There’s an undeniable weight that hometown pride carries, impacting how we view local depictions in media. In the case of HBO’s The Pitt, this sentiment transforms an otherwise commendable show into a frustrating experience for me.
Initially, I heard buzz about the new series without realizing it was rooted in Pittsburgh—a city I hold dear. When I finally tuned in, seeing Noah Wyle back in a hospital setting filled me with excitement as those iconic yellow bridges came into view. At last, I thought, my hometown would be showcased in its authentic Yinzer style.
However, my enthusiasm soon waned. To give The Pitt some credit, the show takes place primarily in a single location, with each hour-long episode spanning a real-time day. The concept seems promising—imagine a blend of 24 meets ER. Yet, I find myself questioning the authenticity of portraying Pittsburgh. If it’s indeed set in such a specific locale, why does it not resonate with the vibrancy of its true inhabitants? Where is the Pittsburghese?
In the series, Dr. Robby (portrayed by Wyle) is seen donning a Pittsburgh hoodie throughout, with a character sporting a stylish Steelers shirt. Yet this depiction falls short of my reality. There’s a glaring absence of local color—no passionate debates about Mike Townsend or the futile hopes surrounding the Pirates’ playoff chances. We deserve to witness Pittsburgh in all its glory on screen!
A Familiar Phrase: “Youse”
Certain phrases and quirks are intrinsic to Pittsburgh culture, instantly revealing one’s roots. For instance, we frequently abbreviate our speech, use “jagoff” to describe shortcomings, and refer to groups with “yinz, ” which serves as our local version of “y’all.” Here, being a Yinzer is a point of pride, not just a geographic label.
Our accents may be challenging for outsiders, and our loyalty is evident in our black and gold attire for the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. You can’t forget the frequent use of french fries, even in dishes where they seem out of place. This odd fusion of traits makes my hometown uniquely mine—strange, yet endearing.
Yet, as I watch The Pitt, I struggle to recognize the city that lives in my heart. I see only half-hearted attempts to capture the essence of a vibrant Pittsburgh.
While I don’t expect the cast to adopt Pittsburgh accents, it still baffles me that no one arrives in the emergency room speaking our local dialect. Where are the “gow-ins”? I’ve worked hard to smooth out my accent; it’s disheartening to see a show set in my hometown disregard such a key aspect of our identity!
Ultimately, I now comprehend the frustrations voiced by fans of other series like The Bear. Even Mare of Easttown made an effort to honor the Philadelphia accent! Why then, do we continue to overlook the rich tapestry of Pittsburgh’s linguistic and cultural nuances?
You may view my concerns as trivial, but they stem from a deep love for my hometown.The Pitt could have been an extraordinary tribute, yet I constantly find myself reminded of how it fails to authentically reflect Pittsburgh’s character.
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