Perhaps this sounds familiar ? ..." New York isn't the same anymore! It becoming just like the suburbs" Maybe you've heard several people day this on line in the supermarket, post office, subway?? Or maybe an older couple sitting next to you at your favorite downtown cafe? Or some very eccentric artist donning Victorian undergarments and a top hat ,? A cross dresser, maybe even a famous writer you have always wanted to meet? Of course you say to your self " who are they to say this?" " Im a New Yorker and I like it just the way it is... weirdos!"
Chances are if you have heard this phrase uttered, and Im sure you have" the person speaking it is a bona fide New Yorker. What is a Bona Fide New Yorker, a True New Yorker you ask? Well let me try to describe as best as possible who that person might be. Firstly, I would like to start with how many years "they" have lived here and I know this sound so unfair to the many of us that have spent so much money on our brownstones and condos, that we would like to think of ourselves as instant New Yorkers by proxy alone. I'm sorry folks but having lots of money to buy your way in a very hot hood or having to move to one for you new IT job and getting a big fat moving bonus doesn't count.
Most true New Yorkers that I know moved here year ago to escape the confining, homophobic, racist and small mindedness of their little towns they grew up in. Yes, New York has always been the Isle of Misfit Toys.. you remember the holiday special ... a sensitive and goodhearted reindeer with a very odd looking nose had to flee to that special island to escapes the ridicule of his childhood friends due to his physical differences?? ... (Even from the age of six I knew this was an allegory) Yes, I know, there is always the exception... i.e. the blue blooded Park Avenue folk ( and their prodigy) that appear to be as old and true as the dirt this city was built on but even they would find themselves seeking the exciting company of the the True New York downtowner, drawn to these special and unique individuals . These rich thrill seekers risk their lives almost every weekend for some wholesome late night debauchery but enough of them for now.
Personally, I think there seems to be some preexisting energy that effects every wayfarer that travels here. Some kind of magic, some inherent "joie de vivre" a collective lets say of ideas and ideals that the sensitive creative type are drawn to and are allowed to feel safe in. This energy, this lifesttyle really changes a person when they arrive here ( if you are open to it) and whether you like it or not you have to respect it.
Of course one has to mention some good old healthy fear, that does wonders for broadining your mind.. you know... like if that person you pushed in out of your way in the subway to make your train might not care that you on your way to a really hot new spot to blog about, you may need to be a little more polite just in case. Its not like your home town where you where the Homecoming king or queen and everyone knows who you are and lets you get away with it. Here in this big city.you never know what or who could lurk around that ally you just tossed your empty beer can in. So yes a little New York fear takes its effects as well on a new resident .
So...in my humble opinion a True New Yorker should be able to claim residents here for at least ten years. Yes I know this sounds like a long time, and it is when you think about it but it is also just enough time for that person to become seasoned by the City as well. Being a New Yorker is almost an organic phenomenon and you will change whether you like it or not. ( for the better I might add)
Now, this isn't always the case, there are those of us that are not forced to change, not inclined to adapt to our environment. Sadly, many of these new residents ( who love calling themselves New Yorker BTW) have become more homebound than the average city person, existing in a purely virtual world of communication. A digital reality. In other words they work at home form their computer.
Of course these neophyte's have plenty of opinions about everything and any information they desire is at their finger tips. like the hottest bars, restaurants, cafes etc etc along with relationships, did I mention they can find a date any time they want? Its nothing new the Village Voice has lots of these personals in the back section .. expect to pay $$ before before the meal) Yes with only limited exposer to the outside world, and seeking only places that they feel comfortable in, Im afraid to say these people have very little chance of becoming a True New Yorker, no matter how long they live here. You really have to love people to live In New York or Brooklyn, after all there is a lot of them around. Yes you can make this great city a small place, a familiar place, just like your hometown , if thats what your really want but again in my humble opinion I think you are really missing out on a that magic that has been hear long before you came with your food and baby blogs. All you have to do is go outside and say hi.. its really that easy.
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