New York, New York-Undeniably One Helluva Town!(1)

By Miriam B. Medina

It is said that New York City has a certain unusual quality about it. New York can either devastate an individual or raise their level of play, their desire or purpose in some exciting way. As they say, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere... or, you can leave with your tail between your legs.

As a native New Yorker, born in East Harlem, I know it to be unique, and I must say that it deserves the attention it gets as one of the world's most spectacular cities for all the following reasons.

It is a fact that New York City is the commercial center of the United States, as well as the heart of American advertising, fashion, publishing, and radio television broadcasting. It is the distillation of industry, trade, communication, entertainment, sports and arts, and boasts a generous representation of diverse ethnic groups and faith. Simply put, it's the melting pot that America is renowned for. It has a positive effect on the creative abilities of its inhabitants. I want to mention that the Five main Boroughs that comprise and add to the fame of the city of New York are Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. Each borough merits recognition for its magnificent landmarks, treasured historical sites, rich history and accomplishments. Yes, this diversity and non-stop electric action is what New York City is all about, and where millions visit each year to observe the riches and results of people's creative power.

As for the inhabitants and non-inhabitants of this enormous metropolis known as the "Big Apple", there are several groups of people: First, we have the native New Yorker. These are the individuals whose birthplace is New York City. Regardless to wherever they should go, there will always be some emotional attachment to their roots. Secondly, we have the outsiders born elsewhere who seem to gravitate to the big city They establish residency with zeal, whether it is for the numerous opportunities presented by the city, or simply because they feel lucky to live near others of their own kind. The adventurous, productive type. Thirdly, let us not forget, the millions of frustrated commuters that travel round trip to get to and work in the city. Finally, with all the attractions and entertainment that the city offers, there is the never-ending flow of millions of day-trippers and out of town tourists.

Though New York City may have a lot of positive characteristics, there is also a strong negative side to living in a metropolis of this magnitude. As the city becomes progressively more crowded, there is a greater concern, irritability and outright hostility caused by the fact that the city is clogged with people. It is almost impossible to find an empty taxi, parking spot, or even a seat on the bus or train. This has hardened New Yorkers.

People brand New Yorkers as offensive because of their out spoken qualities. To some effect, it may be true, but to present all New Yorkers as crude is a misstatement. There is a significant number of civil and sophisticated New Yorkers. However, we do have some people that speak their minds when annoyed, not all, but some. But let's not forget the tremendous sense of humor that characterizes most New Yorkers. Colloquialisms form part of their everyday life, which can be also interpreted as rudeness, such as: "That one could grow potatoes with those dirty ears; " "Why don't you take a long walk off a short pier; " "Hey, don't spit in the air, it might fall on your nose;" "Don't let your mouth run off 'til your brain's in gear;" "Oy Vey! With those bags, she needs a couple of pairs of shoes;" "He couldn't make a noun and a verb agree even if his life depended on it;" "I hope she lives to a 150 and looks it," and so on and so forth.

To be continued: New York, New York (2)

Miriam Medina is a Platinum Level Expert Author at Ezinearticles

To contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net or miriam@thehistorybox.com
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