House shows are a perfect breeding ground for trouble. Loud music, a basement full of strangers, and typically some level of underage drinking. And yet the venues keep springing up. People hold these places in a unique regard, places to be careful but to let loose more than they might be able to usually. But the most coveted part of the experience is the lack of supervision from significantly older people in positions of authority. And by significantly, I don’t mean parents or cops, but anyone over the approximate age of 25. The first few years of being unguided and being able to make mistakes without first being warned about the consequences by people who already lived through them. Being able to speak openly with people in similar life positions about what happened recently and what might happen next. Connections with people you had never so much as imagined leading to friendships down the line. I feel that this is a phenomenon not just in the Temple area that I have experienced it, but across Philadelphia as a whole. With a rich history in jazz, soul, rock, and hip hop, plenty of locations spanning a large number of genres are scattered across Philly for the different crowds looking for them. I personally have mostly attended rock and metal shows more than anything else, but I know rap nights and raves occur regularly.

My own personal experience with house shows started off incredibly rough. A show was being held at a place I had never even heard of over in West Philly, near Drexel’s campus, that a former friend was playing at. While this person is no longer in the band, the group, Cats on Mushrooms, is still together and are wonderful musicians and people in their own rights. Before their set, I had a full-on autistic overstimulation meltdown. I was so hot I ran out of sweat. Sound was assaulting me from every direction. I was being crushed in an overfilled basement of college students I had never even seen before and completely overwhelmed. I wished I could go home and wrap myself up in a blanket and not leave my room for the next week. Enter Matt Guardiola, an incredibly kind person who helped me out more than I would have expected from someone the first time having met them. They, alongside the former friend, got me into the backyard and helped me settle down. Breathing exercises I had done before and cool air (compared to inside) helped me settle down before we went back downstairs. Matt and I enjoyed the sets of the next two bands, Cats on Mushrooms and Cowpokes, in a much less crowded basement that led to me enjoying myself a immense amount more. Fast forward a few weeks and I would find myself at another venue I have since forgotten the name of (I believe it was Neon Jungle, but I cannot remember if I am actually correct). My childhood friend Gavyn Green had been working with two other Drexel students to put together a punk band called Simply Sedated that I have since seen many shows of. This was a different experience, being with someone I was very close with for a large portion of the night and enjoying the music he made with people he enjoyed. An absolute blast.

Talking to my non-musician friends who frequent house show venues, A lot of people seem to have a similar experience. Being overwhelmed by everything at first, adjusting, and eventually enjoying themselves. I think the most important thing I gathered was how important it is to have a community. Whether that is a group of friends you go to shows with, knowing someone in a band that is performing, or just having been somewhere before and recognizing a few faces, community is the lifeblood of these underground havens. The Underworld is a venue that follows that to a tee, promoting the safety and wellbeing of all of their guests before, during, and after any show they host. The two people spearheading the operation are Matt, who I didn’t realize was the Matt who had helped me out in spring of 2022, and Regina Hennessey, a woman I’ve since become friends with. I feel they are the best house venue in all of Philadelphia because of the work they do outside of the music. Checking in on guests, greeting everyone they know and introducing themselves to everyone they don’t, putting a large majority of entrance fees towards various charities in support of humanitarian causes, and posting their own personal contact information throughout the house for people to use if they feel uncomfortable for any reason through the evening’s festivities. All of this combines to create a quality atmosphere that surrounds the venue whenever anyone mentions it that I don’t hear about other locations. Neon Jungle, Over Yonder, The Mansion, The Haven, all of these places are good places to go to hear some wonderful music and have a fun night; The Underworld feels like anything that might go wrong wouldn’t ruin a night.

House shows like The Underworld are the perfect spots for young musicians in college bands to try things out and work towards a potential future in music. My friend Gavyn has been dreaming of working in the music industry since we were in grade school. Now he is working towards a degree in music, has an internship at a radio station as a music reviewer, and plays with his band Simply Sedated. He’s a perfect example of the opportunity that Philadelphia house shows can offer to young musicians who would not otherwise have that kind of opportunity. He’s never trained classically and before college had a baseline understanding of music theory after we took AP music theory in high school, but wasn’t thinking about it when writing music. The underground music scene doesn’t need to be masterworks of composition that will withstand the test of time. The musicians of Simply put together exciting pieces that get the crowd moving. Similarly, a friend in a group called Steal the Night was kind enough to offer his thoughts on the matter, although the interview had to be rescheduled due to a film shoot that I was called to last minute. Their music is a slightly different style of rock, more constructed 80s rock pieces that require more intricate playing than the pounding riffs of other bands.

The downsides of house shows aren’t invisible. Strangers being creepy or even predatory, overindulgence in substances and underage drinking, damaging your hearing, and theft are all realities that people need to acknowledge. However, a grand majority of the community looks after each other and tries to prevent these things from happening. A number of house shows recommend bringing earplugs ahead of time, with a few venues offering free earplugs of decent quality. Similarly, people who aren’t feeling well from overdrinking, smoking too much, or dehydration are shepherded to someone to cool down or be taken care of. If there would be the extremely unfortunate event of something being spiked or laced, people are often quick to make a scene to make sure everything winds up safe, with venues keeping at least some medical supplies on hand. Narcan has become more necessary (unfortunately) and is kept nearby in case of a disaster. The individuals who harass others or create a sense of discomfort are quickly ostracized within the community, and in some cases blacklisted across locations. The hosts communicate frequently about which people are uninvited to shows and which bands are good to invite back. All of this put together has made a community under the surface of Philadelphia that is important to acknowledge if not experience it.

Written By: Madison Fennell

It was May of 2022 when I flew to Los Angeles. This was the first time in a long time that I had the opportunity to travel to a new place. A place that I always wanted to go to, leaving my home of Philadelphia; I was ready to escape from my beloved city. 

On my plane ride there, 3 hours down, and 2 more to go, I could not sleep due to my excitement but wanted to entertain myself by finding something to watch to get the time to pass a bit quicker. I came across the show Abbott Elementary, one I have been told to watch but thought this was the best time to tune in, not knowing much about the series. While watching, I noticed this show was based on Philadelphia’s school systems and the reality of being a teacher working for the system. I instantly felt connected, it felt familiar. 

The first three episodes of the series were all that was offered, and I genuinely wanted to binge more. I was going to Los Angeles with my sister, who surprised me with three days to spend together for my 19th birthday. When we landed and caught an Uber to where we would be staying for the next few days, all I could think about was Abbott Elementary, wanting to watch more but decided to wait until I returned to Philadelphia.

During my time away, I looked up the cast of Abbott Elementary genuinely curious about who were some of the actors in the show, many of which I found to be hilarious. It was something about the main character that I was intrigued by Janine Teagues. This character, I came to find out, was played by famous actress, producer, and former Temple University student, Quinta Brunson. 

I felt such a connection to Quinta Brunson especially after doing research and realizing that we shared similar backgrounds. I truly admired seeing another young, black woman who I found to have also grown up in the city of Philadelphia, attended the same university, and shared a similar passion when it came to being a part of the entertainment industry. 

I have always been so fascinated with the entertainment and media industry, ever since I was a kid. I am not sure what it was, but I would always find myself watching videos of behind-the-scenes content and I gained such an appreciation for all the hard work and dedication it takes to create content to the point that I realized for myself, how much I would love to be a part of that process. The idea of working on a set or a studio, whether I am someone directing an episode of a show, a movie, or more, producing, hosting, I just know that is where I am meant to be in that space. Coming to Temple University, I became a Media Studies and Production major. 

As I began taking classes for my major, I realized I wanted to do more. I had the desire of wanting to be involved in something that felt much bigger than myself and to find other students who were involved in extracurriculars, activities, clubs, or organizations. The funny thing is, I did not always feel I had the right push and did not feel inspired or motivated to take that step. 

