Houston Bashing

[Sunstar]

I wanted to start a thread that examined the supposed phenomenon known as Houston bashing. The theory proposes that the national media purposefully singles out Houston for constant abuse, using it as the poster boy for everything that is wrong with America: sprawl, crime, obesity, pollution, etc.

Is this a demonstrable conspiracy or are we being just a tad sensitive?

As exhibit A, consider this article in Yahoo Travel about Phoenix:

The state capital and largest city in Arizona, PHOENIX holds only minimal appeal for tourists. When it began life in the 1860s, it must have seemed like a good idea. The sweltering little farming town stood in the heart of the large Salt River Valley, with a ready-made irrigation system left by ancient Indians (the name Phoenix honors the fact that the city rose from the ashes of a long-vanished Hohokam community). Within a century, however, Phoenix had turned into what writer Edward Abbey called "the blob that is eating Arizona," acquiring as it did so the money and political clout to defy the self-evident absurdity of building a huge city in a virtually waterless desert. Now the sixth largest city in the US, it has filled the entire valley, engulfing the neighboring towns of Scottsdale, Mesa and Tempe in the process, with over a million people within the city boundaries and more than two million in the metropolitan area. Arizona's financial and industrial epicenter may just be getting into its stride; boosters claim the megalopolis will one day stretch 150 miles, from Wickenburg to Tucson.

The city's phenomenal rise was originally fueled by its image as a healthy oasis, where the desert had been tamed and transformed into a suburban idyll. While retirees still flock to enclaves such as Sun City, Phoenix now has a deserved reputation as the most unpleasant city in the Southwest – Las Vegas with no casinos, or LA with no beach. Above all, it's hot; between June and August daytime highs average over 100°F, making it the hottest city outside the Middle East.

In winter, when temperatures rarely drop below 65°F, tourists from colder climes arrive in large numbers. They pay vast sums to warm their bones in the luxury resorts and spas, concentrated especially in Scottsdale, that are the modern equivalent of the 1930s dude ranches. Unlike golf, tennis and shopping, sightseeing rarely ranks high on the agenda – which is just as well, since there's a good deal of truth in the charge laid by Phoenix's older arch-rival, Tucson, that the city is sorely lacking in culture and history. Apart from the Heard Museum's excellent Native American displays, and Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture studio at Taliesin West, Phoenix is short of must-see attractions. In fact, if you're on a touring vacation, you'd miss little if you bypassed it altogether; a day at one of the city's plentiful upscale malls is probably as authentic and enjoyable an experience as Phoenix has to offer.

That’s pretty rough, even by Houston standards. Or consider this blurb about Atlanta:

Today's Atlanta is at first glance a typical large American city. Its population has reached 3.5 million, and urban sprawl is such a problem that each citizen is obliged to travel an average of 34 miles per day by car – the highest figure in the country. Cut off from each other by roaring freeways, bright lights and an enclave mentality, its neighborhoods tend to have distinct racial identities – broadly speaking, "white flight" was to the northern suburbs, while the southern districts are predominantly black.

I’m sure if any of us spent a little time searching online, we could find numerous articles bashing other cities, even media-centric towns like New York and LA. Perhaps the real phenomenon here isn’t Houston bashing, or even our legendary defensiveness. Instead, it might be the lack of defensiveness by other cities. Have these other cities transcended to higher states where they are unconcerned about what others think of them, or do they just lack civic pride?

[Subdude]

Interesting topic. I've never really felt that there's a material amount of Houston-bashing. Any city has good and bad points, and discussing the bad points doesn't generally equate to "bashing". I think there's a tendancy, not just here but in general, to react by reflex to any kind of criticism by claiming "bashing" or "bias by the media". It's always easier to react to criticism by attempting to discredit the messenger, rather than responding directly. Maybe that's just human nature, but it does come off as defensiveness at times. As much as we love Houston, you have to remember that due to terrain, climate, sprawl, freeways, or whatnot, that this city does have some characteristics that a lot of people don't like. Fair enough. And that implies that there will always be some degree of media coverage that is negative. Once again, fair enough. News outlets aren't branches of the Chamber of Commerce. They're not here to provide happy news to make us all feel better. I just don't read that as "bashing". If we're big kids we can either answer sensibly or shrug it off. Well that's my $.02.

