1167 replies to this topic

[Doohickie]

What a crock.  Most (probably all) college graduates are seeking any job they can get and they care about money, advancement, and how they can make more money.  They don't care about city image.  Like most Bisnow articles, that one was terribly written.  I'm not sure what the last 15 one sentence paragraphs had to do with the argument made in the first two.  

 

My cousin's kid grew up in Fort Worth, got an engineering degree from A&M, and took a job at a major firm in Minneapolis, MN.  Not because the city has this kickass modern vibe and image, but because that's where the job and the money was at.  If Fort Worth is truly concerned about attracting new college graduates, they need not be concerned with Molly the heifer or the Fort Worth Herd.

 

I first came here in 1987.  I graduated in 1984 (from an east coast school), took a job in L.A., realized I didn't want to live in L.A. due to everything being so expensive, and when I moved I got two job offers- GD in Ft Worth, and Pratt & Whitney in Florida.  The only geographic consideration that drove me to pick Ft Worth over Florida was that I saw more rust on the cars in Florida (due to the ocean salt I suppose) than in Texas.  Other than that, it was all about the job.

 

So yeah, I tend to agree with you.  Things change and the top of the top can be selective like that, but most graduates just want to start paying off those student loans.

[renamerusk]

If "Cowtown" is the issue, then the solution is staring us in the face every single day... 

I respectfully disagree with these developers who, even though successful, seem to lack the requisite vision to meld long standing cultural identity with trendy universalism.  And so, I don't think that Cowtown is the issue; and applaud that the Mayor was quick and right to push back on the trendy universalism where every thing is modern, sleek and Gen-x ; and that replicates an easy template over and over again while reduces design costs.

 

I don't actually think that the word cowtown in itself is necessary because what one feels and thinks about Fort Worth is a mix of big and small; not so much about it being a cowtown. This mixture creates a sense of comfort at a scale that will always attract a certain kind of people and the jobs and small businesses that value such amenities. 

 

What the City needs is a transit system that provides connectivity between the different sectors of the City; an asset that would go a long way in creating jobs.

 

And, should I not forget - its own regional airport to allow businesses, tourists and job seekers to see Fort Worth first; and not second or even worse.

[Askelon]

 Doohickie might enjoy this . Evidently a Ford factory in Buffalo in the mid '70's was shuttered ( that part I got seconded handed.) A large group of laid-off employees banded together and sent out scouts for new jobs, many in Texas ( Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Atlanta, Phoenix, etc.) After 2-3 months ( and more scouts sent out to the most promising areas,) they returned to Buffalo to advise and gather the families for the moves.

  My understanding at the time was 5-10 went to Houston, a few to Florida, Phoenix, etc., and up to 20 families to the Fort Worth area. I worked with one of the scouts ( and 4 more of the followups,) in the late 70's, and later, our kids graduated from the same High School. Still live in the same area. His parents moved to Burleson in the 80's.

  I asked "Why Fort Worth?" Positives given ; Plentiful jobs, low costs, friendly people, MORE RELAXED lifestyle, and, it felt like home ( Doohickie will have to verify or disallow that statement - I only know what I was told.)

  On another note- I REALLY like the Panther City moniker. 

[Dylan]

Yes, college grads move where they can find jobs. Problem is, the vast majority of new DFW office space is being built in Dallas & its suburbs, so that's where new jobs will be.

 

I'm sure the image of Fort Worth as secondary to Dallas is part of the reason for the above.

[renamerusk]

Yes, college grads move where they can find jobs. Problem is, the vast majority of new DFW office space is being built in Dallas & its suburbs, so that's where new jobs will be.....I'm sure the image of Fort Worth as secondary to Dallas is part of the reason for the above.

 

Clearly wishful thinking but  I believe that that office space issue would be resolved if and when one 1,000,000 sf speculative tower is proposed for Downtown.  Such an investment, I believe,  would attract a Fortune 500 company or a G7 based company to establish a regional/national office in Fort Worth. One such office project could start a movement. And its not as though Fort Worth does not have large capital investment firms.

 

I would like TPG to be that investor.

 

https://www.tpg.com/

 

http://www.bizjourna...uity-firms.html

[Now in Denton]

Yes, college grads move where they can find jobs. Problem is, the vast majority of new DFW office space is being built in Dallas & its suburbs, so that's where new jobs will be.

 

I'm sure the image of Fort Worth as secondary to Dallas is part of the reason for the above.