Coming across the series, Abbott Elementary, starring Quinta Brunson, it almost felt as if I needed to watch the show at that specific time in my life. I felt so inspired by her. From watching the behind-the-scenes content of the show and researching her background, I learned so much about her. While attending Temple University, Quinta Brunson joined clubs including “Temple Smash”. Later on, in my experience at Temple and continuing to watch this series, I found myself wanting to step out of my comfort zone and pursue something I always wanted to, but felt too nervous to try. I knew in order to get to where I wanted to go, I needed to start showing up for myself and so, I did. I began to just show up to events and meetings that interested me, all on my own.

During the time that I began showing up to various shows, I wanted to be a part of TUTV’s “We Need to Talk”, an all women’s talk show that touches on many aspects of life and bringing to light important topics that needed to be discussed. I felt incredibly inspired to continue going and volunteering, I felt so welcomed. I wanted to continue showing up for myself and being involved despite the fear and nervousness I felt initially. Little did I know, that after one semester of being consistent, I became an Assistant Director for the show. This felt like a milestone that was reached, I felt so proud of myself to have been given that role.  

Quinta Brunson inspired me to focus on the importance of involvement and following my passions for pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. Whenever I watch Abbott Elementary, I always am reminded of the inspiration I felt from Brunson, not to compare or to be like her, but to set an example and to continue following my passions. By allowing myself to continue showing up for the things that I wanted, I was given an incredible opportunity to take on a much bigger role, one that I did not expect but knew I deserved which I am so incredibly grateful for. 

I found that I value courage, loyalty, adaptability, creativity, and authenticity, all of which are important qualities and values to have when a part of the media and production industry and qualities I saw and recognized in Quinta Brunson, qualities I later began to notice within myself. But I think that many of us have goals, dreams, and aspirations we want to pursue. For some of us, it can be difficult to imagine what our life could look like once we can accomplish whatever that goal is and sometimes we fall into not knowing where exactly to start. As a college student, I know many can relate or understand and find ourselves looking at certain people who we may look up to and ask, “How did they do it?”. I realized through this experience that all it takes is the first step. Starting somewhere even if you do not know where. Every person that we admire that are in our dream career had to start somewhere to get to where they are now. For many of them, they simply took that step and allowed themselves to try and sometimes, that is all it takes to just believe in your abilities. You never know how far you can go. Even in the moments of pure nervousness and even the fear of taking a leap, it is so important to just start, you never know where you will land. 

References

(n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved April 17, 2024, from https://templetv.net/shows/we-need-to-talk/

Juhasz, A. (2023, April 7). The school comedy ‘Abbott Elementary’ has Philadelphia teachers talking. NPR. Retrieved April 17, 2024, from https://www.npr.org/2023/04/07/1156532261/philadelphia-teachers-abbott-elementary-school

Media Studies and Production Major. (n.d.). Temple University. Retrieved April 17, 2024, from https://www.temple.edu/academics/degree-programs/media-studies-and-production-major-co-msp-ba

Zornosa, L. (2023, March 2). Quinta Brunson on Abbott Elementary’s Success. Time. Retrieved April 17, 2024, from https://time.com/6259193/quinta-brunson-interview/

By Kristin Aliquo

It was a clear, chilly afternoon at North Philadelphia’s Temple University. I was on my way home from class, about to enter my apartment building. In front of me walked a girl around the age of 20 with a cute puppy. Because my gaze was fixed in adoration on this puppy, I watched as it dove for a cigarette on the ground in front of it. The owner, fast to react, yanked it away right in the nick of time. Adoration turned to horror, I continued to watch as the puppy tried to eat various pieces of garbage and food on the ground before being yanked away by the girl. A horrible scene, to say the least.  

What’s the Big Idea?

1. Prospective Students 

With a student population numbering around 30,000, Temple is home to a large number of potential dog owners. A considerable number of dogs are exposed to this unideal environment daily. It is understandable that the University may not want to prioritize investments related to animals when there are other costs to be covered. However, prospective students who wish to own pets will be looking into Temple’s accessibility when deciding.  

2. Health benefits 

Experts from the University of Northern Iowa conducted a test on pet owners in which health benefits were examined. They found that pet owners have lower resting heart rates and blood pressure as well as calmer reactions to stressful tasks. 

When interviewed, an anonymous pet owner said, “He is like my mental health dog. No matter what is going on in my day, I just hug him, and I feel better.” If pets are linked to relaxation and low stress, it makes sense that students who own pets will experience a positive impact to their schoolwork. Students who experience this impact will be more likely to graduate with better grades, which bolsters ratings. Promoting and advertising a pet friendly environment encourages the ownership of pets. It is a worthwhile investment. 

So, what puppy protocols can we enact to try to be more pet-friendly?  

Puppy Protocol 1: On-Campus Dog Parks

It may seem silly, but Temple University has little green space open for people, let alone dogs. The green spaces by the bell tower, in front of Morgan, and on top of Mazur Hall are small patches of grass that crowd quickly. In fact, there is little green space in North Philadelphia. Take a walk down Cecil B. Moore and you will quickly see a lack of yards connected to student housing. Search up “open field near Temple University”, and the closest results are four miles away. 

If most students live off campus, and there is little to no green space in this area, the health of our dogs is placed at risk. Texas A&M University found that exercise is necessary to the health and happiness of our pets. The University found that exercise supports their organ, bone, and lung structure. Texas A&M also found that physical activity can prevent nervousness in our furry friends.  

On-campus dog parks would solve this problem by giving dogs a green space to run around in and release energy. American Kennel Club found that dogs use their noses to get information about their surroundings. Without open parks, dogs must be kept on a short leash in North Philadelphia. There is no room for them to sniff or run around, which are both vital to their health.  

Puppy Protocol 2: Environmental Cleanliness

Walking to class, I have caught multiple people throwing their used cigarettes and litter onto the ground. The further off campus you go, the more litter is on the sidewalk. The Temple News, Temple’s student run news outlet, said students must own up to the amount of trash they are leaving on the ground. Things like cigarettes, trash, and especially needles are dangerous to both our pets and our city. To prevent a scenario like the girl who had to yank her dog around, both regular cleaning teams and student attention are needed. So, how can we bring about these solutions? 

1. The University can try to hire people for reasonable pay to deal with excessive waste on and surrounding campus.  

2. Many of my classmates have demonstrated an eagerness to aid in trash clean up. Student volunteer teams can be recruited. Benefits can be offered to encourage student aid. 

3. Students living in the area should be encouraged to purchase and make use of trash cans and be informed of the negative consequences of dirty living spaces.  

 These three methods are not all we can do. If the school or city adds more public trash cans, there will be more room for trash that does not fit in already overflowing waste baskets. More room for trash means there is less reason for trash to go on the ground.  

Puppy Protocol 3: Doggy Waste Stations

Doggy waste stations are typically found at dog parks. They provide both dog bags and dog waste baskets for pet owners. Students could take a bag from the basket if they run out of their own. These bags could be accessible for a quarter to prevent stealing. Students would also be able to dispose of their bags safely, separate from other trash. 

 There are two reasons why these stations are so important.  

1. Space 

Having a doggy basket separate from normal trash would ensure that normal trash cans do not fill up so fast.  

2. Accessibility 

Waste bag stations would allow dog owners to remain on campus with their animals if they ran out of bags.  

An effective strategy to kill two birds with one stone!  

Puppy Protocols at La Salle

La Salle University has spent its recent years creating a dog friendly environment on its campus. The University introduced dog-friendly dorms and tried to ensure that student pets would be able to enjoy an accommodating environment. In fact, La Salle enstated a dog park of its own. La Salle’s decision was based off extensive research done to find that owning a dog is beneficial to the mental health of students. 

 The University’s success with this campaign proves that it can be a sustainable business model. Temple University can look to La Salle to understand how they can create a better environment for both students and their pets. 

The Takeaway

Temple University is an excellent place to earn a degree. However, when it comes to our furry friends, there is a significant amount that could be changed to make the University as wonderful of an environment for our pets as it is for us.  

These methods are the role of the students and the University and city together. The scene of that sunny but chilly afternoon filled me, a student, with a feeling of deep sadness. I know I am not the only one. Dog parks, trash cleaning, and doggy waste stations are only the beginning. Not only would pet accommodation make the school a safer place for its animals, but it could also have a positive impact on decreasing enrollment.  

