I’ve lived in Queens since I could remember but I was born on the Upper East Side and raised in Manhattan for a majority of my life. I have called the city my home for almost 19 years now. Living in the city and going away to college taught me how valuable becoming a New Yorker has made me.
One of the perks of growing up in NYC is that you are exposed to so many different types of cultures and people. In fact, being lucky enough to be exposed to so much cultural diversity taught me how blessed I was to grow up in such a big city. As a Latina, I’ve definitely experienced some racial slurs/stereotypes but I’ve realized that the type of people that targeted people like me were people that didn’t come from big cities or areas of diversity. (and no not all Hispanic people are considered Mexican) This is probably the most common stereotype Hispanic people get and there’s definitely nothing wrong with it. Desi Perkins is a thousand percent one of my idols. She’s Mexican, absolutely f l a w l e s s, and is exactly what I aspire to be (a girl boss) but it’s definitely one of the top 3 mistakes people make about Latinas.
I had this conversation with one of my best friends last week and she opened up my eyes to such a new understanding of why people make this mistake even though both of us grew up in the city and have such similar views on life. This inspired me to write this blog post about New Yorkers, so here ya go!
Shout out to Izabela, my little world traveler. Sending so many hugs and kisses your way if you’re reading this.
How many of you can relate or have even been personally victimized?
Let me know in the comments below!
You Know You’re a New Yorker When…
- Transportation runs 24/7
- You have Chase bank
- $1 pizza exists (2 bros)
- Yes, 24/7 alcohol is available & bars close at 4 A.M.
- Tap water is actually clean & lead-free
- Not a walker? not a new yorker
- Grocery shopping becomes a pain
- Having a car is nearly impossible
- You give yourself at least 30 minutes (for your commute) before getting to your final destination
- You learn not to make eye contact with the crazy man yelling on the train or the hobo sleeping laid across 4 seats on the subway
- Multi-tasking becomes a way of life
- Christmas is ACTUALLY the most wonderful time of the year
- You’ve never actually been to the statue of liberty, empire state building, or any touristy places
- You develop a zig-zag walking routine in order to make it down the block in .5 seconds
- You become an expert at platforming and meeting your friends in an exact subway cart
- You make the cabs/Uber/Lyft/Via take you the fastest route
- Central Park becomes your backyard
- You say “a hundred” instead of one hundred
- Every city is considered small to you compared to Manhattan
- What is personal space?
- You become an expert at knowing which subway door to lean on and which side you need to get near to get out at your stop
- Rockaway is your go-to beach in the summer (yes they rebuilt it & it’s great) unless you’re going away or driving to Jones Beach
- The subway schedules on the weekends… need I say more?
- Not knowing if you could pet the cat at the nearest bodega because… rabies or house pet?
- You take fashion seriously
- You learn the difference between bum pee & dog pee (unfortunately)
- You consider anywhere in NY but Manhattan upstate
- You’ll be 30 by the time you get a driver’s license
- You consider your shoe purchases based on comfort
- Starbucks becomes your go-to coffee spot & bathroom stop
- You say you’re waiting “on line” instead of “in line”
- Dinner/ brunch reservations are relevant
- Sunday brunches become religious
- There’s a parade for almost everything
- You’ve said “deadass” or “brick” at least once in your life
- You consider pigeons flying rats
- You know Time Square is actually not open 24/7 (the city does sleep people)
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