 

Agree. Who thinks that if Fort Worth drops the "Cowtown" image. And rebrands itself. That college grads will trip over each other to get into Fort Worth ? I personally know many TCU grads who work in Dallas. They did not leave Fort Worth because of the image. Grads want and need jobs. That simple.   

[tamtagon]

"The Cowboy" image and various brand association is one of the most potent symbols around. There's good and bad with any folksy, nostalgic, iconic image but even just hearing the words "laid back Surfer dude or Wall Street power broker or Cowboy or June Cleaver housewife" everyone pictures a similar image and similar attributes. Very strong and enduring notions.

 

The Cowboy is indigenous to Fort Worth; over-focusing on the downside of that image is rooted in the rivalry with Dallas. Mid century competitions delivered one North Texas population center with two distinct cultural focal points. Keep the nickname, Cowtown, it's super great. 

 

I've been through the Stockyards once, by mistake after a wrong turn on the way to the Kimbell. I so totally wanted to stop and check it out, but none of my NTSU Art school friends did. And after a couple decades living in Denton & East Dallas and hundreds of trips to downtown Fort Worth and the Cultural District (once even to the Van Cliburn competition) -- still haven't set foot in the Stockyards. But the connection is overwhelming between the words Fort Worth and Cowtown. I saw U2 in Fort Worth, and Neil Diamond and a rare garage band show.

 

The only thing wrong with the brand association is overusing the kitschy happy-happy Dale Evans & Roy Rogers spin. 

[johnfwd]

Some us forget that Fort Worth was not the only late-19th century city to have a stockyards.  There were also Kansas City and Chicago, to name a few.  Those cities could have retained the "Cowtown" nomenclature and identity, but Chicago (at least) is thought of as a modern cosmopolitan metropolis or else as the "windy city."

 

I agree with those here who don't think a marketing label causes graduates to go elsewhere for jobs.  Here's another thought:  Companies who wish to relocate are attracted to communities that offer adequate and sufficient training for the special fields of employment, like high-tech, that have been replacing the labor-intensive jobs of the past.  Fort Worth offers TCC, TWU, TCU, UNT Health, UTA to a limited extent, and now Tarleton.  I think our city is a good attractor for new business and industry and, ergo, the graduates looking for jobs.

[Jeriat]

We have multiple nicknames. 

It's not overly important or anything, but how about promoting the three most prominent ones? 

"Cowtown" for it's western roots.
"Funkytown" for the urban environment/youth movement.
"Panther City" for forward thinking and people underestimating the city ("sleeping panther" = sleeping giant)

Just my take. 

[Austin55]

I would throw out Calgary as another "Cowtown".

[JBB]

Funkytown seems contrived/forced and makes little sense to me. I like Panther City and the back story, but I don't see anyone outside of the city relating to it or remembering. If you walked downtown right now and asked ten locals about the background of "Panther City", I would be shocked if more than three knew what you were talking about.

I think Fort Worth does a decent job of balancing the Cowtown image with other cultural aspects of the city: museums and the arts, aviation, outdoor recreation, historic neighborhoods and architecture.

[Jeriat]

Funkytown seems contrived/forced and makes little sense to me. I like Panther City and the back story, but I don't see anyone outside of the city relating to it or remembering. If you walked downtown right now and asked ten locals about the background of "Panther City", I would be shocked if more than three knew what you were talking about.

I would say that about "The Funk" rather than Funkytown as it's something I've been hearing ever since I was in Kindergarten... and that was back in '94. 

I'm pretty sure more people would know about the "Panther City" image (and why you see it everywhere here) if it was promoted more, which is my point. 

I just don't see "Cowtown" being the only description for this city, especially where I grew up...

[Austin55]

Fort Funk

[Askelon]

   Actually, I have a cousin in Lit'le d who has always called it " The Fort."

[tamtagon]

"Funkytown" for the urban environment/youth movement.

 

My favorite is Fort Party Worth, but since KKDA (Soul 73, where you gotta friend) went away I don't know if anyone calls it that anymore...?

[Dylan]

Some us forget that Fort Worth was not the only late-19th century city to have a stockyards.  There were also Kansas City and Chicago, to name a few.  Those cities could have retained the "Cowtown" nomenclature and identity, but Chicago (at least) is thought of as a modern cosmopolitan metropolis or else as the "windy city."

