Corrupt and contented

My move to Philadelphia is now complete, and I’ve even had the opportunity to attend services at Christ Church — something I’ve always wanted to do and a meaningful visit to be sure; on July 5 the Morning Prayer included a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Otherwise I’ve been spending some time reacquainting myself with the spirit of the city and find it more delightful every day. It is home.

A minor curb on my enthusiasm has been Brett H. Mandel’s 2023 book Philadelphia, Corrupt and Consenting: A City’s Struggle Against an Epithet, a history and study of political corruption in Philadelphia, its title inspired by Lincoln Steffens‘ conclusion that Philadelphia is “corrupt and contented.” It is, actually, a fine book and a worthy companion to A Prayer for the City, Buzz Bissinger’s rather more optimistic 1997 portrait of Philadelphia under the Ed Rendell administration — a witty, informed, and informative read. Before diving into the swamp of Philly corruption, though, Mandel in his introduction describes his affection for the city, and it’s a good description of how I and many other native Philadelphians feel about the city as well:

I want to make it clear that I love the City of Philadelphia despite all its flaws. I love the physical city: the buildings, the parks, and the strollable neighborhoods. I love the metaphysical city: the palpable history, the ideals of William Penn’s Holy Experiment, and the poignancy of more than three centuries of struggle to make a city where all can thrive. Most of all, I love Philadelphians’ collective lack of self-importance and the sense that we are all in this together. … I love the fact that Philadelphians know all too well what is wrong with our city, but the same enumeration of complaints from an outsider becomes fighting words. … I love that Philadelphians cheer for our teams as if our enthusiasm alone could make up for their dearth of talent, and I love that Philadelphians boo our teams when they don’t care as much about winning as we do. … Most of all, in spite of so much evidence telling us that the forces of the world are aligned against us, I love the fact that Philadelphians never give up. Philadelphia is a dirty city that still shines and a poor city that still has hope — a city of endless potential, no matter how many times we have failed to realize it.

Take that, Lincoln Steffens. More anon.