From what we have discussed in class and what I have observed on my own, I have concluded so far that New York City is unique for its residents' fast paced lives, their cultural diversity and tolerance, and their pride in the city. Some people say that if you can survive in NYC, you can survive anywhere. I think New Yorkers take pride in the fact that people look up to them and their one-of-a-kind city. They take pride in the fact that they are surrounded by so much culture and that they have, perhaps, even created part of it while growing up in the city. New Yorkers love that they can refer to "the city" anywhere in New York State and most people know what it means. They also refer to "the city" everywhere in the country and expect people to know what they mean. But New Yorkers now seem to have pride in the new New York way of life. This way of life includes the same diligent work ethic that has always been a part of New Yorkers, only it is now a work ethic with style. This style is especially embedded in what we do and what we eat.
In New York City, it seems to be a sin not to be familiar with The New York Times. I even find myself addicted to the Op-Ed section and the daily crossword puzzle. Each day in the subway, at work, and in delis, I see multitudes of people doing the crossword puzzle. There is something comforting about seeing other people doing the same puzzle in the afternoon that I was working on that morning. When reading over their shoulders, I'm so tempted to just yell out the name of a White House Press Secretary or a synonym for "leave out." As the week goes on and the crossword puzzle becomes more difficult, I have respect for the fewer numbers of people still attacking those sayings from the 1920s and Oscar-winners only our grandparents would know. The New York Times crossword puzzle has become a part of the stylish New York City way of life.
Also, I can't help but think of one word: Starbucks. Can I have a Grande-nonfat-whipped-extra hot-mocha? Not only is there a particular ordering of these Starbucks-owned terms, but Starbucks will hand out free pamphlets explaining these terms to customers so that all of NYC Starbucks coffee drinkers will speak the same "language." I once asked for a tall iced latte and added the "skim" part last, and I was actually corrected by a Starbucks employee! With a Starbucks on every block, New Yorkers have made Starbucks coffee and Starbucks lingo part of their every day lives.
Has New York pride become the ability to squeeze in the crossword puzzle on the subway ride home and fitting in with the routine coffee scene? Or is it still our unconditional work ethic and love of diversity?