Btw the quote about Phoenix was funny. A few years back the Economist (in a fit of Houston-bashing?) captioned an article about Houston "The Blob that Ate East Texas". Those blob-cities are everywhere!

[nmainguy]

Well, we are what we are. It hasn't seemed to prevent us from being a growing and vibrant city. We could sit and tic off all the pluses and minuses all day long. There's plenty of both. We're not a tourist destination. We don't neccesarily strive to be. We are first and formost a city built on buisness. That's what we do; that's what we are. I don't forsee any mass exodus out of the city because 2 or 3 negative articles appear nationally every year. All we need to do is never stop improving our environments-civic, cultural, educational, buisness, medical science and technology.

Plus all our handsome and beautiful HAIFers always enhances our image.

[Guest danax]

Today's Atlanta ........Cut off from each other by roaring freeways, bright lights and an enclave mentality, its neighborhoods tend to have distinct racial identities – broadly speaking, "white flight" was to the northern suburbs, while the southern districts are predominantly black.

Anyone else ever noticed that the blacks "always" seem to get the south side, the latins get the east and the whites get the north and west? Is there some kind of genetic predispostion or was there a psychological advantage towards certain sides of a CBD way back when this pattern was established? Just an observation. I know, there are lots of exceptions.

True, we don't notice that other cities get bashed, but there is something to certain cities getting certain reputations, good or bad, that result in cliched reporting at times, and we are on a lot of writer's bash lists it would seem.

Sprawling cities in the Southwest are blobs, but blobs that are in the process of maturation, like zygotes that have started to divide prolifically. Not enough history to have many touristy sights prehaps, but I'm sure Manhattan started the same way. These well fed fetuses will be the respected destinations in 100 years. I would give Houston a much better chance of surviving intact and healthy than Phoenix, as water will be their

Achille's heel.

[WesternGulf]

Anyone else ever noticed that the blacks "always" seem to get the south side, the latins get the east and the whites get the north and west? Is there some kind of genetic predispostion or was there a psychological advantage towards certain sides of a CBD way back when this pattern was established? Just an observation. I know, there are lots of exceptions.

Very weird.

[MiDTOWNeR]

Perhaps the real phenomenon here isn’t Houston bashing, or even our legendary defensiveness. Instead, it might be the lack of defensiveness by other cities.

Very well put. I think that sums it up.

In the NO bashes H town thread, someone posted the definition of narcissistic. I think that says a lot about this bashing issue as well. People are so caught up with this place being the 4th largest town in the country- that it MUST be great.

[713 To 214]

Excellent topic.

[DJ V Lawrence]

Excellent topic.

I agree. GREAT topic and question.

What bothered me the most is that when I hear of supposed bad things about Houston, they were almost never from people who actually visited Houston.

Case in Point, the 2004 Super Bowl. I watched the pre bowl hoopla in Korea prior to visiting Houston three days before the game, and it was VERY easy to notice where the "bashing" was coming from. Example: Pardon the Interuption with Micheal and Wilbon. Wilbon was in New York studios while Micheal was in Houston. Prior to visiting Houston, both were talking about how boring they thought the bowl would be, because of the teams, but mainly because of the city hosting it (I heard a LOT of announcers skeptical of what to expect before they came down here.) Micheal and many other ESPN announcers come to Houston to cover the game, and ALL of them are blown away by the job Houston had done, the way the city looked, and how excited and hospitable Houstonians were about hosting the game. In the meantime, Wilbon (who stayed in New York studios), kept ranting about how Micheal was just sucking up because Micheal was in Houston, and how Wilbon just KNEW Houston was nothing more than a sprawled out, fat, polluted town with nothing to do, no enthusiasm, and had NOTHING better than New York in his eyes. This coming from a guy who hasn't visited Houston in...well...I don't even know if he's ever BEEN in Houston.

