Showerthoughts

29723 readers

1058 users here now

A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. A showerthought should offer a unique perspective on an ordinary part of life.

Rules

All posts must be showerthoughts
The entire showerthought must be in the title
Avoid politics
1. NEW RULE as of 5 Nov 2024, trying it out
2. Political posts often end up being circle jerks (not offering unique perspective) or enflaming (too much work for mods).
3. Try c/politicaldiscussion, volunteer as a mod here, or start your own community.
Posts must be original/unique
Adhere to Lemmy's Code of Conduct-----

founded 1 year ago

MODERATORS

[email protected]

New York City is the only city in America (or maybe the world) where people are expected to have a general understanding of the geography in casual conversation. (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

35 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Like why do I feel like I’m supposed to be able to name the seven boroughs? I can’t tell you anything about L.A., Chicago, Boston, etc.

Edit: to clarify: I mean that everyone in America are expected to know NYC. Not just New Yorkers. Obviously everyone should know the layout of where they live.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[+] [email protected] -10 points 1 month ago (3 children)

My point is that people in the US are kind of expected to understand the layout of a city that they may never have been to or maybe only visited as a tourist.

It’s only the “local map” for like 8 million of us.

[–] [email protected] 19 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Where are you getting this impression? I've never gotten any sense that anyone outside the city is "expected" to know its geography. "Expected" how?

Also there are only 5 boroughs

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 month ago (1 children)

The way the title is worded ("a city where people are expected..") implies this is referring to people that live in NY. I'd clarify it by saying something like "the only city of which people from the rest of the country are expected to know..."

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Yep. Not what I intended.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 month ago

Oooowkay! So sorry for my surprised comment. I totally get, and agree with, what you actually said.

Being from not-the-capital-city of my country but living there, I struggled with the uttermost self-centeredness of its inhabitants.

I do think knowing topology and geography of things and places is much more than basic general information. For me it relates to "feeling" a place, and belonging somewhere. But what do I care where the upper east whatever is...

Also, culture production might have something to do with all of this : An open letter to NYC - The Beastie Boys

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Only New Yorkers think this way.

How do you know someone's from New York?

Don't worry, they'll tell you.