 

I agree with those here who don't think a marketing label causes graduates to go elsewhere for jobs.  Here's another thought:  Companies who wish to relocate are attracted to communities that offer adequate and sufficient training for the special fields of employment, like high-tech, that have been replacing the labor-intensive jobs of the past.  Fort Worth offers TCC, TWU, TCU, UNT Health, UTA to a limited extent, and now Tarleton.  I think our city is a good attractor for new business and industry and, ergo, the graduates looking for jobs.

 

The problem for Fort Worth: Most new office construction projects (and I assume jobs) are happening in Dallas despite the schools we have here.

 

We have an image problem when it comes to attracting companies and developers.

[Austin55]

The problem for Fort Worth: Most new office construction projects (and I assume jobs) are happening in Dallas despite the schools we have here.

 

Dallas is a competitor, but the suburbs are even more so. I'm sure I'm missing some, but I believe the largest office building in FW in the past decade is 13 miles north of downtown at the FAA building, which is 357k sqft. By comparison, Frost will be 230k and the Carnegie is 303k.

 

 

And it's not just our own sprawl. Here's a quote regarding Plano,
 

“When all this new development is completed, this area here will have more square footage of office space than the city of Fort Worth,”

http://www.bizjourna...nomic-boom.html

[JBB]

I wonder what percentage of the space in Plano is occupied by Toyota.  That complex is massive.

[Dylan]

 

The problem for Fort Worth: Most new office construction projects (and I assume jobs) are happening in Dallas despite the schools we have here.

 

Dallas is a competitor, but the suburbs are even more so. I'm sure I'm missing some, but I believe the largest office building in FW in the past decade is 13 miles north of downtown at the FAA building, which is 357k sqft. By comparison, Frost will be 230k and the Carnegie is 303k.

 

 

And it's not just our own sprawl. Here's a quote regarding Plano,
 

“When all this new development is completed, this area here will have more square footage of office space than the city of Fort Worth,”

http://www.bizjourna...nomic-boom.html

 

 

By Dallas, I mean Dallas and it's suburbs.

 

Not sure I believe Plano's claim, but it's shocking how much more new office space they are building than us!

[Austin55]

I wonder what percentage of the space in Plano is occupied by Toyota.  That complex is massive.

That campus is 2 million alone. Frost will put all of downtown FW at 14 million.

[johnfwd]

Some of the discussion here (not being overly critical) sounds like this is a zero-sum game.  Dallas and environs gain; Fort Worth and environs lose.  That may be the case to a limited extent (e.g., DR Horton moving its campus from Fort Worth to Arlington).   But there are net gains and losses going on all over the North Texas region in this dynamic process.  I think every area city is enjoying some gains.   Plano may have a new Toyota campus, but we'll be getting a fabulous American Airlines campus. Fort Worth is getting a share of new business and industry so long as the national and state economies are healthy.  And we're steadily growing in population.  I would hardly call that disappointing news.

[Jeriat]

 

"Funkytown" for the urban environment/youth movement.

 

My favorite is Fort Party Worth, but since KKDA (Soul 73, where you gotta friend) went away I don't know if anyone calls it that anymore...?

 

 

My GRANDPA still calls it that from time to time. lol

[tamtagon]

 

 

"Funkytown" for the urban environment/youth movement.

 

My favorite is Fort Party Worth, but since KKDA (Soul 73, where you gotta friend) went away I don't know if anyone calls it that anymore...?

 

 

My GRANDPA still calls it that from time to time. lol

 

 

 

He sounds like a fine gentleman!

[renamerusk]

Yes, college grads move where they can find jobs. Problem is, the vast majority of new DFW office space is being built in Dallas & its suburbs, so that's where new jobs will be.....

 

Mayor to join the Dallas mayor in trip to Canada to promote North Texas.  Count me as being cynical. 

 

I am aware that there is some optimism for crossover between the eastern and western sectors of the region; it is becoming clearer to me that instead of being fairly distributed within the region, economic development, business opportunity and tourism is among the most competitive industries within the region.  The city and county that should be footing this bill is Frisco, Texas and environs as they will inevitably be the most to benefit; far more than Tarrant County.

 

I am most optimistic about tourism within Tarrant County.  Fort Worth has a compelling and viable ongoing effort in this sector.  I am hardened by hearing a radio broadcast where a participant asked where she could take her visiting family from the U.K. to experience a western/cowboy experience;  Fort Worth/Hood/Somervell Counties wer e at the top of the list.  Its telling that tourists are actually not interested in coming to Texas seeking an urban experience. 

