Eastern Bias in the Media

I am an ex-New Yorker having left in 1960. I recognize not only is the media eastern-oriented, but New Yorkism is a trait one learns by growing up or living in the Big Apple.

New Yorkism is a trait peculiar to New Yorkers. It is a compelling need to be one-up in everything. It is louder, bolder, more aggressive, more sure, cocky, and often insulting to anyone outside a 10-mile radius of Times Square.

The “Ugly American” must have been referring to a New Yorker. I believe the media, being centered in Manhattan, are partly to blame for the feeling of superiority to the rest of the world.

I am thankful that most persons I now know do not identify my speech or behavior as having originated in New York. Early on in the 1960s I had a lot of changing to do to adapt to new culture and I cannot see any reason to go back. It used to be said, “New York is a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.” Now I would like to add, “I wouldn’t care to visit there either.”

SOL TAYLOR

North Hollywood