Even if some of the suggestions listed are not doable, I would encourage the University to make any attempt they can. With the constant safety hazards and crime around campus, Temple is hard pressed to find pros that will persuade students to attend the school. Turning efforts into making campus pet accessible would demonstrate a level of care from administration that most of the student body has begun to doubt. 

If I told you to think of cities in the U.S. that have a big place in the entertainment industry, I have no doubt that the first ones to come to your mind would be New York or Los Angeles. This is a fair answer and is definitely the most obvious one, but there is somewhere else out there that people tend to forget about… and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia wants to help you remember.

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Philadelphia: a Center for Media Production

Philadelphia, the very city where our nation started, is the sixth most populated area in the country and contains its fourth biggest media market. Philadelphia makes the top ten in a list of the “World’s Most Popular Cities for Film Sets” and has been the backdrop of over ten top-rated TV shows in the past two decades. That, along with the amount of pure star power that has come out of the city, should be enough to make a point that Philadelphia is not somewhere that should be overlooked when it comes to the media industry, so why is it still rarely considered when we talk about that sort of thing?

Philly as a whole considers itself an underdog in every meaning of the word. The TV show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia encapsulates that mindset to a T, both in its real life media industry implications, but also in the way they represent the city within the show.  The show, the longest running live-action sitcom in America, is incredibly important to Philadelphia in this sense. Through its detailed representation, the show expertly captures the energy and vibe of the city unlike any other piece of media has, and thus brings well-deserved attention and focus to Philadelphia as a place for media to both be produced and be set in.

 It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia offers such a rich and complex representation of the city it is set in that it exemplifies the idea that Philadelphia is not only the epicenter of sports and cheesesteaks, but also a prime spot for media production.

The Show’s Origin Story

The most shocking thing about IASIP (and believe me, there are a lot of shocking things in the show) is the fact that it originally wasn’t even supposed to take place in Philadelphia, but LA instead. IASIP was first conceived by creator Rob McElhenney as a sitcom about wanna-be actors. When he first pitched the show to the FX Network, the executives loved the characters, but not the setting: “Too many Hollywood-centric series had already hit the airwaves.” Rob, being a native of Philadelphia, figured that if LA was too big already, then Philly, the city where he was born, would have to do. He tweaked various aspects of his pitch to make the main cast of characters, four best friends, bar owners in South Philly rather than out-of-work actors in LA. Two different jobs and places, but with the same degree of desperation.

 The world can only imagine what the show would have looked like if this change had never been made, as Philadelphia being the setting of production is at the core, the heart, of the entire show. Over 90% of the show’s episodes take place in Philadelphia; The setting is of so much importance to the show that every time the characters leave Philadelphia, they make a big point to talk about how terrible it is that they aren’t in Philly. Take for example Season 5, Episode 2 “The Gang Hits the Road”; The entire episode revolves around the fact that it is Charlie’s first time leaving Philly (ever), and he isn’t very happy about it.

Link to Clip of Charlie Talking About Leaving Philadelphia (Season 5, Episode 2)

In IASIP, the setting isn’t just a setting, but a character.

IASIP as a Representation of Philadelphia

When I say that IASIP is a representation of Philadelphia, I truly mean that it represents every single aspect of the city, both good and bad. The insane demeanor of Philadelphia sports fans, as shown in Season 5, Episode 6 “The World Series Defense”,  the dirt and grime that plagues many side streets, as shown in Season 2 Episode 3 “Dennis and Dee Go On Welfare” , and the variety of unique people and businesses here in the city, as shown in countless episodes like Season 7’s “Thunder Gun Express” and “The High School Reunion”, are all represented with an equal amount of attention and detail.

Rob McElhenney and his coworkers want to paint the truest, grittiest image possible of the astounding city that is Philly. Over 150 distinct locations in the greater Philadelphia area have been noticed by fans as the settings for many of the show’s episodes. A couple of notable locations are:

• Philadelphia City Hall (Season 4, Episode 3)
• Philadelphia Museum of Art (Season 1, Episode 4)
• Rittenhouse Square (Season 2, Episode 2)
• Citizens Bank Park (Season 5, Episode 6)
• University of Pennsylvania (Season 1, Episode 1)
• Geno’s Steaks (Season 2, Episode 3)
• Reading Terminal Market (Season 5, Episode 9)

What would IASIP be if not a tribute to all of the hidden beauties located in the area?

What Representation Means to Philadelphia

 The representation of these areas means a lot to the people of the city, especially those who lived here long before the show began. Finally, this meant that people could see, even through the eyes of selfish, evil, and downtrodden characters, that Philadelphia is a place of importance, where important people live and important things happen. Famous Philadelphia media businesses, like WMMR, Philadelphia Magazine, and the Philadelphia Inquirer all have articles published revering IASIP for how it has brought more good attention to the city.

“The cast still makes its annual pilgrimage each summer to shoot [in Philadelphia], despite the cost. That authenticity shows…you can tell which South Philly block they’re standing on, and landmarks like the Reading Terminal Market haven’t been green-screened in”

Richard Rhys, Philadelphia Magazine (September 15, 2011)

In 2016 (when IASIP was in its 11th season) The New York Times took a look at 50 of the most popular TV shows in the country, 20th of which was IASIP, and analyzed, based on ratings, where they were most watched. It feels like no surprise that on the map for IASIP the boldest section of viewership comes from the city itself.

The people of Philadelphia consider themselves underdogs in every way imaginable, and IASIP acknowledges this trait of the city with great care. The characters are all underdogs in their own way; They are down on their luck, get dirty at times, and fight for what they believe is right. They embrace what it means to be from Philly, whether that is in the Delco accent, a love for cheesesteaks, or simply the mindset of “No one likes us, we don’t care”, a popular motto amongst Philadelphia sports fans. To Philadelphians, this embracing of the culture on public television, especially extremely popular long-form public television, means the world. But it also means the world to Philadelphia’s entertainment industry.

The Impact on Philadelphia Television

Looking at the ratings, it is hard to deny that the sitcom has brought great popularity to the city as a means of setting. Having a consistent 8.8 rating on IMDB for over 16 seasons (18 years!), with more than 300k views for each one, is an incredible feat for any TV show. IASIP is one of the first TV shows with astounding popularity to take place entirely in Philadelphia, and since its creation the city has only further grown as a hub for the entertainment industry.

Shows like How to Get Away with Murder (2014), Servant (2019), Mare of Easttown (2021), and Bel-Air (2022) have brought more and more representation to Philadelphia, as well as it has brought attention to the city as a powerhouse of television and entertainment. More than ten high rated TV shows have been set almost entirely in Philadelphia since 2005 when IASIP aired its first episode.

The one successor of IASIP that stands out the most though, is Abbott Elementary (2021). Abbott Elementary is the greatest proof that IASIP has represented Philadelphia as a place rife with ideas and content waiting to be created.  Quinta Brunson, the creator of Abbott Elementary, is a Philadelphia native much like Rob McElhenney, and has admitted that she has watched IASIP. It is clear that Abbott takes much inspiration from it; The focus on Philadelphia landmarks, Philadelphia sports teams, and distinctly Philadelphian social problems all intertwine the two shows.

“Both Abbott and IASIP wear their setting proudly on their sleeves, and it is a credit to them and the city they’re from that they have created two completely unique worlds that have such vivid characters inhabiting them”

Dylan Fugel, Paste Magazine (October 17, 2023)

If Abbott and IASIP are connected in any way, it is in showing that Philadelphia, and its population, has a lot to say, and should not be underestimated in the entertainment value that it holds.

A Dedication to the City

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia might be an extremely dark, offensive, and over the top comedy, but when you look beneath the surface, it is still that, but also a lot more. I am talking about the emphasis it brings to a place that is often left out of the conversation when we talk about important places. Sure, Philadelphia has a lot of historical merit that is recognized by most adults in the country, but beyond that, this city is often looked down upon in comparison to other places like New York and LA that have more respectable reputations, especially within the entertainment industry.