 

The Mayor may have a good time, but frankly, she has her work cut out and will have little to show for the effort as the City is currently at a enormous disadvantage to the its neighbors to the east.  Until the DFWI business recruitment committee has actually incentivized a few commercial real estate projects in the pipeline and shovel ready, the City should suspend these overseas junkets that benefit the cities in the region that can show tangible projects underway.  Until Fort Worth can boost its available class A office portfolio and have something to offer corporations immediate or projected accommodations, businesses will settle in either Uptown Dallas or Collin County. 

 

 

The junket -

 

http://www.fortworth...b54ea33c27.html

[johnfwd]

I am hardened by hearing a radio broadcast where a participant asked where she could take her visiting family from the U.K. to experience a western/cowboy experience;  Fort Worth/Hood/Somervell Counties wer e at the top of the list.  Its telling that tourists are actually not interested in coming to Texas seeking an urban experience. 

 

The junket -

 

http://www.fortworth...b54ea33c27.html

 

Aside from business and industry, the mayors can talk tourism during their overseas junket.

 

When I was volunteering at the Main Street Arts Festival info booth a year ago a couple from Australia walked by waning to know how to get to the Stockyards.  This is just fine when you think about it.  People from across the globe come to our springtime arts festivals and also want to take in other attractions, notably our country-western spots.  Some want to know how to get to AT&T stadium in Arlington.

 

This is just an anecdotal thought, but I think Fort Worth and Arlington seem to me to be more preferable tourist adventures than is Dallas. Some no doubt want to visit the JFK memorial at Dealey Plaza.  But, other than Hyde Park during the day and Deep Ellum at night, can you think of any tourist spot in Dallas that comes readily to mind?  I think the Dallas mayor has a harder sale to make than does our mayor when it comes to tourism (though the Dallas mayor probably touts tourism in the whole metroplex as being Dallas's).

 

A last thought.  Do you really think tourists want to see an urban environment?  Most  probably come from big cities and are tired of their own asphalt jungles.   Many want to see something different, like the Stockyards.

[renamerusk]

Aside from business and industry, the mayors can talk tourism during their overseas junket....... I think the Dallas mayor has a harder sale to make than does our mayor [Fort Worth] when it comes to tourism (though the Dallas mayor probably touts tourism in the whole metroplex as being Dallas's).....A last thought.  Do you really think tourists want to see an urban environment?  Most  probably come from big cities and are tired of their own asphalt jungles.   Many want to see something different, like the Stockyards.

 

  If I had an extra one, this would get "three thumbs"

 

Making a distinction between business and leisure tourism, Fort Worth/Tarrant County & Southwestern Environs actually have an edge in the leisure tourism sector; and should continue to emphasize the heritage that it has been given.  A goal should be to increase its business tourism by incentivizing business to office in Downtown.  Powers that be can do this, such as Jetta Operations is doing, by be willing to build speculative Class A office space in Downtown.  There is land and there is wealth.

[tamtagon]

I'm sure the data exists in presentation form, but I think most leisure tourists heading to North Texas come from within the region, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana.... These folks are looking for the biggest city they find, in less than a day's drive. What a disappointment for our rural, small town, small city & medium size city neighbors when they got to ghost town Dallas circa 1985-2005. Sure the skyscrapers are a sight, but with nothing to do they must have felt empty-handed. The West End Marketplace & Dallas Alley was a totally 80s notion with specific shelf life and nothing really followed.  Fort Worth never really had that sort of hibernation.  

 

In the region, Fort Worth Stockyards may be a unique destination, but it's like a small theme park, not in the same ballpark as the San Antonio River walk, or Galveston Strand-seawall....

 

There's little doubt in my mind the dramatically improved appeal of leisure travel to North Texas associated with one trip visiting two big cities, Fort Worth and Dallas. Similar and familiar like all Sunbelt cities are to each other, but each is distinct, nuanced differences. Maintaining a pioneer edge and Western Frontier sensibility (including a throwback 1800's downtown theme park...), Fort Worth has a much better focus, more enact sense of place than Dallas, and that distinction is the strength of a dual-city trip.

 

As Dallas continues to find its way, the appeal of Fort Worth certainly needs the expansion of the Trinity River Vision, arena in the Cultural District.

 

I'm aware changes are planned for the convention center, but sorry to say I ignorant about that for now....  

