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New York City has always marched to the beat of its own drum. With its bustling streets, diverse population, and undeniable cultural impact, it’s no wonder that some New Yorkers might see their city as the center of the universe. Two iconic maps capture this NYC-centric worldview with humor and wit, giving us a glimpse into the mind of the stereotypical New Yorker.
Let’s start our journey with Daniel Wallingford’s 1936 creation, “A New Yorker’s Idea of the United States of America.” This map is a masterclass in satirical cartography, poking fun at the perceived self-importance of New York City residents.
At first glance, you might think you’re looking at a map drawn by a child with a severe case of NYC bias. The Big Apple dominates the eastern seaboard, appearing almost as large as the entire Midwest. Meanwhile, other major cities are reduced to mere dots on the landscape, if they appear at all.
The map includes this telling inscription:
“The City of New York is unique – it is a nation within a nation. Its inhabitants, of which there are some 7,000,000 are called New Yorkers. This map is presented, after patient research, as a composite of the New Yorkers’ ideas concerning the United States.”
While clearly exaggerated, Wallingford’s map isn’t entirely without merit. New York City has played an outsized role in American history and culture since its founding as New Amsterdam in 1624. From welcoming millions of immigrants through Ellis Island to shaping global finance on Wall Street, NYC has been at the forefront of many national narratives.
The city’s influence extends far beyond its borders. Think of the countless movies and TV shows set in New York, the fashion trends that start on its streets, or the slang terms that originate in its neighborhoods before spreading across the country. In many ways, New York City is America’s cultural capital, exporting its ideas and attitudes to the rest of the nation and the world.
Fast forward to 1976, and we find ourselves facing Saul Steinberg‘s iconic New Yorker magazine cover, “View of the World from 9th Avenue.” This illustration takes the concept of New York-centrism to a global scale, and the result is nothing short of brilliant.
In Steinberg’s world, Manhattan is the star of the show, with its grid-like streets and iconic buildings lovingly detailed. The Hudson River might as well be an ocean, separating the island from a featureless blob labeled simply as “Jersey.” Beyond that, the rest of America is reduced to a barren plain with a few place names scattered about, before giving way to the Pacific Ocean.
And the rest of the world? It’s barely an afterthought, appearing as a few indistinct shapes on the horizon. China, Japan, and Russia are mere silhouettes in the distance, emphasizing the New Yorker’s supposed lack of interest in anything beyond their city limits.
This cover struck such a chord that it’s been parodied and imitated countless times. It’s been recreated for other cities, used in advertising campaigns, and has become a shorthand for provincial attitudes everywhere.
While these maps might seem like gross exaggerations, they touch on a kernel of truth about New York’s unique place in American culture. The city has long been a melting pot of cultures, a hub of innovation, and a trend-setter in everything from food to fashion to finance.
Today, New York City continues to be a major player on the world stage. It’s home to the United Nations headquarters, some of the world’s most renowned museums and theaters, and remains a global financial powerhouse. The city’s diversity is staggering, with over 800 languages spoken within its five boroughs.
These quirky maps serve as a reminder that our perspective can shape how we see the world – or in this case, how New Yorkers might see it. They invite us to consider how our own backgrounds and experiences might influence our worldview, while also poking gentle fun at the idea of any one place being the center of everything.
For those interested in exploring more conventional (and less NYC-centric) maps of the United States and the world, here are some options available on Amazon:
Whether you’re a die-hard New Yorker, a curious outsider, or simply someone who appreciates a good cartographic joke, these maps offer a unique and entertaining perspective on New York’s place in America and the world. They remind us that sometimes, to understand a place, we need to see it through the eyes of its most passionate residents – even if their view might be a little skewed.
So, the next time you find yourself gazing at the Manhattan skyline or navigating the bustling streets of Times Square, take a moment to appreciate the view. Just remember, there’s a whole world out there beyond the East River!
Speaking as one who grew up in New York, I find this map (1) hilarious, and (2) true.