'You're from Manchester? Oh my God, how are you still alive?' were the words of an obnoxious Londoner around four minutes after meeting me. Putting aside the fact that this guy seriously lacked social skills, I decided enough is enough.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't aware of Manchester's bad reputation. It has been labelled the 'ASBO capital of Europe' for its sky high rates of teenage pregnancy, vandalism and gun crime. Yes, I confess that there are some areas of Manchester where I lock the car doors, accelerate and try not to make eye contact with any pedestrians. But please don't tell me the south has never been subject to crime or vandalism. These are common characteristics of an inner city area in any city.
May I remind you that Manchester is a beautiful, friendly Northern city. It's brought us Oasis, The Smiths, Joy Division, Jason Manford, Ian Brown, Anthony Burgess and Wes Brown to name just a few. I would go so far to state that Manchester is the melting pot of the North. The Gay Village, China Town, the Curry Mile and the diverse music scene give it distinct individuality as a city where anyone is welcome. I can't imagine living anywhere else.
The idea that we are all common is also something that grates my Mancunian pride. Contrary to what many southerners may think, it is possible for someone who eats pasties and doesn't pronounce the invisible 'r' in 'bath' and 'grass' to be from a stable background. Maybe people shouldn't listen to the fuelled prejudices surrounding certain regions, and actually give the person a fair shot before denouncing them as a commoner.
Let me conclude with the fact that Manchester is a multicultural, fast-moving vibrant city and I'm proud to call it my hometown. No amount of ignorant comments will ever change this. I'd like to think that everyone should be proud of where they've come from. After all growing up in a particular region is part of who you are, and helped form the person that you are today. Why not be proud of this?
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