Chicago was to corruption what Pittsburgh was to steel or Hollywood to motion pictures. It refined and cultivated it, and embraced it without embarrassment.
In his book "One Summer: America, 1927," Bill Bryson reflects on Chicago's deep-rooted connection with corruption. He suggests that the city did not shy away from its corruption, instead choosing to embrace and nurture it, much like how Pittsburgh is synonymous with steel or Hollywood is with film production. This comparison highlights how integral corruption was to the fabric of Chicago's identity during that era.
By positioning Chicago's corruption alongside well-known industries, Bryson illustrates how the city not only accepted corrupt practices but also refined them, making them a defining characteristic of its culture. This perspective invites readers to consider how cities can sometimes become synonymous with negative traits, transforming them into essential aspects of their historical narratives.
