Philadelphia sports fans are looked down on by most nationwide for their often crazy shenanigans, but learned to embrace this reputation, writes Sara Nović for Wildsam.

In fact, the city’s ability to take the punches when it comes both to Philadelphia itself and its sports teams can be summed up in the city’s unofficial theme song: “No one likes us, no one likes us, no one likes us, we don’t care. We’re from Philly, fuckin’ Philly, no one likes us, we don’t care.”

The fact is, most Philadelphians have a sizable chip on their shoulders. This is partly due to the close to New York and Washington, D.C., which gives them a case of Little Brotheritis.

It seems that residents have decided it was better to be infamous than forgotten, hence the many attention-drawing incidents, like pelting Santa Claus with snowballs.

But within Philadelphia, people understand each other perfectly. The blue-collar culture that outsiders consider gruff is simply a no-nonsense approach to communication.

The status of underdog has been with the city since its founding, when it was a gathering place for radicals plotting to overthrow the British crown. During the Civil War, it became a hub for abolitionism and communities of formerly enslaved people. And today, is a boon for new immigrants and refugee populations who give it new life.

The city and its sports fans embrace their underdog status and are better off for it.

Read more about Philly sports fans in Wildsam.

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