“Tough” might not be the first word that pops into your head when you think about the people of the Forest City. “Friendly” and “loyal” and “awesome” might come to mind first, but make no mistake: Clevelanders have always been a hardy bunch. Whenever something tests our mettle, we always come out on top. These eight reasons show just how strong Cleveland and its people can be in the face of adversity.
1. Cleveland winters are no joke.
Though this season has been fairly mild compared to years past, a good Cleveland winter rivals the extreme conditions of northernmost Maine and Alaska at times. Despite the intense cold and frequent storms, we manage to hold on until the snow melts.
2. Two words: Lake Effect.
Of course, no discussion of Cleveland winter can be complete without our two least favorite words. The Great Lakes may be great, but they can brew some truly nasty storms given the proper conditions.
3. We show our support even when it's hard to.
Being a sports fan in Cleveland can be a mixed bag of emotions. For every dramatic 3-1 comeback in the NBA Finals, there is a heartbreaking World Series loss. But these ups and downs don't stop us from cheering the home team with everything we've got every game.
4. Cleveland moves fast.
The hustle and bustle of downtown Cleveland is a sight to behold. From the financial district to the small shops and restaurants dotting University Circle, Cleveland can move at breakneck speed on a busy day. And we can move right along with it.
5. We grew up on the Lake Erie shore.
The North Coast can be a hard place to live, especially for those who make a living on the swells of Lake Erie. It can be a fun place to visit on a beautiful day, but many a lakeshore storm has rocked the city over the years. Even still, it's nothing we can't handle.
6. Cleveland bounces back.
Cleveland has had some hard times. From the Cuyahoga River fires to the Blizzard of 1977, we have proven a hardy and resilient city in the face of disaster. We always hope for the best, but we know how to prepare for the worst and come back stronger than ever.
7. Clevelanders defy the haters.
Cleveland has been the target of many a cheap joke and an unfortunate stereotype. Despite all that, you'd be hard-pressed to find a city with more local pride. Let outsiders joke all they want, but we'll be too busy strutting through the streets on Dyngus Day to notice.
8. Cleveland is united.
It doesn't take much for a Clevelander to support a fellow denizen of the Forest City. Our closeness and our compassion for one another is our greatest strength, and the ultimate measure of our toughness as a city and as individuals. When push comes to shove, it's Cleveland against the world.
Can you think of any other great reasons why the people of Cleveland are so tough? Tell us in the comments!
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