New York is the place where anything goes. As the cliche goes "its a dog eat dog world". New York is where dreams are either realized in there fullest most glorious ways or crushed into the sewers by the millions who walk its streets. Even those that succeed are usually at the cost of other peoples dreams.

Have you ever wondered why New Yorkers don't look at each other and when they do eye contact is almost never made for more than a split second? I hope you don't believe that its because New Yorkers are shy. And it sure isn't because were pacifists as you seem to imply. Its because to survive in an enviornment as difficult and hostile as New York can be you must rely on certain base instincts. Looking someone in the eyes is a challenge. Its an act of aggression that New Yorkers have conditioned themselves to avoid. I know this sounds negative... but think about it for a few minutes. When was the last time you had a conversation with someone at the checkout counter? When was the last time you looked a total stranger in the eyes for a prolonged time? Try it some time.. Watch there body language. Did they return your look? tense up? shove a hand in there pocket or inside there coat as if grabbing a knife (and in NY it wouldnt be surprising if they really did grab one... or something a little more lethal)?

So after it sounds like i've been dissin NY this whole time (which I havn't, I've just been stating facts) what is it that makes New York so great and so appealing? Its not the fact that its the economic capital of the world, or the diverse cultural melting pot (although these both help). Its the spirit of New York. Its more than having pride in the city and loving it and never wanting to leave it... Want to see what i'm talking about? Recall the events after 9/11 and those durring our recent blackout. You'll see exactly what i'm talking about. In a city where the most advanced security in the world can't stop a simple thief, theft on the days when the police were the busiest and the security networks were down was at an all time low! New Yorkers, who are normally fighting to earn every cent they get spend there time, efforts, and money to GIVE away food and water to emergency workers, they GIVE time and risk there own safety to aid the police in controlling traffic and illuminating the roads durring the blackout. Restaurants that are closed for business open to give free food, a place to rest, water, and anything else to help firefighters and emt's and police in there efforts to save lives in the aftermath of disaster. New Yorkers open there doors and let emergency workers in to shower and sleep and eat and ask nothing in return. This is the spirit of New York. A new yorker is not a pacifist, nor one that simply enjoys being in New York. A New Yorker is one who willingly endures the hardships and difficulties that could easily be forgotten by leaving, and yet is willing to give up that which they have gained because New York itself needs them.

That is what makes a New Yorker and that is why there is not now nor will there ever be a place as magnificent or as proud as New York. I am proud to be a New Yorker and will stand tall against any who oppose my beloved city, my beloved state, or my beloved country!

-this is a repost. I had it inside of another thread and based on the responses decided to put it where more people would see it.

My goodness Joe. Your post gave me goosebumps just reading it. Very well put, I couldn't agree more. Just an excellent post.

EXACTLY! That is who it plays out in NY.....I just moved down here to florida unfortunately (not my decision) but I will definetly be moving back to NYC as soon as I get some money...but yea I am 100% proud of being a New Yorker, and no matter what even though I may live in florida now, I will always be a New Yorker....When people ask me where I'm from, I proudly say "NEW YAWK!" Seriously, florida is so damn boring, there is nothing to do....I am so used to the nightlife, chillin in the city, and what not, down here in florida there's is really no city life unless you go to the beach and chill, which is pointless cuz in NY we got LONG BEACH, JONES BEACH, TOBAY, and ROBERT MOSES Beaches! Seriously if anyone is thinking about leaving NY, DONT DO IT! I regret leaving, but I had absolutely no chance cuz my parents lost some money and couldn't afford it, but I got one more year left of high school, so right after college I'm coming back home to the greatest city in the world, the one that never sleeps...NEW YORK CITY!!!

I have so much pride in NY...all I do is talk about it, and where shirts that say BROOKLYN, and NEW YORK on it!!! Aight well i'm out, anyone wanna chat hit me up on my AOL scn - Drumslx1986....Aight PEACE - HOLLA!!! -1-

never

joe,
i had seen this repost on another thread and am glad you pasted it on this particular topic.

AMEN to the original post. I don't think anyone can disagree with that.

I have to write an essay in my English class about New Yorkers, and I think I just found the idea of what makes a New Yorker. I really don't exaclty know what makes a real New Yorker since I am really a Californian. I just moved in to New York last month and I still don't have any gained expereince of a New Yorker. Thanks the information Joe.

But I must say, New York is a great place. I love the pizza. It really is true what they about a New York Pizza. They are delicious. Probably the most greatest pizza I have ever tasted in my entire whole life. I have tasted pizza all kinds of commercial pizza, from Pizza Hut to Papa Johns, and they are nothing compare to New York Pizza.

I love Pizza,Fast Food,Sea Food,International and Foreign Foods,Bar and Grill,Cafe,Deli,Asian,Euorpean,North,South and Central America Foods,The Islands,American,Hot Dogs and Hamburgers,Subs and Hero Sandwiches and Dessert.