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!