Are people from Chicago mean sprited?

Your question is posed from a very interesting vantage point. I am not sure mainstream America is used to statements made by African Americans being considered racist. I would agree that a lot of what Obama's former pastor says is highly racist and very divisive.

Chicago is a large city with large city problems. There has certainly been an increase in violent crimes recently that have received national news attention. Whenever the economy struggles crimes rise so this is not surprising. Violent crimes in Chicago are mainly confined to certain areas - it is not the entire city. Tourist areas, for instance, are relatively crime free. I would not say crime is a major problem in the city of Chicago. I would say crime is a problem in certain parts of the city of Chicago, like most other large cities. The news stories you see are pretty much centered on the Southside - which has long been a problem area for the city. Most of the crime is gang related. Gangs have been a problem in areas of Chicago since the 60's. It is not something new and seems to be cyclic. The gangs get cleaned out, lay low for a while, build up strength and then come back with a vengeance which leads to them being cleaned out again.

In addition to this Chicago reports some crimes differently than other cities. The Chicago Police record all criminal sexual assaults, as opposed to only rape. They count aggravated battery together with the standard category of aggravated assault. This means that while the numbers may seem high compared to other cities, it is really a case of comparing apples and oranges.

As far as news reports from Chicago featuring "pushy" people, I really don't know what you are referring to. "Pushy" would be a highly personal adjective. Without knowing specific stories you have seen, it is impossible to weigh in on that piece of your post. I would simply remind you that all reporting - even news - is HIGHLY subjective and slanted to the view of the reporter and station. Remember Dan Rather who was highly respected before he got caught slanting his stories beyond credibility.

Chicago has a lot to offer. It is a vibrant city with many cultural offerings and great diversity. It is not a perfect city. That does not exist outside of Disney World.

You and your sister are bright ones!

Obama's pastors are just idiots who are looking for news attention by being extreme.

"news reports from Chicago feature pushy people?" LOL what does that even mean? You lost me on that one.

Crime is a major problem EVERYWHERE, not just in Chicago. That doesn't make people "mean" because there is crime around them.

I've lived in Chicago my whole life, and visited many other big cities, and I have never felt that Chicago was "Mean spirited" It's actually quite the opposite!

The people here, well they're people. Some nice, Some not. Chicago is pretty cool though you just have to take the good with the bad I guess.... I've lived here my whole life and it's probably not too different from any other city. I mean look at me...all answering your question, being all nice and stuff... :-) Mean? Please... But seriously sweetie crime is everywhere, it's not like there's a mugger or someone waiting to commit a crime on every corner. And if you're interested in visiting, I say go for it and you judge for yourself, but I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy yourself. And in reference to Obama's pastors...they don't even deserve a comment they're just attention whores. :-)

Peace Out

Awww... its sad that you asked that. I try my hardest to be kind to everyone in Chicago, especially tourists/out of towners. I would like to think there are a lot of wonderful people in Chicago. Are there some mean spirited people... well sure there are, but they are everywhere in the world. I absolutely love Chicago for its diversity and culture. I love the mix of people, but you take the good and take the bad. There is some crime, but it isn't everywhere. There are some wonderful neighborhoods. I've met some of the kindest people in Chicago, so I don't think people from Chicago are mean spirited. I didn't always live in Chicago either. I moved there to go to college. Everyday I feel lucky to be part of such a wonderful city :)

I hope one day you will get the opportunity to explore this wonderful city and see some loving/caring people.

Compared to NYC or LA, Chicago has allot nicer people. Chicago is a big city with a small town heart. People here work hard and help each other out. However you will find a fair number of jerks. I personnally try to be kind to everyone I meet. Smiling at strangers and holding doors open for people. I have witnessed lots of other people doing the same thing. My advise is to visit Chicago and judge for yourself.

chicago is a very large and diverse city with all the pros and cons that go along with that sort of city. like with all large cities you'll need to keep your wits about you, stay smart by staying away from the shady areas (they're obvious and if you go to school here you'll be told about them right away, and your school will most likely tell you if there are near by areas to stay away from) chicago is also known to have some of the friendlier residents after all we're the city of big shoulders.

It's Chi-town. Never heard of C-town in reference to Chicago.

Not at all....especially compared to New York! One thing about Chicago compared to other large cities is that it is very clean and nice!

Show me a city this size that doesn't have a major crime problem!! It's a lot easier to find news stories about mean, racist, pushy people no matter where you are. I don't know, maybe they think its more entertaining. Any city will be what you make of it!!

Chicago people rock! But, of course, you have some of everyone. Chicagoans range from super nice (me!) to super un-nice (that guy who rides the bus and puts his feet next to me). Yeah, you will find racists and you will find bigots and you will find criminals, but you will also find fun-lovers, patriots, and down to earth people. And crime is an issue everywhere in the world, isn't it?