Preconception is a huge Houston killer in my book.

[MiDTOWNeR]

and ALL of them are blown away by the job Houston had done, the way the city looked, and how excited and hospitable Houstonians were about hosting the game.

If that was the case, why wasn't the NFL chomping at the bit to bring the game back to Houston?

After San Deigo hosted the game in 1998, they were awarded the game again for the first possible year not already assigned to another city.

Certainly many folks may have been pleasantly surprised by their visit during the game but not pleasantly surpirsed enough. =(

[RedScare]

DJ, that is a poor example of Houston bashing, given that the format of the show you mention includes one announcer taking a position and the other taking the opposite side on EVERY topic, not just ones about Houston.

And Midtowner, your gripe is incorrect as well. The owners have refused to award Houston another Super Bowl as punishment for Bob McNair's positions regarding revenue sharing, that hurt the small market franchises. It has nothing to do with the city itself, as the NFL was uniformly complimentary of Houston's performance as a host city.

To be fair to all of the supposed Houston bashers, one needs to thank them for all of the Houston COMPLIMENTS last year when Jacksonville hosted the Super Bowl. They all lamented how boring Jacksonville was, UNLIKE the great time had in Houston the year before. I don't see any of those comments here. Perhaps some of the posters here have thin hometown skins?

[firstngoal]

If that was the case, why wasn't the NFL chomping at the bit to bring the game back to Houston?

After San Deigo hosted the game in 1998, they were awarded the game again for the first possible year not already assigned to another city.

Certainly many folks may have been pleasantly surprised by their visit during the game but not pleasantly surpirsed enough. =(

Sorry, but you are wrong about that. San Francisco had actually been awarded the Super Bowl, but when it became clear that they would not get their new stadium built in time (and the owner became involved in a huge scandal), the NFL basically took the game away from SF and awarded it to San Diego. You are right though about San Diego, where I was living at the time... they got the re-award since they had done a good job in '98 and they could pull it off again with relatively short notice. San Diego is an awesome sight for the Super Bowl... period.

Houston did a terrific job in 2004. It will be very difficult to get on any rotation though when you are competing with other cities that have better hotel facilities and natural amenities - and that are basically built around the tourist trade. That's not Houston bashing... just a fact. I doubt you'll see the NFL hit Detroit (after this year) any time soon either.

[The Great Hizzy!]

It's a two-sided coin. There are those who feel the need to defend Houston at every turn, as if criticism and loathing of Houston based upon the ever common 21st century tenants (sprawl, walkability, snazzy non-suburban stores/restaurants, immense public transit systems, etc) are either justifiable, relevant or a threat to their every day psyche. Then there are those who, for whatever reason, feel the need to give credence to every negative criticism thrown out there by the so called urban elites (even if these criticism are ridiculous even by the standards of the person offering the criticism) lest THEY not be considered cool, cultured and socially intune with the new urban America.

What you really need to do is tune out both groups and start evaluating for yourself with a bit of perspective. Philadelphia has some very old, dense neighborhoods, some keen parks and a sizable public transit system. It also has some serious decay issues, a declining tax base, unstable government, unreliable school systems, high crime and suburban sprawl that's contributing ever more to all of the aforementioned issues. Yet, there is a group of people who are more than willing to minimize the truth of part B in order to celebrate part A.

Meanwhile, you have a city such as Phoenix that has a relatively good public school system, "healthy" neighborhoods and an ever growing tax base, but it also lacks relaible infrastructure as well as a sufficient number of parks and other culturual amenities. Yet, there is a group of civic boosters who will steadfastly promote the truth of A while completely ignoring or downplaying the reality of B.

Neither group is really satisfying the overall needs of the American city. So just as Houston, Phoenix, Atlanta, Dallas and their ilk are often cited as the poster children of the urban elite's disenchantment, cities like Chicago, Detroit, Baltimore and Philadelphia are the poster children of the "fleeing" 21st century suburbanite's disenchantment.

And neither groups seems to be listening to the other. I hope I never sound like either one.

[MidtownCoog]

If that was the case, why wasn't the NFL chomping at the bit to bring the game back to Houston?