Philadelphia is not just the headlines you see in the news about ‘greasing the poles’ for an Eagles game, it is a city filled to the brim with potential and beauty. This city, with all its quirks, deserves just as much respect on its name as New York and LA get, and the people here deserve to be recognized and represented for their interesting traits rather than be ridiculed for them.

I love It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia because it does these things perfectly, giving respect and appreciation, while also being funny, perplexing, and overall just fantastic television. It dedicates itself entirely to encapsulating the vibe of one place, at one time, and it does so expertly and with such kindness (especially for a show based around evil people). If you love Philadelphia, then you have to watch IASIP (that’s a given), but if you hate Philadelphia, then you also have to watch IASIP, and get back to me later with your new opinion of the city. 

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Introduction

If there is one thing I learned while living in the city of Philadelphia: do not underestimate how much sports mean to its residents. In my time here I have experienced great wins, great losses, second round exits (more than I can count), exciting moments, painful moments, but above all I have learned what it is like to be part of a sports community that is so passionate about its teams. As a Portuguese moving to Philly when I was 16, I can confidently say it was a big  cultural shock. In both Philadelphia and Lisbon (my hometown), there is a very big sports culture, as the two cities have great tradition and history in sports. Portugal, along with the majority of other European countries, is a soccer country. This does not mean that there are no other sports there, but soccer is by far the most popular and impactful. Here in the United States, there are obviously the four major leagues, comprised of football, basketball, baseball and hockey. Despite the differences in the sports themselves, I consider that the fan bases and their passion are surprisingly similar. This article will talk about my personal experiences and sports stories, highlighting the characteristics of sports fandom in each city, while also exploring what the differences and similarities between the cities approach to sports say about the culture. At the core the fanbases are remarkably similar in their passion, even though sometimes at the eye there are clear differences.

This is not an observation based on a study or anything like that, but if I had to guess, I would say the most talked about topic in Portugal is soccer. Politics are up there for sure, but literally anyone, from a five-year-old to a ninety-year-old will talk about soccer for hours. It holds a significant place in Portuguese culture, from the bustling streets to family gatherings, it’s more than just a game: it’s a cultural phenomenon that is part of our national identity. Whether it’s a local match or an international tournament, the excitement and the passion surrounding soccer will always be present. According to an article that gives an overview of soccer history in Portugal, “The (…) government launched a propaganda campaign and placed soccer within the trinity of the three Fs: Fátima, Fado and Futebol, symbols of Portuguese values.” This means that soccer is ranked as high as religion and fado (the most iconic and symbolic Portuguese music genre), when it comes to its importance for the Portuguese people, and I couldn’t agree more.

Being born in Lisbon is like flipping a coin when it comes to which team you are a fan of. There is a fifty percent chance you are a Benfica (Sport Lisboa e Benfica) fan and a fifty percent chance you are a Sporting (Sporting Clube de Portugal) fan. My family is proof of that, we are evenly split because there are fans of both teams. I am a proud Sporting fan, just like my father and my grandfather, who are the people responsible for this unconditional love I have for sports. But being a Sporting fan is extremely tough, and throughout the years me and the rest of the fans have experienced a great deal of misery and disappointment. Among the miserable events we went through, there is the obvious one, which was not winning the Portuguese championship for more than 19 years, but also actually bad and horrifying stuff such as a group of 50 so called “fans” invading the team’s locker room and (literally) beating the players and staff. Through the trials and tribulations though, I have remained a loyal fan. And the truth is that, despite some bad experiences, there have also been plenty of good moments, and memories I still cherish today. Something simple like going to a game with my dad, singing the Sporting anthem before the beginning of a match, or even just going to a championship parade after we won the Portuguese Cup in 2015, these are only a few of the moments that truly make me proud to be a fan of that team.

In August 2020, a big change was on its way for me and my family. My father is a longtime navy officer, and when he got a job proposal to be stationed in Philadelphia, he did not hesitate, as he knew it was an amazing opportunity for the family. His job in Philly was not only much better paid, but also it had always been a big dream for him to live in “the land of opportunity”. The only downside was the fact that it was covid year, so it made the adaptation a lot harder for us. But, at least for me, that was when American sports came in and played a major role in my life.

Sports teams like the Eagles, Sixers, Phillies, and Flyers are a big part of life in Philadelphia. They’re like symbols that bring people together and make them proud to be from the city. People wear team jerseys all the time, celebrate in the streets, and talk about the game for days. This loyalty and love for sports shapes the way people in Philadelphia live and interact with each other every day. Something small like going to the supermarket on NFL Sunday makes one realize the power of sports in this town: it is truly difficult to find a person not dressed in Eagles gear, and at certain supermarkets they even offer discounts if you have your Eagles jersey on! This is the type of thing you can only see in America.

For me it was tough in the beginning. My journey here in the city has had its highs and lows, and the start of it was very rough because of the pandemic. Not knowing anybody here and not even having the opportunity to go outside and make friends, that definitely impacted my mental health and my well-being as a person. I needed to seek some kind of refuge in something, and so I quickly started connecting with American sports.

As I got deeper into the world of Philadelphia sports, I found similarities with the amazing passion that I knew back home in Lisbon. While the sports themselves might differ, many other aspects such as gameday experiences and the passionate fanbases have incredible similarities between the two.

Gamedays in Philadelphia are lively and energetic (sometimes, even a bit too much), and so are gamedays in Lisbon. The day usually starts pretty early for the fans here. Back home though, the concept of “tailgating” doesn’t really exist. While in Philadelphia you set up your tailgating tables with food and drink,  along with a couple of fun games that you can play with fellow fans, in Lisbon people just walk around the stadium to hang out and eat (the last one being the most important, obviously…). A gameday “bifana” is something sacred to the Portuguese people, I myself could use one right about now. The “bifana” is basically a very simple pork steak sandwich. It is usually seasoned with garlic and spices, then put inside a bread roll. If I may give an extra tip, put a little bit of mustard inside, because it mixes with the steak really well. It sounds incredibly simple and straight-forward, but words cannot describe how good it actually is to eat one of these before the start of a game. You can easily compare a “bifana” to a Philly cheesesteak, with one (big) exception being the price. In my opinion, they seriously need to decrease the food costs in sports venues, not only in Philadelphia, but in the whole country.

So, despite the big difference in preferred sports, both countries share a deep passion for athletics and sports culture. Whether it’s a weekend pickup game or a professional match, sports play a significant role in the lives of many people in both the United States and Portugal. In Lisbon the fans are rowdier, and you’ll never see them not chanting or cheering during a game, that’s almost unthinkable. Here, you go to a Sixers or Phillies game and the fact is that most people will just be sitting there in quiet, watching the game in peace, eating a snack and drinking beer. Looking at the way the fans act, anyone would think people here have no passion about sports, which is not true. After moving here, I can confidently say the passion is the exact same, despite not looking like it. When considering the cultural aspect, sports in both countries have such a great impact in community engagement, that it is truly hard to be indifferent to them.

Conclusion

Cheering for the Eagles or talking about the Sixers with new friends made me feel connected, like I actually belonged here. Looking back, I see how sports helped me navigate the challenges of moving and find a sense of community in Philadelphia. It’s simply amazing to me how something as simple as a game can bring people together and make a place feel like home. Perhaps if I didn’t find as many similarities as I did to sports in my hometown, my adaptation would’ve never been as easy as it was. The truth is that the cultural identity of these two cities relies heavily on sports. It’s the community engagement, the ride-or-die fanbases, but most importantly – the values of resilience, determination and passion, that ultimately made me fall in love with sports in Lisbon and Philadelphia, the two cities that I will always love.

The power of music is undeniable. Music has the ability to ignite inspiration, create connections, dominate trends, and make life worth living, just to name a few qualities it holds. I know in my own personal life, music has always been a guiding light, and a source that has the power to completely alter an influence my mood and how I am feeling, regardless if that is intentional on my part. I think I can speak for most that they would agree. Not only does music evoke powerful emotions, but it also can soothe, comfort, and uplift spirits. Music is a way for people to feel heard and understood, and ultimately helps to us heal. It is also a universal language. Overall, music has profound effects on humans.

