GA vs. NY

This past summer I traveled outside of the Southeast, solo, for the first time in my life. My destination- New York City. As a native Southerner, I have heard the classic tales of rude New Yorkers and confusing subways. On the other side, I have been told about the people who have gone 'up North' and never looked back.

The ways of life are certainly different. Yes, there is a faster pace. No, New Yorkers are not smiling 'how do.' Yes, people will tell you how it is. However, none of these facts can be taken for face value. The truth is that every country, every region, and every community operates in a way that will protect and ensure the survival of the people in that area.

One of the definitions for culture as listed by Merriam-Webster is:
"the characteristic features of everyday existence (as diversions or a way of life) shared by people in a place or time..."

Thus, when I am introduced to new things I simply "judge not, lest ye be judged," (which of course, does not mean that you are not entitled to a preference), just that the general statement of the "mean New Yorker," for example, is not entirely valid.

Imagine: You are riding the subway, and after several delays, (making you already late to work), the MTA conductor comes over the loud speaker and says that the train is going out of service and you have to catch another line, (completely out of your way to work). Would you honestly be inclined to help the next stranger you see who looks lost or is struggling with their bag? I also dare say that you would not even notice said person in your desperate attempt to get to work. Such is life in New York.

Imagine: You smile and say hello to a seemingly normal person on the street, and they proceed to expose themselves to you. (Granted this was not my personal experience, but there was a man who kept exposing himself on the subway while I was in New York this summer.) After such an encounter, or hearing about such an encounter, I am sure you would think twice before talking to strangers ever again.

In conclusion, I learned a lot while living in New York City. I began to fit in, as I would emerge out of the hot, muggy ground a tad bit grumpy. I understood the way of life.

Just the same, I appreciated the smiling faces that welcomed me when I returned. I missed the beautiful weather and landscape that is not consumed with people, trash, and everything else.

Neither culture is particularly better than the other, they are just different.