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New York City: Tri-State of Mind
Today is all about New York City. I realized late last night that
almost everything I wrote up for this salute focuses on Manhattan, which traditionally is the symbol of this city in
many ways. But we all know that NYC is so much more than just its flagship borough.
What I've found myself wondering though, is — just exactly how much more of New York is part of the "city"? In general, folks consider the Greater New York Metropolitan Area to cover parts of three states: NY, NJ, CT. Clearly, anything outside of the five boroughs is not geographically part of the city. But the interesting new CommonCensus project mentioned in Wired earlier this week claims that folks as far north as Syracuse are within the "sphere of influence" of New York City.
This made me think of the "tri-state identity complex" that I've grappled with for years. I call myself a New Yorker because I lived in the greater Metro area (Rockland County, NY) for the first 20 years of my life. In contrast, folks who currently live in the city probably call themselves New Yorkers because it is their home. So, I call myself a New Yorker because I'm from the state, and I identify strongly with the city. My parents were born in Queens and the Bronx and raised us on cultural trips to Manhattan. But can I say I'm a New Yorker in the city-sense if I've never lived there? (Some purists may argue no — or be wondering what the heck I'm talking about so early in the morning!?) But — and here's the kicker — since I was actually born in the Garden State, I claim my right as a Jersey Girl too. Is this allowed? (I missed the class on statehood-identity issues.)
Anyway, this doesn't exactly have to do with travel, but as I prepared my thoughts on NYC for today, I found myself wondering about these silly city/state things. I conclude that, having been reared 25-minutes north of midtown Manhattan, 10-minutes from Jersey, and about 35-minutes from CT, I am a true Tri-Stater, lover of all things NY, NJ and CT.
.And now on to the NYC tribute!
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Stories
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
submachine Dec 18th 2005 5:34PM
If youre gonna focus on NYC, focus on Queens - http://www.nypost.com/realestate/53148.htm - the most diverse county (in the city, country, and the world) with the most interesting people and places.
Manhattan is filled with tourists, Brooklyn is filled with yuppies and hipsters (who want to be in manhattan).
Bronx is cool too, but Queens, esp. the downtown area Flushing is where it will be.