For as long as I can remember, music has always been a hugely influential part of my life. My life kind of revolves around it. I am happiest when I find a new song, or a new group to listen to and enjoy. I need to listen to music every day to feel like I am having a good day. And, I think a lot of others feel the same way. Thankfully, the city of Philadelphia provides music lovers with endless opportunities to be surrounded by what they love.

The city of Philadelphia is filled with aspiring artists and musicians. Many musicians and artists from Philadelphia have “made it” successfully, like Hall and Oates, The Roots, and Patti LaBelle. There is a huge music scene within the city as well as a vast underground music scene.

You can find new music and musicians almost anywhere in Philadelphia. Whether it be in bars during open mic nights, house/basement shows, or well known smaller music venues, there is a vast, dynamic music scene.

Having a music scene within Philadelphia, whether it be the well known “Philly sound”, or underground music organizations, is so important and crucial to the city’s culture. Not only is music so significant for the soul, but music is so powerful that it holds the ability to establish culture within specific areas an groups of people, which in my opinion, is something that is essential to human nature. I believe that the music scene within Philadelphia is greatly significant part of what makes up the city’s dynamic culture, while at the same time and builds community within a population that is so large. Music is so rich and essential to the culture of Philadelphia, and has been ever since the city has been established.

Philadelphia is a hub for music, and the city provides opportunity to be immersed in varieties of music scenes, which then forms communities of music lovers within it, thus creating a ripple of significance and inspiration within the city. This is greatly important for the city’s culture, but it also crafts a community within already built in communities, like Temple. It creates sub groups within students that all enjoy live music and music in general.

There is a vast underground music scene within Philadelphia that is open to anyone who is interested. Between the house shows that take place all around the city, to the wide array of music venues that allow and open up doors for artists and bands to perform, Philadelphia creates a place for smaller artists and underground music to be able to reach people who not only want to be involved in a music community, but also learn and find out about artists who are not mainstream. There are a multitude of venues that consider themselves hubs of the underground music scene. Underground Arts, Milkboy, and Franky Bradley are all examples. All of the venues, and more, are extremely active. From looking through their social media platforms, pretty much every venue holds shows of local artists every single weekend.


Again, the music scene in Philadelphia is so important for a multitude of reasons. It creates a rich culture, it creates communities and connects people together, and it is a hub for art to be made and heard and appreciated.

By Brendan Erickson

“There’s one second left on the clock, I don’t think they’re going to play that one second.” Harold Katz celebrated in his suite. “Champions of the NBA; 1982, 83.” Katz had bought the team the previous year, inheriting the talent built by the previous owner. Fitz Eugene Dixon Jr. is the man of interest; not just for the construction of the team, but for his story. Fitz bought the 76ers in 1976; his first move was to acquire Julius Erving, who stayed with the team for eleven years and averaged 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists during the ’83 finals. The Sixers beat the Lakers in Los Angeles for the championship; they asked Julius Erving “Would you rather win it at home?” He said no, “that would mean 72 hours more of wondering; and I’ve wondered long enough.”

The patriarch of the Widener family, Peter had successfully electrified the streetcars in all of Philadelphia in the 1880s and was reaping the rewards. With Peter’s help, the people of Philadelphia could move through the city faster than they ever had before. The money really started flowing when he used his streetcar profits to help found the US Steel Corporation and the American Tobacco Company. The latter mostly hired child laborers to produce their deadly cigarettes.

Peter Widener and his family are often remembered as great philanthropists and stewards of Philadelphia; this is not true. Yes, there was cooperation between the Wideners and Philadelphia, but Peter Widener was focused more on milking the city and the people of their money, putting the city’s kids to work, and selling cancerous cigarettes to its adults. Peter Widener had two sons, Joseph and George. George Widener eventually overtook his father’s streetcar business. His life was cut short in 1912.

In the middle of the North Atlantic, moving through the sea by the seventy-six-ton propellors, turned by the turbines powered by the steam from the coal shoveled by the sweaty men in the engine room, the Titanic was the largest moving man-made object ever constructed. They never said the Titanic was “unsinkable,” they said it was “designed to be unsinkable.” It sank. Aboard were aristocrats, businessmen, politicians, academics, tourists, immigrants, and Peter Widener’s dearest son, George. Fresh off an extravagant vacation throughout Europe with his wife and son, the family was returning home.

Aboard the Titanic , George wasn’t thinking of the sweaty men in the engine room powering the turbines that spun the seventy-six-ton propellors; he was having dinner with the captain tonight. During dinner, George talked with the captain about what he’d do when he returned to Philadelphia; there was no indication that this would be the two men’s last night living. Eleanor was a survivor; George, his son, and the captain contributed to the 1,500 dead.

Eleanor’s philanthropist behavior was short-lived and replaced by extravagant vacations to Paris, New Zealand, and the Amazon Rainforest with her new husband. Eleanor was not enthused with the changes that Philadelphia was going through; the changing city was not home to her anymore. She left Philadelphia after her second marriage and never lived there again.

The Widener fortune had been “whittled” down to $80 million, twenty-two times the total wealth of the bottom 50% of the world.

A symbiotic relationship existed between the Widener Family and Philadelphia, a give and a take, although much more take than give. Peter Widener built the public transport that carried the citizens of Philadelphia, in exchange the city made him rich beyond responsibility. That wealth, throughout time, slowly seeped back into the city; a building here, housing there, and a championship in ’83. James Widener Ray died childless with $80 million in the bank. He changed his will seven years before his death, medical witnesses signed the document saying he was of sound mind. The will was contested for years in court by his family. They felt entitled to the irresponsibility of his wealth.

He donated it all to charity.

Citations:

Encyclopedia Titanica. (2016). Eleanor Widener. https://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/titanic-survivor/eleanor-widener.html?expand_article=1

Wolfman-Arent, A. (2023, May 1). The most famous Philadelphians lost on the Titanic. Billy Penn at WHYY. https://billypenn.com/2023/05/01/famous-philadelphians-titanic-widener-sixers/

Lord, C. (2013, September 5). The infamous captain Edward Smith. Celtic Clothing Company. https://celticclothing.com/the-infamous-captain-edward-smith/

Lynnewood Hall Preservations Foundation. (n.d.). History of Lynnewood Hall. https://lynnewoodhallpreservation.org/history/

Lin, J. (2011, December 25). Widener heir’s legacy: A home for the homeless. The Philadelphia Inquirer. https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/homepage/20111225_Widener_heir_s_legacy__A_home_for_the_homeless.html

Grace Zweitizig

Philadelphia has a long history of complicated police and community relations. There is a history there full of hurt and distrust, and it leads to mixed opinions on the plan to rebuild the 22nd District Police Station in a new location. The station currently stands on 17th and Montgomery but the building has needed serious updates for a long time, especially since this is the busiest station in the area.

Where will the new station go?

 The proposed new station will be built in the Diamond Street Historic District, which has some neighborhood citizens upset and anxious about what this means for the community. After the BLM movement and other events surrounding it, we have seen plans for community-centered police stations popping up, in hopes of improving the relations between the police and the neighborhoods they are in. The only thing everyone can agree about on the subject is that the police station must be rebuilt. This police station will be the first of its kind in Philadelphia.

The Diamond Historic District began blossoming in the 1800s as a place for the emerging middle class. The area has been through ups and downs since its development. A study from 1984 looks at the original plans for Diamond Street and brings up the current state of the buildings. Many were falling into disrepair. The area was being affected by poverty and a struggle to keep these homes restored through public funding. The sites on the lots were demolished 20 years ago and have remained open since, becoming a place for litter to collect. 

An example of the Historic Diamond District, the 1980s.

