I am from Richmond, Va. Some people consider that southern; some don't. For all intense purposes, I consider myself a southerner. It doesn't matter that I have lived in NYC for seven years and all of my adult life. I will forever be proud of being from the southern part of the United States.
Having prefaced all of the above, I will say that I am still shocked by the native New York culture. I know there are a million jokes about southerners being slow or lazy, but New Yorkers fast pace or speed is oftentimes to their detriment. What truly ticks me off is the total disregard for the people around them as they operate that those fast speeds. Southerners may be slow, but sometimes taking a step back and moving at a relaxed pace enables you to be aware of your surroundings. Too often New Yorkers "GO, GO, GO" and don't realize - or don't care - that they run people down as they do!
Another thing that frustrates me sooooo incredibly much is the total disregard for manners. Manners distinguish and set a person apart from the rest. As a child, most southern families emphasize the importance of manners; it is yet another example of respecting those individuals who have to occupy the same space as you at the same time. Many New York's are completely devoid of this concept. I can not tell you how many times I am walking out of a Starbucks, or a clothing store, or a restaurant, or anywhere and the person in front of me lets the door slam in my face. LOOK BEHIND YOU BEFORE YOU LEAVE! It is common human courtesy - let alone manners - to be so self absorbed! Also, if you see a pregnant women or someone elderly, I was always taught that it was a sign of respect to give them your seat. I can not tell you how many times I have witnessed a teenage/early 20s guy literally push a pregnant woman out of the way to get the last seat. IT DISGUSTS ME!
I'm not trying to badmouth New York culture. There are tons of people who are natives that have manners and there are many southerners that don't. Being the simple fact that there are millions of people crammed into just a few square miles and not vice versa, just we aware and respectful of your overcrowded surrounding. Thank you so very much y'all!
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Definitely think that having a fast pace lifestyle should not impede on having common coutersy/manners. It is ridiculous knocking and pushing into people in your hurry. Also, saying 'excuse me' does not make it alright to physically push/shove people out of the way. It does not take too much extra time to slow down a bit and like you said be aware of your surroundings.
ReplyDeleteHey Bailey,
ReplyDeleteI totally understand where your coming from. I experienced something very similar when I moved here from India, so I know what you mean. It is common courtesy for people to do some basic deeds like holding the door open or someone or give your seat to the elderly. Its interesting how just being in a city changes people's manners and alters their courtesy.
There is a lot of truth to what you have said. I think part of the problem with a city "never sleeping" is that cranky people, who are often in a rush for some reason, are all working way too much. New Yorkers, based on how many hours a week the average person works, are some of the hardest working people in the country. Working so much can easily build stress, and being in a fast paced environment can add even more stress. Although this has nothing to do with the young male pushing a pregnant woman, it does explain why people tolerate this type of behavior. When you are stressed out it is hard to think about others' situation. Not an excuse, but this might explain some of these disturbing issues.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely about the utter disregard New Yorkers have for each other's space. I've noticed this particularly in the subway -- I mean, you'd think it would be common sense (I'm not even talking about general manners) to wait for the passengers to get off the train before you got on, right? But everytime there's a crowd on the platform, a mob of little old ladies (yes, LADIES) just floods right into the car like cattle, without giving you a second to step off. What's the mentality here? Do they think that by "making it in" they'll get to their destination faster? The subways in Minsk and Moscow are so clean and orderly and peaceful...and so are the people!
ReplyDeletei agree with everything that you said in your post. new york is sometimes too fast paced. we should stop and see everything thats gioing on, and in return we will appreciate it more. we need to take everything step by step, to be more calm and relaxed. also, i too see numerous new yorkers on the train ans such, that are inconsiderate of the elderely, which just furiates me. i just have so much problems with new yorkers i can go on and on.
ReplyDeleteWow I cannot agree with you more. It's so frustrating to witness people with bad manners, and I feel as though manners are something that should not only be taught, but at the same time should be common sense. If you see a pregnant woman or elderly standing while you're sitting, you should just KNOW to offer them your seat. At the same time, I don't think that's an issue of north/south, just how people were raised or how they think. I do, however, agree with you on the fact that NY is much more fast-paced than the south.
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