Cities that enjoy unrivalled pre-eminence within their countries are rare and especially in many of the lands of the newer worlds. As a native of London – a city which similarly to Paris and France, enjoys sole national supremacy – this phenomenon has always interested me. While this development seems natural in geographically enormous countries like Russia (Moscow and Saint Petersburg), China (Beijing and Shanghai) and the USA (New York City and Los Angeles) it is also true of smaller nations, such as New Zealand (Wellington and Auckland), Spain (Madrid and Barcelona) and Italy (Rome and Milan).*
City rivalries develop for a whole host of reasons, including geography, internal competing nationalisms, politics, local nationalisms, commerce and of course, history. Occasionally these rivalries can blow up into full blown rows, and given sufficient regional identity, even war. Often, newer countries with two or more “competing” cities have avoided potential trouble by creating distinct administrative/political national capital cities – such as Brasilia, in the case of Brazil (cf Rio versus Sao Paulo); or by elevating a non rival city to the same position – such as Canberra in the case of Australia (cf Melbourne versus Sydney). Even in newer countries with relatively long-established capitals, such as Washington DC (USA) Durban (South Africa), and Ottawa (Canada), these cities rarely evolve into their respective nations commercial or cultural urban powerhouses.
Presented below are my thoughts on three famous urban rivalries I am familiar with…
*Apologies to residents and fans of cities like Chicago and Vancouver, who could justifiably argue that in North American terms at least, I have overlooked these towns equally valid competing statures to those named – perhaps in the interest of preserving my hypothesis. However, while there can be no doubting either city’s cultural and commercial importance and influence, in a broad metropolitan sense, not to mention for sheer industrial and commercial might, they are dwarfed by the cities mentioned.
It is a tough subject. Just about every reader could find arguments for their favorite city. For example, most residents of Washington don’t give L.A. a thought – it is just smog and acting in their mind. The real rivalry in their minds is between D.C.’s political power and New York’s financial power. You noted Vancouver and Chicago, and I’ll bet those in Boston would have something to say too. Residents of Miami might be quick to point out COVID has caused a lot of NYC financiers to move their direction.
Tough subject.
I agree, that from a native’s perspective, these comparisons / selections might seem questionable. However, from an outsider’s / visitor’s perspective, looking in, I can guarantee that I am reflecting a broadly received perception. And as for favourite cities, in a general sense, for me, of the US cities I have been to, Seattle just edges it for me over NYC. But yes, a contentious subject.
And, while we’re talking favourite cities, Haifa beats Tel Aviv and Jerusalem hands down. Not only for its stunning setting, but also because it exemplifies how well Jews and Arabs can coexist and integrate.
It is a tough subject. Just about every reader could find arguments for their favorite city. For example, most residents of Washington don’t give L.A. a thought – it is just smog and acting in their mind. The real rivalry in their minds is between D.C.’s political power and New York’s financial power. You noted Vancouver and Chicago, and I’ll bet those in Boston would have something to say too. Residents of Miami might be quick to point out COVID has caused a lot of NYC financiers to move their direction.
Tough subject.
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I agree, that from a native’s perspective, these comparisons / selections might seem questionable. However, from an outsider’s / visitor’s perspective, looking in, I can guarantee that I am reflecting a broadly received perception. And as for favourite cities, in a general sense, for me, of the US cities I have been to, Seattle just edges it for me over NYC. But yes, a contentious subject.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And, while we’re talking favourite cities, Haifa beats Tel Aviv and Jerusalem hands down. Not only for its stunning setting, but also because it exemplifies how well Jews and Arabs can coexist and integrate.
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