Citizens of the area have had various arguments against the police station being built there. One is that the police station will take away from the rich black history of the area because it is home to many of those black historical sites. Other arguments from members list different ways the city could use the lots, like building more affordable housing. One community member said that she cares about the preservation of the historic district, but that the police station isn’t an erasure of anything historical because those buildings were demolished long ago (File, 2024). The main argument for the new police station in this area has to do with the accessibility of the area, considering the high rate of crime in North Philadelphia especially violent crimes and gun violence. The new location would allow officers to respond more quickly. An important difference between the two stations is that the new one will be on a two-way street, unlike the current one which is on a one-way street. The City Controller Christy Brady found that police response times were 2 times faster in white neighborhoods than they are in black and brown neighborhoods. 

The concern over the new police station being built in a majority-black community of the area is not unfounded. In 2020 during a protest for the death of George Floyd, the police used tear gas and rubber bullets on protestors, as well as arresting and detaining many. After 2020, many Philadelphians joined in a lawsuit against the Philadelphia Police Department.  A major part of this lawsuit that came after this was the police department’s agreement to leave the 1033 program which arms the police with military-grade weapons and equipment (Welle, 2023). Redlining occurs when certain financial services are withheld from a neighborhood, particularly with ethnic minorities. 

“When you have people who have been redlined, disrespected, and discriminated against and treated as trash, you’re just giving them another excuse not to trust not just the city, not just the police, but the process,”  (Moselle 2024). 

  Mrs. Loney’s concerns voice the concerns and frustrations of many who are against the police station, particularly because of the way they went about it the first time without much input from the people who live there. The police station and staff of the PAL will have to make heavy efforts to connect with the community they are entering if they hope to be successful in building trust. It will take time for people to want to participate in the facility and feel that it is there to help people, not harm them. The city proposed this in 2020 originally, but a large part of the rejection was because many felt the community was not considered at all.

22nd District Police Station on 17th and Montgomery.

The proposed police station is a massive upgrade compared to the current building. This station is widely considered the worst police headquarters in the city. It was already decided that they would not renovate the current building, and it has not yet been decided what will go there next (Estrada, 2019). The idea to rebuild the 22nd District Police Station has been in talks since 2017. There were previous plans similar to this that were created in 2020 but those plans were not approved, the reasoning being that there hadn’t been enough communication or involvement with the community. One big difference between the approved and rejected plans is the added PAL (Police Athletic League) which benefits the children of the community.  The community and members at the time felt that the station wouldn’t be a good fit for the neighborhood. There are many emails available that outline the citizen’s issues with the police station back when the plans were first presented. At the time there was a serious outcry against the new station. The historical committee themselves had concerns with approving a police station with the state of the city and the United States overall in 2020 because it didn’t feel right to place something that was so polarizing when the community had not been considered much. When the new version of the plan was presented including a community center and a green space and play area, many more were supportive because of the safe space for children. (Moselle, 2023). 

What do the community members want instead?

 Another citizen named Jacqueline Wiggins was interviewed and emailed the zoning board about not approving the police station. In her email and in her interview she brings up that the community center and the police station just aren’t the neighborhood’s #1 priority, especially when they are dealing with issues with inadequate housing and not having the schools the children are in filled with mold. Creating something positive for children out of this police station was a priority of the approved plan which includes a PAL. The PAL would incorporate a community and outdoor recreation space, an indoor basketball court, and study rooms for after school. In other PAL centers in the city, children have spoken about the benefits it has afforded them, mainly as a safe haven (Bailey, 2023). The idea for these types of combined facilities has been around for a long time, and there are plans tracing back years across the country in an attempt to improve community and police interactions. Green space is limited in Philadelphia, especially in this area, and many of the open lots have become places where trash collects. The proposed plan includes outdoor spaces for children to play and many trees to be planted. This would help with the alleged trash and just overall unused space that is in the lots that are sitting there now. The lots that are to be used have been owned by the city or sold to the city, and the specific lots that are going to be used have been empty for 20 years. 

Plans for the new 22nd Police District Station to be built at 2100 Diamond Street. 

Members of the community voiced their concerns about the police station being built in this neighborhood. A concerned citizen said that the specific area needs affordable housing for the elderly, not a police station. The city council president thinks that this will help to keep the areas where the station is being built in shape and that the overall response time of the police station would be quicker because of the new location’s centrality  (Moselle, 2023). 

A Waiting and Watching Game

Philadelphia is home to many beautiful historic areas and the city itself is rich with history and culture. We also have one of the highest crime rates in the entire country, but in the last two years, we have seen a decrease in violent crime, particularly murders. There was a 20% decrease in 2022 and a 29% decrease in 2023. The district attorney accredits these decreases to the end of COVID-19 restrictions, but there is a larger issue with the amount of guns in the city. For every gun confiscated by police in Philadelphia, there are 2-3 that were legally purchased, not counting the ghost guns throughout the city. (Macdonald, 2024). The City Police Commissioner has said that the decrease in crime can be partially accredited to the increase in officers on street patrol. These efforts are not only to prevent crime but to allow for the police to be more involved in the community (Pradelli, 2023). This will hopefully improve relationships and trust between police and those they are supposed to protect and serve in the area.  The community center is the city’s attempt at uniting the community and the police and hoping that this will be the beginning of improving overall relations. The center includes places for children to study and do homework in a safe space, which is important when we see the literacy rate of the city. The entire plan will cost 32.5 million dollars as of right now, which is a number that some citizens could see better used towards something else. The other question this poses is if this will be the first of many types of stations in the city and if they will try to continue this model as time goes on and they continue to remodel and move stations. We will see as this station is built and the center begins to try and build new relationships in this area. 

Resources: 

Moselle, Aaron. “Historical Commission Approves Plan for New Police Station in North Philly.” WHYY, WHYY, 12 May 2023, whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-historical-commission-police-station-22nd-district-strawberry-mansion/. 

Philadelphia Historical Register, 1986. “Diamond Street Historic District – Philadelphia.” Phila.Gov, www.phila.gov/media/20190213121658/Historic-District-Diamond-Street.pdf. Accessed 1 Mar. 2024. 

Welle, Treasure. “Philadelphia Reaches $9.25 Million Settlement over Police Misconduct during the 2020 George Floyd Protests.” CNN, Cable News Network, 22 Mar. 2023, www.cnn.com/2023/03/21/us/philadelphia-police-misconduct-settlement/index.html. 

Hazelton, Lynette. “Reversing Its Initial Denial, the City’s Historical Commission Approves Controversial 22nd Police District Construction Proposal.” Https://Www.Inquirer.Com, 23 May 2023, www.inquirer.com/news/22nd-police-district-philadelphia-historical-commission-20230523.html. 

No Police Station in the Diamond St Historical …, www.phila.gov/media/20200612163729/2100-Diamond-St-Public-Comment-1.pdf. Accessed 1 Mar. 2024. 

Brady, Christy. “Review and Analysis of the Philadelphia Police Department and Other Related Police Spending.” Office of the Controller, 10 Jan. 2023, controller.phila.gov/philadelphia-audits/ppd-review/. 

Bailey, Wakisha, and Rory Hardenstine. “Philadelphia Police Athletic League Working to Keep Kids Active and off the Streets.” CBS News, CBS Interactive, 29 Sept. 2023, www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/philadelphia-police-athletic-league-pal-focusing-on-the-future/. 

MacDonald, Tom. “Philly Homicides Drop 20% Due in Part to End of Covid Restrictions, Da Krasner Says.” WHYY, WHYY, 5 Jan. 2024, whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-homicides-down-20-percent-2023-da-larry-krasner/. 

Pradelli, Chad, and Cheryl Mettendorf. “Violent Crime Rates Decrease Significantly in Philadelphia for 2023, Authorities Say.” 6abc Philadelphia, 29 Dec. 2023, 6abc.com/violent-crime-philadelphia-police-gun-violence-district-attorney/14235716/. 

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Next to an abandoned electric factory with SPAIN (the S painted over) sprayed on its side, the now trash cluttered shoreline of Penn Treaty Park was where the Treaty of Shackamaxon was made. My first time at the park happened to be my first time in Philadelphia.

My friend Jiya and I watched the sun go down as families and lovers scattered across the park. A poodle’s silhouette patrolled the shoreline for what felt like eternity, the lights of boats and satellites reaching closer towards us as people began to leave. 

