Patrick R. Chesnut

People who aren’t from Chicago are usually surprised by the weather. Once they’ve walked down their first block without being blown over—or, worse, away—they’re left wondering: What’s so Windy about this City?

If you’ve ever spoken to a Chicagoan about his hometown, you probably already know the answer: we love ourselves. The breeze coming off Lake Michigan might not be as strong as the one felt on the shores of the Charles, but the wind coming out of our mouths can blow anyone away. Chicago has a long and proud history of, well, being proud of itself, and it’s a tradition that Chicagoans of today proudly carry on.

With that in mind, I present to you some of the most awesome works of art about Chicago being awesome. You may not appreciate it, but trust me: It’s a pretty awesome list.

3. Kanye West, “Homecoming”—One of the standout tracks on Kanye’s September release, “Homecoming” is the latest great paean to Chi City, and it’s one that’s particularly poignant for those of us who are trapped on the East Coast, dreaming of “coming home again.” I would say more about Kanye, but he already sang his own praises on my behalf: “’Ye, keep making that, keep making that platinum and gold for me.”

2. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (Dir. John Hughes)—With all apologies to “Joliet” Jake and Elwood Blues, no other film better captures the romantic American Dream that is Chicago. What kid growing up in the Chicago suburbs—or any suburb, for that matter—doesn’t dream of cutting class, catching a Cubs game, visiting the museums, and simply experiencing the wonder of the Windy City?

1. Carl Sandburg, “Chicago”—Carl Sandburg’s 1916 poem remains the most vibrant and moving tribute to the City of the Big Shoulders: “Come and show me another city with lifted head singing so proud to be alive and coarse and strong and cunning, [bitches].” Well said, Carl. Well said.

—Patrick R. Chesnut ’09 is the outgoing Books Editor and the incoming Arts Chair. He still believes that the Cubs will win the World Series.