigger difference. I’m not content with the status quo either, but if you want to make a change to the city of Pittsburgh, I don’t think you can do it without the people living in the city backing you and your ideas.
Jia - This idea of a collective nostalgia no doubt exists though, right? I visited Boston a few months back and visited all the tourist attractions. I felt like I got a true sense of their history, from Paul Revere to John F. Kennedy. Can visitors find the same sense of history and continued importance in Pittsburgh? Why or why not - especially since we all agree it exists.
Thank you for the links - hopefully they inspire many to take action. I will also be attending the 24 hour Creative Marathon Saturday night after work.
Chuck - Here is a plug for your candidate - I encourage everyone to check out Mark DeSantis for Mayor. Is Ravenstahl getting the job done? If anyone has an opinion please post a comment below! The election will be held November 6, 2007.
Norm - There are a ton of events and motivated people in Pittsburgh, and I agree everyone should make an effort to find out more! After Pop City Live!, Norm gave a couple of us a small tour of the Northside, which if you watch the news, you may never want to enter at night for fear of crime. I had a fantastic time and we shared a conversation about what the city of Pittsburgh meant to each of us.
I grow more and more passionate about improving our city each day I attend an event like Pop City Live!, talk to each of the people that commented above and continue the conversation with family, friends, co-workers, and the new people I meet. That’s why I encourage everyone to get out there, meet people, ask questions, and take initiative with me.
Thanks again everyone,
Jackie