[renamerusk]

(1) I'm sure the data exists in presentation form, but I think most leisure tourists heading to North Texas come from within the region, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana.... (2) These folks are looking for the biggest city they find, in less than a day's drive.....(3) In the region, Fort Worth Stockyards may be a unique destination, but it's like a small theme park, not in the same ballpark as the San Antonio River walk, or Galveston Strand-seawall....

 

(1) Until you are sure, what makes you think that most leisure tourists heading to North Texas come from the Mid-America.  It has already been cited numerous times that visitors from Europe, India and Asia, particularly Japan come to North Texas spend money here.  Mid-American visitors are more often than not to be coming here to visit family who has relocated to North Texas because of the jobs.

 

(2) You may have antedoctal evidence, but I have yet to hear someone say that the particular reason for visiting this region because "it is the Big City".  Lots of visitors come here for the amusement parks, stadiums (baseball/football), etc.  When I, and if some one wants to visit a big city, I suggest NYC; there you will experience the pulse and the one-of-its-kind feeling of Gotham.

 

(3) I have visited San Antonio, and the Riverwalk is unique; SA made lemonade out of a lemon, but once seeing it and the Alamo was sufficient for me; instead, more interestingly are the San Antonio missions. Beaches are beaches; nothing wildly unique about Galveston as one can think of dozens of beaches along the three coasts of the U.S. that are of equal tourist value.  Not saying that the Stockyards are better than SA or Galveston, but like all ballparks the Stockyards has its own distinctive appeal;and, which among places to experience that appeal, are limited.

[Jeriat]

 

I am hardened by hearing a radio broadcast where a participant asked where she could take her visiting family from the U.K. to experience a western/cowboy experience;  Fort Worth/Hood/Somervell Counties wer e at the top of the list.  Its telling that tourists are actually not interested in coming to Texas seeking an urban experience. 

 

The junket -

 

http://www.fortworth...b54ea33c27.html

 

 

 

A last thought.  Do you really think tourists want to see an urban environment?  Most  probably come from big cities and are tired of their own asphalt jungles.   Many want to see something different, like the Stockyards.

 

 

Yeah, but we're more than just The Stockyards. 

That's my whole point.

[tamtagon]

POV is based on anecdotes and experience...

 

1) Growing up in rural Texas, Panhandle and South Texas, a trip to Dallas or Houston was a big deal.... heck, a trip to Amarillo was worth telling the neighbors. International travelers are looking for a novel experience.... they go to Seattle or Phoenix or Fort Worth or Memphis or Detroit for the same reasons and American travels to Geneva or Florence or Lisbon or Glasgow. A trip to Toyko or New York or Los Angeles or Rio or London is another world.  

 

But, more than that, my POV has been heavily shaped by Ranally City definitions:

 

https://en.wikipedia...y_rating_system

 

 

Ranally city rating system

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

 

The Ranally city rating system is a tool developed by Rand McNally & Co. to classify U.S. cities based on their economic function. The system is designed to reflect an underlying hierarchy whereby consumers and businesses go to a city of a certain size for a certain function; some functions are widely available and others are only available in the largest cities.

The system was developed for Rand McNally by geographer Richard L. Forstall and released in 1964. The city rankings are updated periodically in the Rand McNally Commercial Atlas and Marketing Guide, an annual two-volume set, which is available in many libraries. Among the criteria for categorization are retail sales, newspaper circulation, and the presence of universities and hospitals and corporate headquarters. The size of the city's tributary area is critical to determining whether it will be rated a 2, 3, or 4. As of 2006, there are 1492 cities rated.

 

 

...Ranally tools were used regularly by the market research work group I was in during about 15 years, thankfully I replaced the work with a much more (personally) agreeable array of tasks shortly after the turn of the century. So I know there's scientifically collected/mined data supporting my take on drivers of leisure travel to North Texas; I'm just not sure of the details and how much has changed since 2002 (a LONG time).

 

In this way, leisure travel includes annual shopping trips to NorthPark or Galleria, Pro Sports game trips, Six-Flags....

 

2) I've only kept up with two of the people I grew up with and only one still has a rural home, and when this person says "I'm planning a trip to the city" on social media, he specifically means Dallas. He's a farmer in the Panhandle, and several years ago I asked why-not Fort Worth, and it's because part of the trip is to 'relax and breath in the gayborhood" the rest is pretentious shopping....