I sat next to Jiya on a log by the water, as we spilled bits of the past that were once unspoken to each other. 

It was easier to talk about things with a distance from where they occurred; we both grew up together in Virginia and had gone on to Richmond for our first year of college. 

Hundreds of years away from the native tribes and reckless colonizers, the park summoned a similar attitude of surrender from myself– just as Shackamaxon decidedly sacrificed sacred land in hopes of peace and amity, I was hopeful on the crossroads that if I spoke my truth I would eventually work towards the change I desired.

 During this time I was chronically restless and exhausted; unsure of where I would be transferring schools and unable to imagine peace beyond the long term relationship I most recently was grieving. 

 In Philadelphia, I offered Jiya my honestly, surrendering my usual defenses. Sharing with her was the first step to change, staring myself dead in the face as I spoke to the water and to Jiya, facing the reality I hated, yet had raised for myself over the past few years.

When I saw a favorite artist of mine, Redviel, was going to be performing at the Foundry, I began to craft an adventure for Jiya and I: a trip during the middle of our classes during early April that would end up costing us way too much. 

My uncle had always been quite the endorser for Philadelphia, having attended University of the Arts back in the 60s. My aunt grew to love the city herself—although never having lived in it—so much so that she missed my highschool graduation for the annual flower festival. 

Personally, I viewed Pennsylvania as merely Pennsylvania: the state my mom was raised in, my relatives died in, and a pit stop before New York.

When I was originally applying to colleges, I neglected to look deeper into  my uncle’s suggestions of school’s in Philly. My mind was set on New York City, but upon financial reality, I ended up attending Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.

Within the first week of college I decided upon not returning for my Sophomore year, a reflection of my lack of security with myself, rather than solely the environment.

Troughs and Highs

For the first time in months, I broken my pattern of life by taking the train to Philadelphia. Along the way, the train suddenly stopped in DC. “There has been a fatality on the tracks,”  the conductor spoke over the scratchy intercom. 

“For the first time in months, I broke my pattern of life by taking the train to Philadelphia.”

 The skyline was so beautiful, and I felt rather free.

It’s important to look at the sky, even when there is very little showing amongst the buildings. Getting out of my usual environment reminded me of the importance of breaking patterns of life, and the direct correlation doing so has to unhealthy patterns of the mind. 

When we arrived at the AirBnb I booked, Jiya and I chatted inside like time was a luxury before heading to the concert, more excited about having actually made it to Philadelphia amid our never ending day of travel anxieties. 

To my surprise, the concert venue, The Foundry, was a two minute drive from where we were staying. Upon entry, our tickets wouldn’t load, but after a few minutes the event staff let us in anyways. 

Jiya and I made it in time for the last few songs of the concert–clique enough, the journey had made our destination all the more sweeter. 

The months prior I had been feeling lost as I detached myself from the person I felt was my other half for the past few years, guilt-ridden and shocked with how I let my relationship become so demoralizing. For the first time in a long time the night allowed for me to exhale and let go momentarily without feeling the need to sob. It felt as if everything had been leading up to that moment, the turning point in a rather anticlimactic coming-of-age film, an otherwise insignificant scene to audiences, but nonetheless a precious moment for me.

For the last few minutes of the concert I was stupidly happy and in awe, relieved and immersed within the intimate venue and Redviel’s performance.

Both the good and the bad of that day were both beautiful in the sense they were meant to be. Like I said I was stupidly happy, one of those times where joy is so present it won’t allow me to forget about its existence unlike most of the time. 

I Learn to Value my Past by Reflecting Upon It

If someone told me I was going to spend hundreds on a trip to Philadelphia specifically for a concert I would only see the last minutes of, proceed to miss a bus on the way back and have to spend 200$ on an Uber, I would have said no to going in the first place. Now, I would probably also say “No” even knowing the outcome, as I am at one of those points in life where I could really use that money for future loans. Thankfully, in this case, my past actions cannot be undone.

The New Jersey Turnpike was soul churning: heartless displays of capitalism and human desire embodied across strip club and political billboards, brown land occupied by trash and crippled construction machines.

The moments of peace that I found during the duration of the trip were discarded here and only found again upon reflecting on how fateful visiting Philadelphia was. In the case of my finances and spring semester academic progress, ignorance served as consequential moments of bliss.

My attempts to plan, per usual, did not go as intended, but unlike other occasions I wholeheartedly accepted the situation and rolled with it.

My Self-Professed “Treaty”

By the Delaware River, following the short but well lived concert, Jiya and I shared the good and the ugly of our past we hoped to reconcile with, unbeknownst to the history of the land we sat upon. We agreed upon how our delayed train was fated in a multitude of ways, introspection induced by the conductor’s announcement and our luck to have made it just in time for the last few songs of the concert. 

The area was muddy but warm, depressing in a sweet kind of way. 

I felt half miserable and half okay to be sitting on the shoreline, a patch of nature in the expanse of Philadelphia backing us. 

The sky helped me feel less down, guiding my gaze aimlessly and endlessly as to never get held up on a singular thought; although, my most relevant anxieties did murmur from time to time.

Only until recently did I learn about the treaty between William Penn and Shackamaxon and how it was the first made between natives and settlers to have withstood time, one of friendship and amity. Only recently did I visit Kensington, not too far from Penn Treaty, where I momentarily mistook a crowd of homeless people for those waiting in line at some venue. 

It’s a bit sad to think that addiction and litter now scatter once sacred land, but it certainly does not define it, just as nothing ever will. 

A Seed of an Idea

Jiya brought up the idea of transferring to Philadelphia as I shared with her how I had no idea where I was going to attend school at, the financial reality of going to New York unaligned with my persistent dreams of doing so. Whether it was the sentimentality of the night that softened my stubborn self enough to look into Philadelphia schools, or the initial seed planted long ago by my Uncle, I ended up applying to Temple a week before the applications closed. 

When the time eventually came to put down a deposit for Fall semester, I swayed rather openly between my options, many of which were in New York. I ultimately chose Temple University; Not because of Philadelphia ,or a romanticized idea I had, but because the other schools were too expensive or did not have on campus housing. Just as everything always had ever been, it was just right.

The entirety of the trip was a reminder of my ability to move, act freely, and define my own self and life. I remembered the importance of “going with the flow” as my Dad always told me to do, and how my inability in the past year was restricting me from going anywhere.

“Of Friendship and Amity”

Penn Treaty Park has a special place in my heart. I grew to love it despite my grief that night. 

I told Jiya everything I told no one, allowing the stark reality I had curated up until that point to settle in so I would never repeat all the mistakes I made before. I am proud to say I haven’t, perhaps being a bit too careful– or maybe just the right amount— to not allow myself to desire recklessly.

That night I spoke to the river really, fearful to look Jiya in the eye, speaking all my truths despite my reluctance. Although it made me feel disgusting long before I felt relieved, I knew I needed to let go of my secrets in order to make the changes I desired. 

Knowing now that Penn Treaty is where a vow was made that went unbroken during a time when settlers notoriously took advantage of Native Americans kindness makes me feel all the more destined to be where I am now; living by myself in Philadelphia, light years away from my guilt ridden self I was less than a year ago. 

I have matured to a place of valuing self preservation over the highs I used to endlessly chase. Although boredom is far less romantic than self destruction, it is important for me to be alone and process all that I experience, feel, and do.

Philadelphia is a wonderful place, as much as Richmond is, my hometown is, New York is, and everywhere else. Philadelphia just happened to be where I settled, the place I accepted to be my own. It was only until returning to Richmond after first visiting Philadelphia that I began to explore the city, my resentment towards Richmond slowly dismantled as I realized it was my limited perspective of it and distaste towards who I acted as at times when living there. 

The Power of Perspective and Environment

Environment is undoubtedly important to changing one’s self, it’s difficult to combat people’s set opinions of you in small towns, difficult to see the larger picture when living in a basement, and impossible to imagine growth, change, and a dream-like future when you see the same things and people day after day.

