WBEZ's Britt Julious examines how stereotypes influence our appreciation of neighborhoods. Choice of neighborhood affirms to oneself and others just the sort of person you think you are or aren't. Not a frat kid? Stay out of Wrigleyville. Not mainstream? Dodge the South Loop. Some people even move to neighborhoods because they think they're supposed to (hip Logan Square, foodie West Loop, etc.). The scenario extends to harsher stereotypes, too, like crime and moral values. Stereotypes and balkanization limit scope and participation and prohibit any one area from being a representative "Chicago". [WBEZ, photo: Kevin Maher/Flickr]
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