 

"It's the big city" may not be specifically vocalized as the reason rural & small town folks visit North Texas cities, but it is unspoken for many.

 

3) When Dickie's Arena was being proposed, I really really hoped it would be situated between Downtown and the Stockyards. Alas, Cultural District it is, and that's fine. I'm all for expanding the Western Lore of Fort Worth. A Casino would be a fantastic and throwback bridge between Stockyards and downtown....

[Jimmy]

Funkytown seems contrived/forced and makes little sense to me. 

 

Except that it happened without any coordinate effort.  It's more organic than any of the other nicknames for the city.

[youngalum]

My dad used to be the appointed head of the Texas Tourism Commission.  Then part of TxDOT and now the Governor's office I think.

 

Anyway, every other year, the state would fly him and others to UK, France and Germany.  We got a lot of tourists from those places at one time.  Who knows now, but that was 30 years ago.

[renamerusk]

 

Funkytown seems contrived/forced and makes little sense to me. 

 

Except that it happened without any coordinate effort.  It's more organic than any of the other nicknames for the city.

 

It seems to me that it can be both at the same time.

 

If what is meant by the term "it happened without any coordinate effort...then it is organic; but such can be said about trendy fads where it is really hard to pinpoint a origin. 

 

What makes it contrived and forced is that there is not a tangible component to this image - where is the district or neighborhood within Fort Worth that is distinctively "funky?"

[Jeriat]

 

 

Funkytown seems contrived/forced and makes little sense to me. 

 

Except that it happened without any coordinate effort.  It's more organic than any of the other nicknames for the city.

 

 What makes it contrived and forced is that there is not a tangible component to this image - where is the district or neighborhood within Fort Worth that is distinctively "funky?"

 

 

Like I said... it's "urban". 

Maybe ask someone who lives in a predominantly black neighborhood, aged somewhere between 35 and 60, and you'll most likely get your answer from there. 

[renamerusk]

Like I said... it's "urban".....

 

But is it any more urban than any other city that you could mention so that you could then claim the moniker "Funkytown?"

[Jeriat]

 

Like I said... it's "urban".....

 

But is it any more urban than any other city that you could mention so that you could then claim the moniker "Funkytown?"

 

 

There's no other major city in the country (that I know of) using it, so it's not about being "more urban" than another. It's that no one else but Ft. Worth uses it... it's unique to Ft. Worth.

[renamerusk]

 

(1) There's no other major city in the country (that I know of) using it, so it's not about being "more urban" than another. It's that no one else but Ft. Worth uses it...(2) it's unique to Ft. Worth.

 

 

 Quick google search and findings:

 

 (1) It is or was being used in Atlanta, GA..

 

(2) In summary, Fort Worth did not invent murder or create ghettos; and glorifying murder and ghettos in these ways is a symbolism that some, especially myself, may find to be an embarrassing and unacceptable image to attach or to promote on behalf of the City.  One other thing to consider, the African American population is far from being demographically dominant within Fort Worth.

[Jeriat]

 

 

(1) There's no other major city in the country (that I know of) using it, so it's not about being "more urban" than another. It's that no one else but Ft. Worth uses it...(2) it's unique to Ft. Worth.

 

 

 Quick google search and findings:

 

 (1) It is or was being used in Atlanta, GA..

 

(2) In summary, Fort Worth did not invent murder or create ghettos; and glorifying murder and ghettos in these ways is a symbolism that some, especially myself, may find to be an embarrassing and unacceptable image to attach or to promote on behalf of the City.  One other thing to consider, the African American population is far from being demographically dominant within Fort Worth.

 

 

I did the same and got Ft. Worth more than anything. I know several people from or currently living in Atlanta and not once does "Funkytown" come into convo or conscious unless they're talking about Ft. Worth.

...I honestly have no idea where the rest of what you typed has to do with this. Kind of a head-scratcher, really. Some of it seems like a stretch or even off base to say.

[renamerusk]

 

 (2) In summary, Fort Worth did not invent murder or create ghettos; and glorifying murder and ghettos in these ways is a symbolism that some, especially myself, may find to be an embarrassing and unacceptable image to attach or to promote on behalf of the City....

 

I did the same and got Ft. Worth more than anything. I know several people from or currently living in Atlanta and not once does "Funkytown" come into convo or conscious unless they're talking about Ft. Worth.......I honestly have no idea where the rest of what you typed has to do with this. Kind of a head-scratcher, really. Some of it seems like a stretch or even off base to say.

