New England Stereotypes (Boston: centers, move to, activity)

[LeavingMA]

Originally Posted by NY'er lost in MA

...somewhat one-dimensional/geographically challenged . When first coming to the area I was surprised at just how many New Englanders hadn't been abroad, to other NE states, or even traveled at all. Sort of a niche culture/society. I remember running into a family on the Green Line that was from Western, MA headed into Boston for the day. They kept exclaiming, "ok kids- we're headed into the BIG city". "It's a BIG city, so make sure we stick together etc.."

I got to talking with them and through the conversation pointed out that NYC was closer to their home than Boston. They literally could not believe it. They said they had been to Boston once before and mostly traveled to NH to visit some cousins....and that was about it.

Over the years I have heard many similar stories....

I would second this. It amazes me how many New Englanders haven't really traveled anywhere. If they have traveled out of New England it is to Florida or maybe outside the country to where thier ancestors are from. I don't meet very many people who have been to the Carolinas, Texas, any midwestern or southern states. The one thing I don't like is that they say they don't go to these places because they assume their inferior or some other stupid reason.

[verobeach]

Originally Posted by NY'er lost in MA

...somewhat one-dimensional/geographically challenged . When first coming to the area I was surprised at just how many New Englanders hadn't been abroad, to other NE states, or even traveled at all. Sort of a niche culture/society. I remember running into a family on the Green Line that was from Western, MA headed into Boston for the day. They kept exclaiming, "ok kids- we're headed into the BIG city". "It's a BIG city, so make sure we stick together etc.."

I got to talking with them and through the conversation pointed out that NYC was closer to their home than Boston. They literally could not believe it. They said they had been to Boston once before and mostly traveled to NH to visit some cousins....and that was about it.

Over the years I have heard many similar stories....

I'd say this applies to everywhere in the good ole dumb USA. When we lived in the Chicago area for a few years, twice I was asked where I lived and I replied New England and they'd say, "New York?" One friend who knew I was from Massachusetts, when I mentioned New England, said, "I thought you said you were from Massachusetts." So stupidity and geographical isolation happens everywhere and anywhere.

[Boomerang]

Originally Posted by Valerie C

We don't say "Bless your heart" when what we really mean is "You're a moron". We just come out and say "You're a moron..."

There was a "Designing Women" episode where Dixie Carter talked about southern expressions that sound polite but are actually insults. As a born New Englander I prefer the direct approach

The classic New Englander is disappearing in the American melting pot.
Classic New England behavior is reserved yet civil and helpful with people they don't know well. Being reserved is not being cold. It's considered good manners to be polite. It's considered "forward" to be in-your-face-effusive with people you've just met.

[New Englander]

Originally Posted by NY'er lost in MA

...somewhat one-dimensional/geographically challenged . When first coming to the area I was surprised at just how many New Englanders hadn't been abroad, to other NE states, or even traveled at all. Sort of a niche culture/society. I remember running into a family on the Green Line that was from Western, MA headed into Boston for the day. They kept exclaiming, "ok kids- we're headed into the BIG city". "It's a BIG city, so make sure we stick together etc.."

I got to talking with them and through the conversation pointed out that NYC was closer to their home than Boston. They literally could not believe it. They said they had been to Boston once before and mostly traveled to NH to visit some cousins....and that was about it.

Over the years I have heard many similar stories....

I disagree. New England and its residents have a long history of international shipping and commerce. From those working for the Government to the Businessmen/women, there is a strong New England presence abroad.

You have given anecdotes not facts. If you look at the level of business activity between the New England States and Europe/East Asia alone, you would know that trade alone accounts for a large chunk of international interaction.

Similarly I could say that the same thing about a resident of Queens, NY who has not been to Manhattan in years

[ontheroad]

When folks define me as a New Englander I don't know what they mean--but it may be my politics, my way of dressing down, my way of speaking and the old car I drive.

[NY'er lost in MA]

Well- the post was regarding stereotypes. It would be hard to come up with facts on many of these observations.

Funny you mention International business activity. Did you realize that the majority of International imports coming to New England actually come through the NY Port?

I also worked abroad and would have to disagree- I rarely have met anyone from New England working abroad.

I do think New Englanders are very patriotic towards their home area and perhaps it is related. I have seen a similar attitude with people in Scandinavia- a sort of 'most happy at home' attitude. But they are much more International in views.

Originally Posted by New Englander

I disagree. New England and its residents have a long history of international shipping and commerce. From those working for the Government to the Businessmen/women, there is a strong New England presence abroad.

You have given anecdotes not facts. If you look at the level of business activity between the New England States and Europe/East Asia alone, you would know that trade alone accounts for a large chunk of international interaction.

Similarly I could say that the same thing about a resident of Queens, NY who has not been to Manhattan in years

[tamiznluv]

Originally Posted by LeavingMA

I would second this. It amazes me how many New Englanders haven't really traveled anywhere. If they have traveled out of New England it is to Florida or maybe outside the country to where thier ancestors are from. I don't meet very many people who have been to the Carolinas, Texas, any midwestern or southern states. The one thing I don't like is that they say they don't go to these places because they assume their inferior or some other stupid reason.

Does this make New Englanders bad people because some don't travel? I hear a hint of "superiotiy" in your statement "they assume their (they're) inferior or some other stupid reason". What is wrong with being happy and content? What is wrong with not having the urge to travel? We are NOT all Yuppies here in Mass. We all don't have disposable income. Some of us are "the workingpoor". Some of us live paycheck to paycheck and do not have the means to blow money on traveling, whether we want to or not!

This New Englander HAS been to Texas many times and have met many a Texan who knows nothing beyond their little town. So please do not rag on just New Englanders for being not "worldly". Just ain't so! There are people all over the world who are born, live and die in the same town or close by. I would tend to think that Europe is more that way than the US because we are more a mobile society.

[2KidsforMe]

Ok, I'll take a shot:
We all listen to NPR, are "wicked" liberal, never wear makeup, drive 10 year old Volvo's, have Master's degrees but are stay at home moms, can't live without a daily Dunkin' run, and our uniform of choice is jeans, a fleece, and a pink baseball cap with a big RedSox "B" on it. Sound like anyone you know?

[willdufauve]

Originally Posted by tamiznluv

This New Englander HAS been to Texas many times and have met many a Texan who knows nothing beyond their little town.

I spent a couple years in Texas travelling with a band.

We were playing a bar called Raven's in Austin, they had a bunch of live rattlesnakes in a fish tank and a bouncer named Bubba in bib-front jeans carrying a pick axe handle, when I met this young couple from near Austin.

The wife told me they had just gone to Oklahoma on their honeymoon but her new husband had never been outside of Texas before. He missed Texas so much he cried the whole time and they had to come home early.

[ontheroad]

Sounds like I spotted you recently at Dunkin'.

I was the one driving a 14 year old truck, wearing a leather jacket that is so old, I pray each night it doesn't disintegrate, with a Ph.D. that got me no-where, but a life-time of discussion. And by the way, I like my coffee with half 'n half.

Originally Posted by 2KidsforMe

Ok, I'll take a shot:
We all listen to NPR, are "wicked" liberal, never wear makeup, drive 10 year old Volvo's, have Master's degrees but are stay at home moms, can't live without a daily Dunkin' run, and our uniform of choice is jeans, a fleece, and a pink baseball cap with a big RedSox "B" on it. Sound like anyone you know?