Politics, and Bob McNair's unwillingness to share the money with some of the low rent NFL teams.

The same low rent owners who vote for where the game goes.

[HeightsGuy]

Anyone else ever noticed that the blacks "always" seem to get the south side, the latins get the east and the whites get the north and west? Is there some kind of genetic predispostion or was there a psychological advantage towards certain sides of a CBD way back when this pattern was established?

Danax, it's not genetic or psychological. It's purely economics. Just lick your finger and stick it up in the air. Which way is the (cold) wind blowing today? Follow the trail upwind and you'll usually get to the more expensive parts of a city. Since most cities started back before modern sanitation standards, the more you were upwind of the city the better.

[MidtownCoog]

LOL!

Considering Houston has a southerly flow from the Gulf of Mexico for most of the year, your theory makes no sense!

Furthermore, cold air stinks less.

[HeightsGuy]

OK smartie pants, when was the last time you smelled Pasadena air in Houston?

[MiDTOWNeR]

And Midtowner, your gripe is incorrect as well. The owners have refused to award Houston another Super Bowl as punishment for Bob McNair's positions regarding revenue sharing, that hurt the small market franchises. It has nothing to do with the city itself, as the NFL was uniformly complimentary of Houston's performance as a host city.

And if that excuse makes you feel better...then I am all for it. I do not buy it however. But you have pegged me as a Houston basher and I would expect you to be defensive to anything even remotely critical that I may write in regards to H town.

[MidtownCoog]

And if that excuse makes you feel better

This "excuse" was all over the media. It's pretty much a fact.

[nmainguy]

This "excuse" was all over the media. It's pretty much a fact.

Yep, that's pretty much the story. McNair Vs. NFL owners. Houston loses.

But it's really their loss.

[RedScare]

And if that excuse makes you feel better...then I am all for it. I do not buy it however. But you have pegged me as a Houston basher and I would expect you to be defensive to anything even remotely critical that I may write in regards to H town.

It is pretty clear that you only read your own posts. Go to the bashing thread, if you'd like to see everyone piling on me for not defending Houston's wonderful drivers and landmark strewn freeways.

[gto250us]

Is it still bashing if it is all true? Seems to me everything bad that is said about Houston is true.

[MidtownCoog]

And even if it is true, name one city who is qualfied to point out the others faults.

I am trying to find utopia, but every city I have ever been there has its own share of problems.

[gto250us]

And even if it is true, name one city who is qualfied to point out the others faults.

I am trying to find utopia, but every city I have ever been there has its own share of problems.

Cities do not point out faults, people do. Anyone is qualified, what is the problem and big deal about it?

[MidtownCoog]

Oy vey. You know what I mean. "Anyone" is qualified, and "Everyone" is an expert. Masters of the obvious.

The New York Times is a great example.

And I think most of the problem may be that the Houston Chronicle does not spend time writing similar articles.

Really, what is the point?

[VelvetJ]

Is it still bashing if it is all true? Seems to me everything bad that is said about Houston is true.

Good point. Some people were bent out of shape because of a few things the journalist from New Orleans said in her column....but they were true. Of course there have been situations where Houston was treated unfairly, particularly within the past 5-6 years, but overall much of the so called "bashing" is based in truth. It IS sprawled to a fault, the pollution IS bad, it IS surprising that a city our size doesn't have more rail, our freeways ARE huge and cluttered (which for the most part gives us our ugly label), for a city our size Houston is NOT tourist friendly, too many of our medians ARE trashy, our summers ARE unbearable, it IS humid, the city DOES lack pedestrian areas terribly, traffic IS bad, the city DOES lack a sort of vibe, and the drivers ARE crazy it seems.

In most cases it's pretty obvious when someone is blowing smoke and don't know what they are talking about. Do you guys remember that former Houstonian now in New York, who criticized Houston in a New York column for having so much air conditioning? I think we all saw through her and knew her piece was a bunch of bologna. And I think we finally realized how full of it Men's Health and Fitness Magazine was when we found out a source that carried a lot of weight in their obesity "study" was the Yellow Pages, and a lot of their conclusions were based upon how many fast food joints were listed in the phone book ( which is silly considering our city limits are larger than the average city. Compare Houston city limits and San Franciscos).