 

In what circumstance or stream of conscientiousness does this refer to Fort Worth other than in their minds?

 

The real head-scratcher is what without question associates funk with Fort Worth?  I think it is your responsibility to tell us the specifics.  Contriving something at least requires some proof or explanation of what you espouse.

 

At least when one refers to the Big Easy, it is generally regarded as a distinct character of New Orleans; when one refers to the Big Apple, it too refers to it being gigantic.  If one is contriving just for the sake of contriving, then it is a baseless stretch.

[Jeriat]

(2) In summary, Fort Worth did not invent murder or create ghettos; and glorifying murder and ghettos in these ways is a symbolism that some, especially myself, may find to be an embarrassing and unacceptable image to attach or to promote on behalf of the City....

 
I did the same and got Ft. Worth more than anything. I know several people from or currently living in Atlanta and not once does "Funkytown" come into convo or conscious unless they're talking about Ft. Worth.......I honestly have no idea where the rest of what you typed has to do with this. Kind of a head-scratcher, really. Some of it seems like a stretch or even off base to say.

 
In what circumstance or stream of conscientiousness does this refer to Fort Worth other than in their minds?
 
The real head-scratcher is what without question associates funk with Fort Worth?  I think it is your responsibility to tell us the specifics.  Contriving something at least requires some proof or explanation of what you espouse.
 
At least when one refers to the Big Easy, it is generally regarded as a distinct character of New Orleans; when one refers to the Big Apple, it too refers to it being gigantic.  If one is contriving just for the sake of contriving, then it is a baseless stretch.

Like I said before, I don't know the exact origin, but it's a nickname I've heard for this town for as long as I can remember. If anything, it started sometime in the late 70s to early 80s. I could research, but it's definitely nothing new.

What I don't get is you mentioning "glorifying murders and ghettos"... like, I would associate that with the "Murda Worth" nickname, and THAT'S something I would never support and find to be pretty dumb to associate with a city that has statistically been one of the least dangerous for decades now... not Funkytown

[renamerusk]

I too have lived in Fort Worth nearly all of my life and I am of a certain time and generation.  I am sure its both a cultural and a generational thing.  It seems that on a national and a local level, there is now a hesitance to admit that things can be offensive for fear of being label over sensitive.

 

If the following associations to this City are acceptable to some, then it is their right to do so; but I find it disturbing and offensive; and a wholly contrived image of a city that is much more than that for which in urban-dom has chosen to label it to be.  Why not "Showing your asswear town"; that could be aptly applied also.

 

Of all the possible image of Fort Worth, this one I personally will not accept as legitimate.  It is contrived and ridiculous; and here is why I am offended:

 

http://www.urbandict...term=Funky Town

 

http://www.therealst.../fort-worth-tx/

[Jeriat]

I too have lived in Fort Worth nearly all of my life and I am of a certain time and generation.  I am sure its both a cultural and a generational thing.  It seems that on a national and a local level, there is now a hesitance to admit that things can be offensive for fear of being label over sensitive.
 
If the following associations to this City are acceptable to some, then it is their right to do so; but I find it disturbing and offensive; and a wholly contrived image of a city that is much more than that for which in urban-dom has chosen to label it to be.  Why not "Showing your asswear town"; that could be aptly applied also.
 
Of all the possible image of Fort Worth, this one I personally will not accept as legitimate.  It is contrived and ridiculous; and here is why I am offended:
 
http://www.urbandict...term=Funky Town
 
http://www.therealst.../fort-worth-tx/

?

So you label a nickname by just a couple definitions you found on the internet and not from (what I'm assuming) actually speaking to people who've known Ft. Worth as "Funkytown" all their lives, most of which are NOT what you're describing here...?


That's like me hating the name "Cowtown" simply because I feel that it represents being a slow, small, dusty, backwards town that has nothing else going for it.

[renamerusk]

 

I too have lived in Fort Worth nearly all of my life and I am of a certain time and generation.  I am sure its both a cultural and a generational thing.

So you label a nickname by just a couple definitions you found on the internet and not from (what I'm assuming) actually speaking to people who've known Ft. Worth as "Funkytown" all their lives, most of which are NOT what you're describing here...?...That's like me hating the name "Cowtown" simply because I feel that it represents being a slow, small, dusty, backwards town that has nothing else going for it.

 

Like I stated, its both a cultural and a generational thing. 

