Have you ever seen a representation of the so-called “New Yorker attitude” and wondered if it truly exists and where it might come from? I have.
It’s been characterized over and over again in media and film; satirized, monetized, and mimicked by many. Everything from “Badda boom, badda bing,” to “Hey! I’m walkin’ here!” During my brief visit to the Big Apple, I attempted to look into the validity of this stereotype.
My exposure was limited to Manhattan and nearby New Jersey. Though I did not notice or experience any bad attitudes being displayed verbally, what I took note of is that there are a lot of folks living and working there. I mean, a LOT! Lots of activity and traffic on lots of small sidewalks and thin, one-way streets. I saw MANY of the residents ignoring stop lights and “Don’t Walk” signs, choosing instead to jaywalk across intersections as needed. This incited some tourists and other visitors to follow suit.
And because of this, drivers are forced to be more defensive and “death-defying” in their efforts to get somewhere. Because of the thick traffic, cars and bus drivers have to be especially alert to avoid fender-benders and pedestrian “hip-bumping”; yet remain aggressive enough to actually keep the traffic flowing. If you consider yourself a “safe driver,” or anything less than assertive, then driving a vehicle, or even riding a bike in the New York area, is definitely NOT for you!
If the New York attitude is to be believed to exist, I think it has more to do with the locals feeling like they’re on top of each other in a fast-paced, congested city. Therefore they would tend to be more irritable, short-fused, and aggressive in their community interactions, whether it’s driving, bargaining, or communicating. I did hear lots of honking all throughout the day and night. It’s a given. I did not, however, see/hear aggressive arguments or banter. In fact, my interactions with the Manhattan locals was VERY pleasant, in some cases, more congenial than in my own hometown; but that may be due, in part, to the fact that they are regularly dealing with tourists and out-of-town visitors, so they’re on their best behavior.
According to travel-blog site Eye and Pen:
New Yorkers are often stereotyped as rude, impatient, and brash, but in reality they are quite diverse, complex, and usually have ‘tough exteriors but big hearts.’ The pace and challenges of NYC life shape many common traits like ambition, hustle, wit, candor, and chutzpah (guts). But New Yorkers also take pride in their neighborhoods, look out for each other, and have an unspoken solidarity as residents of an incredible, electric city.
In Times Square, Alicia Keys’ captivating song, “Empire State of Mind,” is played by the City itself, on street speakers throughout the Square, and can be heard 24/7/365, except, I’m told, on New Years and one other day. You would think that such repetition would be mind-searing, but it’s not. Instead, you can sense the pride of native New Yorkers, almost to the point of being happy FOR them even though you’re an outsider. From the brilliant subway performers who astound and delight, to the street merchants negotiatng for the best price, my experience of New Yorkers has now rendered them as “normal human beings” in my mind. I didn’t think I’d ever want to go to the “concrete jungle” on my own, without a chaperone of some type who knows their way around and could haggle with the best of them. But that has now changed. I now better understand why Keys says “there is nothing you can’t do...these streets will make you feel brand new. Big lights will inspire you -- in New York.”
#twiggworks
Hiya Twigg,
Your comments about the Big Apple are spot on.
I haven't been there since the early 80s.
However, it appears that not much has changed, but the sanitation strike that was going on back then.
It appears that things are back on track, and your description fits beautifully. 🤩🥰😎