As a New Yorker, do you still perceive NYC in relation to the rest of the world as illustrated in the photo, below?
For those of you who aren’t familiar with this iconic photo (a.k.a. most likely all non-native New Yorkers), this illustration donned the cover of the New Yorker magazine’s March 1976 issue. It depicts what New Yorkers think of their city in relation to the rest of the country and the world. This is not a question or an assumption; this statement is, indeed, a fact. Every single New Yorker believes that their big island of a bubble is all that truly exists in this world, while everything else is almost a mirage. Ever hear the quote by John Updike, “The true New Yorker secretly believes that people living anywhere else have to be, in some sense, kidding?” This illustration of a view of the world from 9th avenue perfectly depicts Updike’s idea.
As with most things, time changes everything. Every year, month, even minute, new people from all around the world are moving to New York, looking to call it their home and to become real “New Yorkers.” Therefore, we wonder if this perception still holds true to most people who live in this city. Our thoughts? Yes, it absolutely does. This illustration is just as spot on today as it was almost 40 years ago. What do you think? Tweet us your thoughts or comment them on LinkedIn.
Read more about this iconic New Yorker magazine cover here.