“Hell is yourself, and the only redemption is when a person puts himself aside to feel deeply for another person.”This Tennessee Williams quote was one of the first things I thought of Sunday night.The Saints had just won the Super Bowl, and for one moment, a city that has seen so much pain and hardship felt redeemed. I can’t pretend to know what it was like to have 8 feet of water wipe away my house.But I can see the hope and life the Saints have given the city of New Orleans. And if anyone deserves to feel hopeful, it is New Orleans.To some, it meant vindication for a team long referred to as the ‘Aints. To others, it means finally retiring all those old paper bags.Some argue the franchise has done more to rebuild the city than almost anything else. It was hard not to be sympathetic to those sentiments for those of us who experienced the pure euphoria that engulfed Bourbon Street after the win.People across all races and social classes swarmed into the French Quarter to celebrate the win.The feeling was like no other — it is a moment I will always remember and pass onto my children and grandchildren. The only time I’ve ever seen that many people celebrating together was at the inauguration of President Obama.I wouldn’t be surprised if historians point to this weekend as the renewal of New Orleans.Not only did the beloved franchise bring home the Lombardi Trophy, the city also overwhelmingly elected Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu to be the next mayor of New Orleans.Landrieu, a member of Louisiana’s premier political dynasty, is known for his ability to govern.The huge victory Landrieu assembled Friday, bringing together both white and black voters, gave many hope a new administration would tackle the city’s crippling problems — namely crime, urban blight, education and infrastructural issues.
To solidify this, thousands upon thousands of people will celebrate the city’s rebirth by making this year’s Mardi Gras one to remember.But Charity Hospital still sits shuttered. Much of the Lower Ninth Ward has not recovered. Crime is at an all-time high, 64 murders per every 100,000 residents, dwarfing any other major U.S. city.Nevertheless, Mr. Landrieu’s victory and the Saints’ incredible victory allow the city to embrace that iconic Tennessee Williams quote.Redemption is found in helping one another. New Orleans cannot be rebuilt on its own, but this weekend put the city on a path to redemption.Stephen Schmitz is a 20-year-old mass communication sophomore from The Woodlands, Texas. Follow him on Twitter at TDR_Schmitz.—-Contact Stephen Schmitz at [email protected]