Comments on: How to not be a tourist…

By: NYer

NYer — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:11:33 +0000

I mean no offense, but I have to say that I’m really sick of these types of articles appearing everywhere in the blogosphere.

I’m born and raised in New York (Brooklyn) and have never lived anywhere else. Most of my friends are native New Yorkers from all 5 boroughs. I think we have all gotten over the fact that people move here from other places. You don’t have to “act” a certain way to make people think you are a native New Yorker – who cares??? Just be yourself, and if you don’t give a shit about someone’s washer/dryer, don’t act like you do.

This elitism is typically displayed by transplants who think they have somehow surpassed their friends back in their old hometowns by assimilating into New York culture. Most natives I know are proud to have so many people attracted to our home, and we don’t expect you to become instant New Yorkers overnight. In fact, we respect that you are bringing a different perspective to our limited world (where we stuff ourselves into 250 square feet). In fact, you will find that many natives are eager to *leave* NY and experience some of the amenities we keep hearing about.

For the record – I would prefer someone have the confidence to use a map rather than getting lost. There’s no shame in being self-sufficient. There is only shame in being too afraid to be yoursel. Also, it is perfectly acceptable to try to flag an off-duty cab. Often times, if you are heading in the same direction as they are (presumably on their way back to their post), they will happily pick you up and score another fair. It happens all the time, especially in the rain.

By: Brownman

Brownman — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:41:21 +0000

Ugh the “Houston Street” trap. I was born and raised in New York but never hit the street until my mid 20′s. Big mistake when I didn’t take the previous 20 years practicing its pronunciation. I think I have since shaken the lingering ridicule. C’mon. Just spell it “HOUSETIN” then!

By: j

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 20:56:51 +0000

My email address is: j [at] nycandlove [dot] com

By: Joe

Joe — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:50:24 +0000

Hi, I’m doing a research paper on New York City elitism & parochialism, if you could post your email addresses I’d appreciate it, thanks!

By: Dori

Dori — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 02:44:07 +0000

“at what the rest of the world considers a mundane clothes cleaning device.”

HAHAHA so true, and I love this. A washing machine, and a dishwasher, would be enough to keep me entertained in Manhattan for months, if not years. I’d do a wash every other day!

The rest of this is so true. Yes, I put my BlackBerry on any flat surface near me. Sigh.

By: rara

rara — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:00:49 +0000

Been there, done that!

Some of my own vexations:
1. Don’t stop dead in the street when you realize you’ve taken a wrong turn. The sidewalk is a freeway for people; stop dead and you deserve a hot coffee smacked into your back (as j pointed out, we’re watching our own feet most of the time). Learn to loop.

2. Jaywalking is fun and a hell of a lot quicker. Stand waiting for the lights and you’ll stick out a mile.

3. Know what you want to order before getting in line. My lunch (half) hour is precious; I don’t care if you can’t decide between salami and pastrami.

4. As with most cities, NY escalators have two ‘lanes’. Tourists on the right. Welcome to NYC!