Who Dat…?
Just back from a week in New Orleans. The City has pretty well lost its collective mind…but in a good way. This coming Tuesday is Mardi Gras. Last Tuesday was Lombardi Gras. And the parade was, by all estimates, larger than any Mardi Gras parade; 800,000 in a city of less than 500,000. Businesses set the holiday watch on Monday and Tuesday. And wherever you went, the uniform of the day was Black and Gold and the greeting of the day was “Who Dat!” Seems like they will never tire of saying that with all that it implies.
And what it implies is that a city, once the center of commerce in the South that had been left behind by her sisters in Georgia, Florida, and Texas; a city that had become a cliché as a “Third World Country” with the highest murder rate in the U.S.; a city with a joke of an public educational system and local government; a city that was dealt a near death blow less than 5 years ago; and a city clinging to its NFL team that spawned fans so ashamed they wore paper bags on their heads and dubbed the team “The Ain’ts”, is claiming respect.
This Super Bowl victory comes at an auspicious moment in the history of New Orleans. Recovery is strong, to the extent that they experience one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, a growing economy, a wild west entrepreneurial atmosphere, a resurgent school system and neighborhood spirit, and most importantly, an election that truly is “Change”. New Orleans has been named in a number of national publications as one of the best places to start a new business and, surprisingly, one of the best places to live. Much of the old guard that helped to build a reputation of Banana Republic governance is now looking for work and a new krewe of young, progressive leadership is taking the helm.
And there’s the Saints, the eye of the storm. All that is positive in the city is encapsulated in their story. The metaphors are abundant. Cast offs and the unheralded, the new and untested, the old and forgotten, brought together and formed into a team that surprised all but the most stalwart of the Who Dat Nation. They were resilient and relentless. They were bold and innovative. They were inclusive and made the most of their assets. They are a team that truly represents all of a city that deserves a place in the hearts of Americans, as a part of our American story.
So even if you are a Vikings fan, part of the Cardinal faithful, or avid follower of the Colts, celebrate with a City that is being reborn and taking its place, once again, as one of our great American Cities.
February 13th, 2010 at 1:33 am
Hey Emile,
I really like this article. I usually watch less than a 1/2 dozen pro football games a year and one of them is The Superbowl. I seldom even know the opponents and usually watch for the commercials because of my marketing interests. When I tuned in the Colts were ten and dominating the Saints with 0. Wifey was rooting for the Colts , but I always go for the underdog. The Saints were inspiring ( no pun intended) because they were playing with such heart. To me it was obvious that they were after much more than personal glory. They won it for themselves, their city, and their entire state. I loved the QB post win comments giving God credit for the teams great season. It showed me the power of prayer and the resilience of the human spirit.
Wishing You Plenty To Live,
Tom Doiron
Atlanta
February 14th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Always tough to root against the spouse. Debra’s an avid Cowboys fan (!?!!?) but came over to the good side for the game. Usually one to keep a close eye on the Suber Bowl commercials, I used commercial time for what it was intended: getting food, beer and making head calls. I was captivated by the continuing saga of the Saints and didn’t want to miss anything.
A week later, the Saints jerseys are still ubiquitous, as are the “Bless You Boys” signs displayed proudly by businesses and residents all around the region. I suspect the celebration will moderate a bit after Tuesday, Mardi Gras, but only slightly. The Gulf Coast has a new bounch in its step.
As always, thanks for your comments and observations.