 

I will cede to the point "to people who've known Fort Worth as Funkytown all of their lives." as something that may be factually based and it made be "hip", I wouldn't know.  And yet, all of my considerably long life, I have known it as Fort Worth and Cowtown which is factually base also.

 

However, that there are people that have known nothing but "Funkytown" does not change the fact that it is (1)  contrived; or more importantly that it is (2) has nothing as I understand it that is associated with any event or historical episode in Fort Worth's past or present.

 

As a society, we have been conditioned to accept fake news or fads because others are doing so without reasoning and we have a need to be seen as conforming.  My reasoning tells me that Funkytown does not make sense for Fort Worth; but I await a convincing explanation of their reasoning before I would consider adopting the image.

 

I am guessing, and something tells me,  that it is a simple as having the letter "F" in Fort Worth to be sufficient enough to arrive at "Funky Town".

[rriojas71]

Renamerusk, a lot of people and businesses I know use the term Funkytown and they have nothing to do with the African American community. It started there I think and many people from here adopted it... White, Black, Hispanic..... Have you heard of Funkytown Doughnuts, Butler's Antiques on 8th has the term Keep Fort Worth Funky within it's business slogan. I understand where you are coming from because I have never thought of FW as being funky, but it is definitely a thing, but locals mainly use it.

It is the same as Seattle being called Jet City... or Portland called Rip City.... and SF known by the locals as simply "The City"

[Jeriat]

From what I gather, just like the Panther City nickname, it apparently began as an insult because of the smell from the Stockyards, but was repackaged from the music and club scene in the southside.  

[renamerusk]

(1) Renamerusk, a lot of people and businesses I know use the term Funkytown and they have nothing to do with the African American community. It started there I think and many people from here adopted it... White, Black, Hispanic..... Have you heard of Funkytown Doughnuts, Butler's Antiques on 8th has the term Keep Fort Worth Funky within it's business slogan. I understand where you are coming from because I have never thought of FW as being funky, but it is definitely a thing, but locals mainly use it.

It is the same as Seattle being called Jet City... or Portland called Rip City.... and SF known by the locals as simply "The City"

 

 

(2) From what I gather, just like the Panther City nickname, it apparently began as an insult because of the smell from the Stockyards, but was repackaged from the music and club scene in the southside.  

 

(1) I take in account and, as earlier stated, accept that there are many people in Fort Worth that use the phrase "Funky Town".  Although, I will never personally use the phrase to refer Fort Worth as such, I will reluctantly concede to their prerogative even though it remains in my conclusion to be contrived.

 

Seattle's image as "Jet City" is based partly on the fact that it is the birthplace of Boeing Aerospace which seems perfectly logical and takes in account that that image is based upon local history.

 

(2) To make sure that I am on solid ground and at the same time making this as brief a historical lesson, I checked the Archival Records of the Stockyards; and the Panther City controversy -

 

     1866-90 - the peak of cattle drives passing through Fort Worth or Cowtown.

      1875 -   a Dallas attorney wrote in derision that Fort Worth was so quiet that a panther was observed sleeping in its main street.

     1876 - City builds Union Stockyards (Fort Worth Stockyards)  several miles north of the city center.

 

The Stockyards + Panther Controversy could not be possibly connected in reality.  It should be noted that Downtown is much older than the Stockyards; and that the image of Cowtown is attributed to Hell's Acre; the area today that is the location of the Convention Center, Water Gardens, TAMU Law and the original African American commercial district. 

 

It would also be a falsehood for the Dallas attorney to say that Fort Worth was "sleepy" during this time since waves of cattle and cowboys were passing through as well as the Sundance Gang.   It had to be anything but sleepy.

 

So now you know why Fort Worth should always remain on its guard when associating itself with Dallas and its boosters.
 

[tamtagon]

Cowtown will always be Fort Party Worth to me....

[Dylan]

I'm not a fan of the "Funky Town" nickname because it reminds me of that awful disco song.

[renamerusk]

Are you saying you don't want to "talk about it...talk about it...talk about it."...Neither do I anymore..

 

disclaimer -  It wasn't all that bad; I could listen to it one more time.
 

[johnfwd]

I went with my niece to the convention center Saturday to watch her daughter and dance group perform.  Lots of kids, and some adults, in weird colorful costumes.  I can't believe this happened in Cowtown!  Posted here rather than in the arts thread because it says something about our city's new image.

 

http://www.fortworth...98f8338b57.html