EchoBooming in Birmingham

I really wanted to blog about the article that appeared in the Washington Post last weekend about the Music Scene here in Birmingham, but I was quite busy… Go read it if you haven’t and I’ll let another blogger do my commentary:

Kelly jumped up on her soapbox and made some great points about the negative attitude many ‘Hamians have about this Magic City we live in. Go read what she wrote and the article that she helped get written over on her blog here.

And I’m going to steal some of her work in an attempt to spread the word and get you guys talking.

Kelly thinks that there are 6 types of residents here in Birmingham:

The whiners -. Those that “can’t wait to get out of Birmingham” because “there is nothing to ever do”. On any given night or day, I know of at least 405 things to do, bands to check out, films to see, places to hang, and people to meet. The whiners really need a new shtick, because this one just plain doesn’t work on me.

The left outs -. Those that take every opportunity afforded them to complain that they aren’t included in various cliques or groups. My advice: get involved. There is no shortage of opportunities for any one WANTING to get involved. The shortage lies in that person’s willingness to seek out opportunities – or – GASP – volunteer their services to help nurture a better City/group/industry/project. I have volunteered and still volunteer for everything I can fit into my schedule. There is nothing worse than a complainer that doesn’t do their damndest to fix things and be a part of a resurgance.

The apologizers – The ones that profusely apologize for what we have to offer, i.e.: “God, Im so sorry you had to spend your weekend here.” Trust me, dude, no one is sorrier than the person listening to you say that, that you live in this City. Stop your fucking apologizing and either a.) move on your merry way; b.) keep your pity to yourself or c.) explore and find out why so many people DO love it here. I bet you’ve never even been to the Garage before, you stupid Sorry Monster.

The History majors – The ones that can’t stop talking about the 60s. You know, the era in which Birmingham was center of all media attention for our ADVANCEMENT of Civil Rights. Yeah, some of you may remember that while the rest of the country was segregating and showing their bigotry and deeply seated racism, Birmingham was stepping up and NOT taking it any more. It was because of the activities [led by the total minority of those simply in power] and the “final straw” that the COUNTRY rose above and beyond and conquered the inequalties of the rest of the country. What would have happened had Alabama and Birmingham NOT been the basis for this uprising? I embrace what happened here. I move forward knowing that we were the catalyst for change to occur – across the country, and including our dear friends in the north.

The boomerangs – Those that grew up here, moved away for college, jobs, scenery – and then came home. Nine times out of ten, these folks are our new biggest cheerleaders. They have lived and worked other places and know the great secrets we hold dear in Birmingham and, like a magnet, found their ways home. Experience elsewhere gives them a new found appreciation for the comparison.

The proud – Those that start every sentence with a beaming smile and cannot wait to show their Southern charm with their incredible way of telling a story of their favorite Birmingham place, person or thing. Transplants to our City learn this trait quickly and adopt their own personal story for future use.

So what type of Birminghamian are you?

Me? I’m part of the Proud (even if that means sending my children to Private School) although I admit I used to be an appoligizer.