New York is composed of million of nationalities that at one point migrated to the United Stated in search and hope of the American Dream. As time goes by, New Yorkers have made of NYC the city it is today. There are some misconceptions about new yorkers, the most prevalent is that they are somewhat unfriendly - or plain rude.
After interacting with them for about a month, I have developed my self-concept of New Yorkers. Happy to share it:
I come from a land where there is a huge hispanic influence, and if you happen to have met any hispanic, you would know they are warm, friendly people. Who would most times offer a smile anywhere, any time.
I first arrived at what would be my new office, in the middle of the Financial District. The commute to get to work was an experience itself, I tried to fit in by walking as fast as I could, and to an extent being carried away in what seemed to be a river of bankers and executives.
I joined an elevator full of executives. Used to my upbringing, and the land of The Warm, I walk in and say "Good Morning." Blank Stares. Lesson No. 1: People do NOT greet in elevators, regardless of how many people there are, even if it is one other person and yourself, a new yorker (some argue this just happens in Corporate America) will not return your greeting. The same happened on a couple occasions as I entered several elevators, not just at my workplace but also residential areas - sorry to those who defend New Yorkers, but in no elevator do people greet.
One thing I must say I love about New Yorkers, is the feeling of indifference towards anyone's thoughts. Which is highly reflected in their attire. I admired the women (and men) who dressed for themselves, with clothing pieces that I am sure were carefully selected but only to please themselves, as to most of the society it would seem tacky and careless.
People also perform all sorts of behavior on the streets. Many performers are incredibly talented, and entertain crowds along the parks on a daily basis, making a living out of it, and hoping one day they get discovered by that agent that will change their lives. Other performers very cleverly, build an audience and their expectations in a very skillful way, and even collect their tips before doing their great show- which, to my surprise, was not that great. Without a doubt, entertaining to the fullest and adding to the City's life.
While performers work for a living, other praise for salvation - I lost count of how many people told me (and the world) that their God was the way to Salvation, and the Final Day was fast approaching - alarming, yet fictitious.
One day I was rushing to the subway and I held the door for an older lady. As I am holding it, I noticed she stops, and is not going through. I look down as I noticed a puddle - of yellow pee - growing, surrounding her feet. Really? I hesitated for a moment, was not sure if I should continue to hold the door or give her some privacy. In disbelief, I continued to walk as I tried to make sense of the series of images in my head, and wondered how far can New Yorkers go.
I grew accustomed to the performances, bums, preachers, but my last day was a farewell to top it off. I rode on my typical "Gate 51" bus, and the guy next to me, who was making incessantly annoying jokes, pulled his bag of powder and snorted it. While his woman had his hand on his personal area. I was too shocked to see his reaction to it. Fortunately, the next was my stop.
New Yorkers are nice people, they won't proactively approach you, which explains the popularity of single's mixers and enrollment on match.com. However, when they are introduced, they may just be as normal and friendly as you and I, with a higher sense of confidence and spontaneity. At the end, you need that tough-ness, because when you make it there, you make it everywhere.
-db
