People in Chicago at Millennium Park (Photo taken by author)

 

Description: Have you ever visited Chicago? If you visit and hang around the area, Chicagoans will say Hi to you one after another even though you are a completely stranger. I will show you an interesting aspect of Chicago culture.

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Transcript (provided by author):

Welcome to the ELI’s Finding Chicago Global Perspectives Podcast Series for AEPP 2025. I’m your host, Yuki Kawai, and I’m currently enrolled in the University of Chicago’s Law School.

Today, I want to talk about something small, but something that stayed in my heart. It is a short moment I experienced soon after I arrived in Chicago. This moment was simple, but it was very meaningful to me. It is about a short word—just two letters: “Hi.”

When I first came to the United States, I flew into O’HARE International Airport. After landing, I felt tired from the long flight. I took a ride in an Uber taxi to go to my new apartment. While I sat in the car and looked out the window, I felt many emotions. I was excited because everything was new, but I was also nervous. I saw tall buildings, signs written in English, and many unfamiliar faces. All of these things made me feel a little lonely. Then something unexpected happened. As I got out of the taxi, I saw an older man walking on the sidewalk. He looked at me with a smile. He said, “Hi there! Welcome!” At first, I didn’t know if he was speaking to me. But then I understood that he was. I smiled back and said, “Hello.” It was only a few seconds, but it made me feel warm inside. That short greeting made me feel noticed and accepted.

After that day, I started to notice something special. At bus stops, in elevators, and even in grocery stores, people often say “Hi” to me. At first, I was surprised. In Japan, my home country, people usually do not greet strangers. Saying “Hi” to someone you do not know is not common. But in Chicago, it happens often. And more than that, it feels warm. It feels friendly. It feels comfortable.
This small habit made me curious. I started to ask myself: Why do people in Chicago greet others so often? Why do they say “Hi” even when they do not know the person? I wanted to understand this better. Let me share three ideas that helped me think about this question.

First, Chicago is a very diverse city. People who live here come from many different countries. They speak different languages and have many kinds of backgrounds. In this kind of city, saying “Hi” is a simple way to connect. It is easy to say, and everyone understands it. It helps people feel welcome, even when they are different. When people live near others who look or speak differently, it becomes important to show kindness. Saying “Hi” is a small way to say, “I see you. I am friendly. You are safe here.”

Second, I think the design of the city also plays a role. In some cities like New York, the sidewalks are very crowded. People walk quickly, and there is little time to stop. But in Chicago, the sidewalks are wider. Even though it is a large city, people move more slowly. There is enough space to pause, look at someone, and say “Hi” without feeling rushed or getting in the way. The way the city is built makes it easier for people to connect.

Third, I believe the weather in Chicago also matters. Winters here are very cold. The wind is strong, and the temperature often drops below freezing. In this kind of climate, people may look for warmth—not just physical warmth, but emotional warmth too. A simple “Hi” can feel like a small act of kindness. It can feel like a way to share warmth when the weather gives none.

These ideas are not only interesting. They may also offer lessons for other places. Today, face-to-face contact is becoming less common. Many people use social media to talk, so they do not meet in person. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many people work from home. They use chat tools instead of speaking face-to-face. In some apartment buildings, neighbors do not know each other’s names. This is why I think Chicago’s greeting habit is important. It helps keep communities strong.  Even in a time when real connection is rare, a simple “Hi” can make a difference.

Thank you very much for listening to my podcast. If you ever visit Chicago—whether you come to study, travel, or just pass through—I hope someone says “Hi” to you. And I hope that small word makes you feel welcome, just like it did for me.