We’re Rude Again and It’s Okay

Central Park is one of the cleanest parts of New York City

New York has once again been voted the rudest city in America. Surprised? I’m not. There is no other place that can compete with New York City’s attitude, and that’s a good thing. The Big Apple also won the prestigious title in 2009. I found it interesting when I read the reasoning. Travel and Leisure seemed to downplay the appellation, claiming that the amount of diversity in New York City contributes to “unfamiliar mannerisms” that may seem mean, but really aren’t. In a nutshell, those visiting New York who think we are rude, well, they just don’t get us. And furthermore, people who voted probably love us for our “bird-flipping spirit”. I especially like that descriptive term.

Maybe this is purely in my imagination, or I am reading into a few phrases, but I think Travel and Leisure is basically saying it’s no big deal that New Yorkers are referred to as “rude”. When I first heard it on Twitter early this morning, I was shocked and kind of annoyed. Why? I find New York to be such a friendly town. But then I thought about it. It would really be insulting to award any other city the prize of “rudest.”

New Yorkers yell alot, and we feel creative making noise. We like four letter words, even when we’re in a good mood. We are notoriously late, and therefore rushing around, often bumping into strangers who are in our paths. We wear iPods or talk on cell phones, so we may neglect to say “excuse me” or even “get the F out of my way”. Many of us hate crowds, so frustration can often be seen on our faces when the claustrophobia or agoraphobia sets in. We are focused and have intent but little patience. Horn-honking and aggression are our favorite pastimes. So we’re not quite perfect.

Rude? Call us what you want. When a neighbor or a stranger is in need, we’ll be the first to forget about ourselves and jump in, miss a train, be late, or risk our lives. If that’s what defines rude, then it’s the ultimate compliment. Good job New York.

Old and new trash cans--by Hey Patrick via Flickr

It’s a fickle town, a tough town. They getcha, boy. They don’t let you escape with minor scratches and bruises. They put scars on you here. —Reggie Jackson

Posted on 01/20/2012