So all these Chicagoans choose to live in Chicago, but rather than accept winter as part of the bargain, they complain about it. Why?
My theory is that there are other things in their lives they’re unhappy with, but they focus on the weather because it’s easier to get sympathy from others if you complain about winter than if you complain about things you can change. People who complain about the weather frequently (every day) strike me as unhappy in
general.
When those same Chicagoans complain about summer weather I want to say “What do you people want??” I think they just want to complain. I think they’re actually upset about their jobs or relationships or health or living situations. These weather-complainers focus on the humidity or the snow because they’re afraid to face their job situation or stagnated marriage or physical symptoms. They think they’re trapped by the weather when the truth is they feel trapped by their lives.
I’m done talking to complainers about the weather. The next time someone tries to pull me into an exchange about how cold it is, I’m going to say, “What do you expect? It’s Chicago.” This summer when people complain about the heat, I’m going to say, “What do you expect? It’s Chicago.” Then I’ll change the subject.
What a fun video! Thanks for including that, Reg.
I'm beginning to catch on how people stay in uncomfortable places (New Orleans, Somalia) because of their family and social ties more than their physical surroundings. Reminds me of Lilliputian strings tying one down.
I think you have a point about the weather standing in as a scapegoat. I hadn't thought of that but I can see how it functions. Good call.
Thanks for commenting, Cat! I love when people put comments on my blog.
I think there are two types of weather complainers in Chicago: those who like to complain about the weather and those who like to complain about those complaining about the weather.
Face it, without those of us who remark on the weather, you wouldn't have anything to complain about yourself. Then you might have to *gasp* complain about the weather instead!
But I do like the video, and have shared it with a lot of people.