zlacker

I'm divided on this. I've found Californians, especially those of the tech type you'd find here in HN, and I've found many to be of exactly that nature. On the other hand, I've been to NY and the Midwest, and they've been extremely polite, in speech and action. It was funny how a policeman in Kenosha is very polite to a non-white me, or how most New Yorkers were extremely helpful, often giving me extras or guiding me throughout the city or what not, in spite of the bad reputations both have seemingly earned online.

The truth is that countries, or even cities, are not monolithic entities. It's entirely possible for each place to have two characters. In the same NYC that was largely kind to me, I was also stalked at by some lowlife with presumably evil intentions.

>>fakeda+(OP)
NYC is not known for polite communication. In fact, they have a reputation for being loud and direct, which often comes across as rude to outsiders. Of course it is not everyone, but it is one of the stereotypes.

>>giantg+I
The PP is aware of this (emphasis mine):

> ...in spite of the bad reputations both have seemingly earned online

>>monoos+F1
That's the thing, it's not just online. IRL there are reputations.

>>giantg+df
I meant that as someone exposed to their bad reputations from what other people say online. I know, should've worded it better. NYC folks are portrayed as loudmouths, arrogant and moneyminded, even on TV. But honestly, one can be that, and yet also polite and kind at other times.

>>giantg+I
NYC may in fact be polite, from their perspective.

In NYC, there's always too much going on. The critical thing people lack is time. So they interact in ways that don't waste time. That may be being polite... in context.

>>Animal+xd1
Yep. If you're a tourist standing, blocking the subway door like an idiot and not paying attention, you can expect a loud "get the FUCK out of the way!" from a New Yorker and probably a shove. It's definitely going to feel shockingly rude, but the reality is that you're preventing a dozen or so people from getting on or off during the limited time the train is stopped, interfering with people who just want to get to work or get home. Ie, you're the one being rude and selfish and the New Yorker is just correcting you as quickly and effectively as they can.

(source: lived in NYC for 15 years)