It’s time to set the record straight. Many people who don’t live in DC have many thoughts and opinions on our district and there are some we want to address. DC might not be the easiest place to live in the world but it’s a spectacular city. Here are 9 stereotypes that are just not true.
- Not everyone works for the government or as a lobbyist.
Flickr/Laurenellen McCann Yes, many people come to DC to work for the government or as a contractor or for a politician. In fact, only 14.1 percent of our workforce make up federal employees and we rank fourth in terms of the amount of people employed by the government.
- It’s not really as violent as TV shows like to claim.
Flickr/Elvert Barnes TV shows like Homeland, Scandal and House of Cards make it seem like the city is rampant with ambitious, ruthless and murderous people. It’s really not. The murder rate and crime rate has actually decrease over the last several years.
- Not everyone is power hungry either.
Flickr/Lorie Shauli DC does attract some of the smartest and most driven people in the world. They are also some of the kindest.
- It’s all work and no play.
Flickr/Elvert Barnes We are not afraid to work hard but we’re not afraid to play hard either. DC is home to public dance parties, kickball leagues, happy hour specials and plenty of opportunities to have fun.
- That we’re out of touch with America.
Flickr/Bill Dickinson Too often people confused DC with the government, when in fact they are not the same. The residents of DC often come from all over the country and have a unique understanding of the entire country.
- That we’re rude or snobby.
Flickr/Lorie Shaull Sometimes people in DC are busy. Sometimes we’re focused on something else but we are always willing to help out, give directions or be there for one another.
- That we’re not fashionable.
Flickr/Fashion Fights Poverty We are much more than pants suits and workwear in DC. Take a look around the streets and you will see a vibrant fashionable city.
- That we’re not a real city.
Flickr/KP Tripathi DC is unique. It’s not technically a state. It’s a federal district. However, we have a Mayor and City Council and those who live here consider it a city.
- That we’re all locals.
Flickr/Ted Eytan In fact, very few people are actually from Washington DC. Most are transplants.
Do you agree that it’s time to put these stereotypes to rest? Did we list the stereotype you hate?
Flickr/Laurenellen McCann
Yes, many people come to DC to work for the government or as a contractor or for a politician. In fact, only 14.1 percent of our workforce make up federal employees and we rank fourth in terms of the amount of people employed by the government.
Flickr/Elvert Barnes
TV shows like Homeland, Scandal and House of Cards make it seem like the city is rampant with ambitious, ruthless and murderous people. It’s really not. The murder rate and crime rate has actually decrease over the last several years.
Flickr/Lorie Shauli
DC does attract some of the smartest and most driven people in the world. They are also some of the kindest.
Flickr/Elvert Barnes
We are not afraid to work hard but we’re not afraid to play hard either. DC is home to public dance parties, kickball leagues, happy hour specials and plenty of opportunities to have fun.
Flickr/Bill Dickinson
Too often people confused DC with the government, when in fact they are not the same. The residents of DC often come from all over the country and have a unique understanding of the entire country.
Flickr/Lorie Shaull
Sometimes people in DC are busy. Sometimes we’re focused on something else but we are always willing to help out, give directions or be there for one another.
Flickr/Fashion Fights Poverty
We are much more than pants suits and workwear in DC. Take a look around the streets and you will see a vibrant fashionable city.
Flickr/KP Tripathi
DC is unique. It’s not technically a state. It’s a federal district. However, we have a Mayor and City Council and those who live here consider it a city.
Flickr/Ted Eytan
In fact, very few people are actually from Washington DC. Most are transplants.
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