In this city I know no one from my hometown, I have no memories from my former relationship tethered to any sort of landmark, and I am finally able to claim a reality in which I don’t idealize anyone, or anything, in order to feel a purpose. 

On a more tangible topic regarding my opinion on Philadelphia, it has many facilities of public transportation, and the diversity of the city allows me to never feel stagnant while living here: that is, as long as I choose to step outside.

Although there are many days I forget to, this day included, knowing that I am only a ride away from the waterfront, from Center City, and from all that’s in between allows me to never feel too stuck. 

Often people associate crime, addiction and poverty with the city, forgetting to look up from their phones and the trash ridden streets when walking, neglecting the sky above them that humanity collectively falls beneath. I find Philadelphia to be a lovely place because I found it to be. The city is only unloved by those who can’t find it in their hearts to feel such love.

I tend to speak too much, often feeling the need to explain myself to others. I think sharing this will be just the right amount of words.

“Money talks in this business and bullshit walks.”

This is a quote from Pennsylvania Congressman Michael “Ozzie” Myers as he accepted a $50,000 bribe from what he believed were Arab sheiks. Unfortunately for him, his debauchery would be caught entirely on video and played before a court of law – becoming one of many politicians caught in the net of ABSCAM, an FBI sting operation conducted from the late 70’s to the early 80’s. 

The operation started as a way to recover stolen art and securities in the name of a fictional wealthy Arab sheik. New York’s own silver-tongued con-man Mel Weinberg posed as the U.S. representative to the sheik and navigated the web of Manhattan’s underworld in the name of federally-backed justice. It should be noted that Weinberg only agreed to play his role in order to stay out of jail for running a fraudulent real-estate scheme. Nevertheless, he must have played his part with gusto to eventually land himself in the same room as Angelo Erichetti, a U.S. senator and the Mayor of Camden, New Jersey. From here, the tone and scale of the operation changed drastically. 

Erichetti spread the word that new money was in town, and they were here to play. Politicians from across the tri-state area and even as far as Florida met with the sheiks to hear their offers and ultimately take their money. Some offered expedited entry into the country, some offered permits for casinos, and the rest practically fell to the ground and swore the power of their office to the sheiks. All they wanted in return was Uncle Sam’s finest green, something the federal agents were supplied enough with to dole out to the whole region. 

All in all, six US representatives, one senator, Angelo Erichetti, and three Philadelphia city council members (including the president) were convicted out of a total 31 targeted politicians. Those in charge of ABSCAM must have felt accomplished for their role in weeding out those that would sell the power of their office to the highest bidder. Democracy could rest easy for another night. 

However, the very next day (metaphorically speaking), they awoke to find that those with the most to lose from operations such as these were ready to bring their hammer down. 

Some say that ABSCAM and its pivoting towards targeting political officials was in revenge for how the legislative branch came at the national intelligence agencies for their part in the Watergate scandal of 1972. While these claims are unsubstantiated, it reflects the mindset of those that set the rules of the game after ABSCAM concluded. While undercover operations are still a tool in the FBI’s kit, under the guidelines that were issued, it was ensured that the wild-dog kind of operation that ABSCAM was could never occur again on American soil. 

The Legacy of ABSCAM

Now we live with the consequences. When LeAnna Washington, a Democrat who represented parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County in the state senate, was questioned by her chief of staff on the appropriateness of using taxpayer money for political gain, she responded by saying “I am the f-ing senator, I do what the f- I want, and ain’t nobody going to change me.” One may wonder why an elected official would respond so boldly to merely the idea that their misuse of taxpayer money is dubious, the answer lies within the legacy ABSCAM left behind. 

During the trials of those convicted and the subsequent appeals, they cried that the agents had “entrapped” them into doing acts they never would have had they not been in the situation the FBI orchestrated. Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti issued the first guidelines upon which future FBI operations would be conducted to avoid further controversy. Issues include the aforementioned entrapment, the tarnishing of reputations of innocent parties, and the damage done to the reputation of the government that was still reeling from the Watergate scandal. 

But What Specifically Changed?

Since ABSCAM relied on many middlemen to get the federal agents in contact with public officials, the Civiletti guidelines outline and restrict the use of middlemen and detail when they are allowed to break the law and when they are not. From the Office of the Inspector General, “informants may be authorized to participate in two different types of ‘otherwise criminal activity’ at the behest of the FBI, ‘ordinary’ and ‘extraordinary.’ ‘Ordinary’ criminal activity could be authorized by an FBI field office supervisor or higher FBI official. ‘Extraordinary’ criminal activity was defined as any activity involving a significant risk of violence, corrupt actions by high public officials, or severe financial loss to a victim.” Public officials could now enjoy a level of security that was not previously afforded to them. The FBI was trusted not to go after Congress in almost a quid pro quo of their very own – then, it became law to make it harder to clear these operations. Perhaps they were so embarrassed that they were fooled by a con man who, during one of the payoff meetings, “inadvertently arrang[ed] for delivery of heaping hot corned beef sandwiches and coleslaw” (Ted Sherman). For as much business as these public officials were in with the “sheiks,” they seemingly could not tell it was strange for these men to be enjoying Jewish deli food. 

No matter the character of the con man that fooled Congress, the elected officials he was in hotel rooms with, sitting on yachts, talking over the phone, were connected to him for one thing – for the gain of only those that had the power to talk. Prosecutor Thomas P. Puccio, at the trial of Congressman Myers, said “There is a lot of tragedy in this room for the citizens of Philadelphia whom this congressman represents . . . There is tragedy for the Congress of the United States, in which Mr. Myers sits.” Philadelphia is not so much a martyr for public corruption, but is an analogy for the rest of the country. Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania-lite, also known as New Jersey, was home to many of the worst actors in the ABSCAM case. These men were willing to sell the power of their office to enrich themselves at the cost of local and national security. At some point, their ego allowed them to think themselves above the law, a mindset that a scary number of politicians have today. 

Our Modern Day

Brett H. Mandel is the author of “Philadelphia, Corrupt and Consenting: A City’s Struggle Against an Epithet.” Within, he recounts all of the corruption that took place in the city since its establishment over 300 years ago. There are many counts of politicians just like those seen in ABSCAM, taking bribes and excessive “campaign donations” in return for favors that could only be granted by those in positions of power. Egos were developed, only some were held accountable for their actions. Nevertheless, the audacity of these politicians have grown in the wake of ABSCAM, as if the opposite effect from what the FBI intended had occurred. 

It’s not about what you know, it’s who you know. Philadelphia is a burgeoning market, one that is being torn down and reconstructed. One cannot walk along Broad Street without needing to detour around fences and orange plastic barriers. With connections to every major city in the northeast region, Philadelphia is the new frontier for people looking to maximize their profit at the cost of those that live here. Contracts are awarded to those the politicians know, money moves around in the upper echelons without a dime ever reaching the lower rungs of the ladder. Even still, accountability and media coverage is next to none. 

Conclusion

ABSCAM showed how deep the corruption goes. It showed how willing politicians are to play favorites, to be used for their power to satisfy their desires. Even still to this day, voters can only focus on how they can get by. Life has only gotten harder as problems continue to go unresolved. With so much pedantics, short reform movements started in good faith that ultimately get shut down by power brokers/people with investments in the misery of others, the people of Philadelphia have their own worries to deal with. Many wonder if they will be the next victim of gun violence. They wonder if they will have to find other places to live outside of the city because of the skyrocketing price of rent. 20% of local citizens worry about where their next meal will come from, or if they will have utilities in their house, compared to an 11.5% national average. 

Therefore, it is no wonder that voter turnout for the 2023 mayoral election was only 30%, and in a one-party city, it was not hard to predict which candidate those votes would go to. Apathy has been rising in the city since Covid-19 and the ensuing economic fallout. However, it is important to know that when the voters do not exercise the one true power given to them, then those on top win. When their people are no longer in power because the voters care about what their elected officials are doing, they tighten up. One day, they may even play fair so that everyone can have a piece of the American dream. The hope is that one day, it will not just be a dream.