Every city has flaws but I think Houston's flaws are magnified many times because there is nothing else to destract you from them. New Orleans and Miami are hot and humid as well, but people are distracted by the culture, party scene, and beaches. Los Angeles and Las Vegas sprawl also, but people are distracted by the sheer number of attractions, and quality of them. Dallas and Atlanta probably have more in common with Houston than any other cities, and although they are many times criticize for the same things we are, they have Southern Charm and "Texas" Culture to meet people's expectations. Also those cities to a degree seem to be moving in a different direction than Houston and are doing it at a more rapid pace. In all honesty, I have always considered Atlanta to be a non-contender when it came to Houston. But I seriously think it will surpass us in population, importance, stature, and quality of life standards, and I fear it is going to happen sooner than later . Heck two weeks ago, I am home watching the Price is Right and a prize up for bid was a trip to Chicago, Boston, and Atlanta. I wondered to myself if a trip to Houston could make it on the Price Is Right? ( I think I now understand Philly's paranoia when Houston was bumped up to fourth largest city ).

Personally, I love our diversity, our no zoning, our mulitiple skylines, our modern architecture, our people, our ability to get things done, , our "middle of the rodeness" (although I do believe we are going more and more conservative to a fault), our restaurants, the trees, the proximity to the Gulf, the Museum District, etc. But even with that, everyone knows I am a relentless critic of Houston, but it's only because I want and think the city could be sooooo much better than it is.

*side note* Midtowner, I have found that I agree with a lot that you have to say on this board, but the Superbowl thing, I have to say you are incorrect this time. It was indeed political. Nothing more and nothing less.

*****Another note and possibly another thread****** This can also be traced back to a criticism that some have of Houston. What would you guys suggest to someone ( possibly me), who would have the responsibility of entertaining 6 teenage boys ages 14-17 from Long Beach California on their very first trip to Texas and Houston, next summer for a week and a half? I am always one of the first to get defensive when outsiders say there is nothing to do in Houston. Now someone ( possibly me) will be in a situation where I will have to prove to myself that Houston is not a boring city. Help.

[gto250us]

Oy vey. You know what I mean. "Anyone" is qualified, and "Everyone" is an expert. Masters of the obvious.

The New York Times is a great example.

And I think most of the problem may be that the Houston Chronicle does not spend time writing similar articles.

Really, what is the point?

We should have a thread on the Chron. It has to be the worst newspaper in the US, especially for a city the size of Houston.

[MiDTOWNeR]

*side note* Midtowner, I have found that I agree with a lot that you have to say on this board, but the Superbowl thing, I have to say you are incorrect this time. It was indeed political. Nothing more and nothing less.

The NFL is certainly not going to alienate an NFL fan base the size of Houston. They are not going to come out and say, sorry y'all, your city stinks. Much better for them to give it a "political" tone than piss the fans off.

I have been known to be wrong about many things however.

*side note* Midtowner, I have found that I agree with a lot that you have to say on this board, but the Superbowl thing, I have to say you are incorrect this time. It was indeed political. Nothing more and nothing less.

The NFL is certainly not going to alienate an NFL fan base the size of Houston. They are not going to come out and say, sorry y'all, your city stinks. Much better for them to give it a "political" tone than piss the fans off.

I have been known to be wrong about many things however.

[nmainguy]

It is pretty clear that you only read your own posts. Go to the bashing thread, if you'd like to see everyone piling on me for not defending Houston's wonderful drivers and landmark strewn freeways.

[psst...hey Red...this IS the bashing thread ]

[RedScare]

[psst...hey Red...this IS the bashing thread ]

What a maroon!!!

[nmainguy]

What a maroon!!!

I just figured it was an extended birthday hang-over...been there myself.

Oh yeah-and off this topic completely-the Heights Festival has been canceled for this year.

Too bad...that was one of our favorite free events to do.