Just say'in ...

There are people who love to hate Toronto. I meet them all the time; they are always quick to express their litany of dislike. They slam the traffic, the drivers, the crowds, the noise, the pace of life, the crime, the smog, the people, the hockey (okay that’s legit), pretty much everything. Once satisfied they’ve made their, more often than not, unsolicited evaluation they then wax eloquent on their corner of the country. It’s beautiful, it’s quiet, it’s safe, it’s relaxing, the people are friendly, there’s no traffic, and everything is amazing.  And I’m sure it is, in fact I know it is. I’ve lived, visited or travelled throughout this incredible country. I’ve found beauty everywhere and I’ve meet lots of wonderful people. I’ve lived in rural settings, small towns, medium sized cities and large cities; downtown, uptown, suburbia, and in the middle of nowhere; been there, done that.

Now everyone is entitled to their opinion, apparently. Regardless of how ill informed, insensitive, stupid or narrow minded. That’s the beauty of free speech. You get to say pretty much anything. Not that I’m saying that those who express their dislike for the world’s most ethnically and racially diverse city, are ill informed, insensitive, stupid or narrow minded. That would be presumptuous, unfair, untrue and possibly elitist. But I will say this; I don’t come into your city, your neighbourhood or your home and tell you, unsolicited, that your city looks shabby, that your neighbourhood is sterile and boring, and that your house smells like wet dog. In fact even if you asked me I wouldn’t tell you that … because, well it’s just plain rude.

Toronto is all the bad things haters say it is … but it’s also much more. Toronto is a city of ravines and trees, of diverse neighborhoods, restaurants and theatres, art and life, blue-flag beaches, boardwalks and history. Its streets are filled with people from every corner of the world, good and decent people. It’s a city worth knowing, try it, get out of the car, walk the streets, stroll the parks and ravines, eat in the restaurants, visit the galleries, swim in the lake, sit on the beach, watch the people, go to the theatre … after all … it’s your city too.

Of course if you don’t want to experience the city, no problem. But could you manage to do one small thing for me? Be a nice polite guest and try not to blurt out that my house smells like a wet dog … I already know … but it’s my dog and I love her.