Is there any truth in the stereotypes of brash New Jersey people?

[66nexus]

Originally Posted by angerinthenation

This is why I can't take you seriously. So I guess the time all those times when I was a kid in the single digits where I had people trying to beat me up over NOTHING that I deserved it? If there's anybody that's a jerk, it's you.

And hell... NYC people are nice. Most of them will leave you be or help you even. You go over to Jersey, there's always somebody ready to give you a problem.

NYC people aren't nice even to other NY'ers...even less so with NJ'ans.

Without fail, everytime I say I'm from Jersey, out pops a Jersey remark (it would be better if they were actually funny and tasteful...and not the usual corny NJ jokes.)

[mike0421]

Originally Posted by BergenCountyJohnny

The problem is you. You have a stereotype about NJ people in your mind and you show it through your expressions and behaviors, even if you don't think you are. People pick up on this negative, antagonistic vibe from you and react to you accordingly.

I don't have any more problems with any one group of people over any other. I don't have any more problems with NYers or NJ'ans than I do with Texans or Floridians or Oregonians. All places have jerks and nice people, both. No place has more or less than another.

The stereotype of the "brash" New Jerseyan is just a misinterpretation of the way most New Jerseyans don't put on a fake "friendly" attitude for no reason. This is and has been exploited as "brash" by over-sensitive types who then perpetuate the stereotype. The stereotype then gets into movies, TV, and other media and it becomes viral and self-perpetuating.

But the truth is that NJ'ans are only "brash" when someone has a crappy attitude towards them (as you do), and no people from any other state are any different at all except perhaps they are weaker.

This is a really good post. I couldn't have authored it better.

[Mightyqueen801]

The stereotype of the "brash" New Jerseyan is just a misinterpretation of the way most New Jerseyans don't put on a fake "friendly" attitude for no reason.

Ding ding ding, we have a winner. Well said.

[angerinthenation]

Originally Posted by BergenCountyJohnny

The problem is you. You have a stereotype about NJ people in your mind and you show it through your expressions and behaviors, even if you don't think you are. People pick up on this negative, antagonistic vibe from you and react to you accordingly.

I don't have any more problems with any one group of people over any other. I don't have any more problems with NYers or NJ'ans than I do with Texans or Floridians or Oregonians. All places have jerks and nice people, both. No place has more or less than another.

The stereotype of the "brash" New Jerseyan is just a misinterpretation of the way most New Jerseyans don't put on a fake "friendly" attitude for no reason. This is and has been exploited as "brash" by over-sensitive types who then perpetuate the stereotype. The stereotype then gets into movies, TV, and other media and it becomes viral and self-perpetuating.

But the truth is that NJ'ans are only "brash" when someone has a crappy attitude towards them (as you do), and no people from any other state are any different at all except perhaps they are weaker.

But the thing is you're from Jersey. Of course, you're going to be defensive towards my statement.

And honestly, I don't think you know what you're talking about. There is a difference between being upfront and being rude. Please know the difference before you speak on it. Don't mix those two up. Being upfront is not being disrespectful. You can tell somebody what's on your mind without being fresh. Being fresh is extra. You try that whole Jersey attitude elsewhere and see where it gets you.

Funny thing is most of you Jersey people have so much damn pride for your state where you can't seem to confront or admit anything wrong with their state except for certain cities being bad. That's the truth. They can't seem to talk about the problems with their state and you know what, that's the reason why the politicians get away with a lot of BS. That's the reason why Newark will forever be screwed up. You know... Jersey people are NOT upfront. New York people are way more upfront than Jersey people.