Regional differences in US.... - Jamaica Talk

waterbug111 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 12:03 PM

I have travelled a good part of the U.S. There are GENERAL differences in greetings, conversations, "mind-set", and lifestyles which I've found to be pretty consistent. Note, I am a New Englander
Down South the people come across as truly gracious, lovely, friendly, and courteous. The women are always perfectly coiffed, hair, make-up, etc (note all the southern beauty contestant winners). I stayed with a couple families for a week. Though it is not always blatent, the husbands are definitely the boss of the family. I saw this frequently. The women would back down when they were speaking. But, they are church-going and respectful.
In travelling from GA to CT by car, as soon as we hit PA, the rat race feeling was obvious. Rushing, impatient, the NYC mode. This continued to NEngland.
I hear about New Englanders and New Yorkers being cold, rude. As you know NYC is extremely fast-paced, where time means money often. They are impatient in lines, rude when pressed.
New Englanders may come across as cold, blunt as generally are more cautious, need to take time to get to know you, then will warm up to your good character, etc. I think the weather and winter isolation have a lot to do with it.
Oh, southern Cali! Very pleasant, but I always have the feeling it is superficial, while in the East we are more "deep". Hard working to have that nice home, swift cars and all the physical upkeep, salons, facials, name-brand clothes, . They are always in shape almost to fanaticism. Plastic surgery is obvious, even in teen-aged girls. Outward appearance seems to be a priority.
Of course the regions are made up of individuals who don't fall into these GENERAL observations. Just my observations.

Hotteach · #2 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 12:29 PM

In my Geography class we study the US in regions..there are 5 THe North East, The Middle west, The South West, The West and the South East. The regions each have different Land features and things that effect the economy of those areas, and general lifestyle. The thing that stands out for me in the North East is the Megalopolis, a collection of Big cities that are all in a very close proximity. Its my belief that this contributes to the Rat race mentality to which you refer...lots of coporate jobs, commuting, Urban lifestyle by day, suburban by weekend....everyone is under pressure in a hurry and trying to make the all mighty dollar to pay for all the things they own so they can be the top rat in the race....

H.S. · #3 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 12:59 PM

one of my favourite american cities to visit is Boston.. very relaxed.. layed back... (as compared to new york which is rush-rush-get-di-hell-outta-my-way)... people are generally nice there and a medium amount of diversity (which is partly credited to harvard, MIT and the other colleges/unis in the area...) its also pretty clean (in most parts) compared to other cities i've been to.. and dang... do they ever love ther Red Sox...

Jomo's girl · #4 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 01:09 PM

I think the midwest is very laid back for the most part.

JamCan · #5 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 01:13 PM

I think in St Louis they drive like maniacs.

waterbug111 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H.S.

one of my favourite american cities to visit is Boston.. very relaxed.. layed back... (as compared to new york which is rush-rush-get-di-hell-outta-my-way)... people are generally nice there and a medium amount of diversity (which is partly credited to harvard, MIT and the other colleges/unis in the area...) its also pretty clean (in most parts) compared to other cities i've been to.. and dang... do they ever love ther Red Sox...

I lived in Boston when younger. A fun city. And I have been a Sox fan for 30 years (I accept your condolences for the suffering). Of, course it is a college town-the diversity. More laid back than NYC. But the New England abruptness is still there, esp. among the locals. Just a huge regional difference from the South, for instance.

Jomo's girl · #7 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamCan

I think in St Louis they drive like maniacs.

Hee hee.......next time you visit, Andre can drive you around. You'll be wishing for me. A 75+ year old guy I go to the Y with said he passed him one day cause Andre was driving too slow!

Jomo's girl · #8 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waterbug111

I lived in Boston when younger. A fun city. And I have been a Sox fan for 30 years (I accept your condolences for the suffering). Of, course it is a college town-the diversity. More laid back than NYC. But the New England abruptness is still there, esp. among the locals. Just a huge regional difference from the South, for instance.

Condolences???????????? (Walks away sucking teeth.....)

JamCan · #9 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 01:25 PM

Go figure!!!!!!!!!! LOL.

Jomo's girl · #10 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 01:26 PM

I probably scared him!

waterbug111 · #11 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jomo's girl

Condolences???????????? (Walks away sucking teeth.....)

We suffered for years, as you know. Lots of screwups and bad luck when we were soooo close to a win. A Sox friend of mine was actually reluctant to turn his grandson into a sox fan. A few years ago someone planted tomato plants in the bullpen grass area for some change in "luck". Many other things were done, as baseball players are very superstitious. Well now WE ARE GOLDEN!!!!!!

waterbug111 · #12 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamCan

I think in St Louis they drive like maniacs.

Like JG , Boston and Mass. drivers are the worst, though Jersey is close.

TraceeBaby · #13 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waterbug111

Like JG , Boston and Mass. drivers are the worst, though Jersey is close.

After living in Jersey for 3 years, I must say that Jersey drivers tend to be pretty terrible. Not all Jersey drivers, mind you, but there are plenty of experiences I have to draw on.

Part of it is the way the roads are developed: 1. no room to merge...2 lanes become 1 almost immediately. 2. terrible signs (no signs until your exit). 3. no left turns (seriously, what's up with that???)

The other thing is the inferiority complex with NY - overcompensating with bad attitudes and aggressiveness to prove the NY isn't the only tough place around...

TraceeBaby · #14 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 02:48 PM

I've also just recently moved to San Francisco, and what strikes me about SF is the laid back idealistic, almost hippy attitude of the city. It's not so much that everyone is the same, but closer to the opposite - but with much tolerance.

Go outside and wear whatever you want, look however you want, etc. and no one will look twice at you. In fact, go out naked and the chances of you being arrested are still slim to none.

There seems to be a complete "go with the flow" mentality...flakiness but in a good way (whatever happens happens).

Jomo's girl · #15 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waterbug111

We suffered for years, as you know. Lots of screwups and bad luck when we were soooo close to a win. A Sox friend of mine was actually reluctant to turn his grandson into a sox fan. A few years ago someone planted tomato plants in the bullpen grass area for some change in "luck". Many other things were done, as baseball players are very superstitious. Well now WE ARE GOLDEN!!!!!!

I feel no sympathy for a Red Sox fan. You all ruined it in 2004. That is saying a lot cause I manage to wrangle up some sympathy for Cubs fans!