Quote:
Originally Posted by Shawn
New Englanders are about as direct and blunt as you can get in the English speaking world. The Tri-State region of the Mid Atlantic is slightly less blunt, but still moreso than the rest of the country. We're also the most sarcastic and we love biting humor which puts "big shots in their place." This is why at any given moment half the SNL staff is from New England, both cast members and writers. We hate small talk. This comes across as rude to a lot of people outside of the region. I can see that. But it's usually not the intent.
New Englanders are the least religious people in the country. Conversely, we are the most culturally catholic in the country (lower-case used on purpose).
New Englanders frequently think of themselves as New Englanders first. Even before the state they're from. I personally think of New Hampshire, Coastal Maine, Rhode Island, Mass, the non-Fairfield Co parts of CT, and southern Vermont as one continuous cultural entity. I am a New Englander first, a Masshole second, and an American third. I really love New England.
New Englanders (along with Louisianans) are generally Francophones, which is at a sharp contrast with the rest of the country.
New Englanders have always put a massive emphasis on education. Puritan roots and all. Mark Twain's famous quote sums it up well: "In Boston they ask, how much does he know? In New York, how much is he worth? In Philadelphia, who were his parents?”
New Englanders are understated. We think flashy signs of wealth are embarrassing and an indication of a poor upbringing. Rich New Englanders don't flaunt their wealth - that's a California thing.
Also, "Yankee thrift" is a real thing. I had this message beaten into my head, over and over as a kid and into adulthood: never, ever pay full price for anything. Even if you're part of the rich I mention above.
New England is also super-white. And it's not even very diverse among the white population. If you're a white New Englander not living on the coast, you're either Irish, English, French, or a combo of the three. If you live on the coast, you're either Irish, Italian, Portuguese, or a combo of the three. Regardless, you're going to CCD every Saturday from the age of 8 through 16. Even though your parents don't believe in any of it.
Finally, a large Dunkin iced, extra-extra. In February. It's par for course.
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This was a good read, thanks. I love these regional cultural identity descriptions.
Sounds right on for New England to me... and since it's coming from a native New Englander, I'll take your word for it.
Having grown up in Pennsylvania, a lot of the characteristics you mention are apt descriptions for PA and NY as well, with differences of course.
Sarcasm is so natural, I wouldn't know any other way. When I moved to other parts of the country, people didn't know how to take me at first... not understanding if I was serious. Cultural catholicism is also deeply ingrained... so non-religious, but ever so catholic... I hated CCD. The understated, non-flashiness also fits the bill... William Penn Quaker values permeate.
Differences... non-Francophone, not super-white, keep the Irish and Italian but swap Englilsh/French for Polish/Slavic, not a strong "Pennsylvanian" or regional "mid-Atlantic" regional association at all... the state is just too big in comparison and NYC/Jersey are their own thing entirely, and definitely not the Dunkin part (I imagine that's only because it's a Mass. company).