Why Do So Many Outsiders Bash My Birth State?

1. 83

   talfonsoposted 13 years ago

   As you have heard, New Jersey is recently emerging to be the butt of many jokes.
   
   Alongside with how the state smells in general, there are television series in recent years that further degrade it. Once upon a time, Italians in the state were all described as having gang affiliations. Now throw in younger ones having fake tans, hard bodies, big hair, and pumping fists.
   
   I was born in the third-largest city, Paterson, and was diagnosed with autism a few years later. Speaking of which, the state has the highest rate of autism in the USA. I attended a good day program at the Forum School in Waldwick, with understanding staff supervising me and teaching me skills to survive in life. Assemblywoman Joan Voss from Fort Lee awarded my alma mater for its efforts in raising awareness for my disability.
   
   But despite this, people who are out-of-state still have the penchant to spit at that state.
   
   I can see why they point fingers and tut-tut at Jersey. They are the same people driving from Virginia to meet folks in Connecticut who merely see it within the confines of the Turnpike (I love its logo to bits, I have to admit). They rant on how odoriferous it is, besides tolls and traffic. Factor in the views that all Jerseyans are rude and the viewers of the reality shows that put Jersey down and it's understandable.
   
   I took a trip to Jersey last summer, and had a blast. I did not mind Turnpike pong when I smelled it on my way from a day from Great Adventure (the state's Six Flags) to a friend's house in Bergenfield. It stunk a bit, but I shrugged it off. But the rest of the vacay took me to more interesting places. I always have and always will not hate NJ, despite being high in taxes and expensive. When I'm rich, I'll move back from Tampa Bay and to my old North Jersey.
   
   So why do you think people outside the state where I was born hate it? What made them detest it in the first place?

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   1. 81

      Stacie Lposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      well sorry but when you cross over into New jersey,there is a smell..
      I'm sure the rest is beautiful;like down on the shoreline.
      The Jersey Shore Mtv program hasn't helped any.
      You need to expand and make this a hub.

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   2. 84

      SimeyCposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I recently did a hub on 'You know you are from New Jersey if...'. Personally I feel it's their loss - if they are not prepared to come and see for themselves and enjoy NJ, then we probably don't want them here!
      
      SimeyC - exit 89 NJ Parkway *grin*

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2. 76

   livelongerposted 13 years ago

   I spent my formative years in NJ (the central part - Sourland Mountain area) and it will always have a special place in my heart.
   
   Otherwise, I think it's the association with Elizabeth's stench and the Jersey Shore, like Stacie mentioned.
   
   I agree also that this would make a great Hub.

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3. 87

   rebekahELLEposted 13 years ago

   The turnpike is a bear and is a dreadful experience, but there are beautiful areas in Jersey. One of my best friends is from Jersey.
   
   I've never watched Jersey Shore. Those reality shows are a waste.

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4. 99

   Sally's Troveposted 13 years ago

   Jersey's been the brunt of criticism for many years. Given its current governor, I don't see that changing.
   
   I was raised in South Amboy, Perth Amboy, and East Brunswick. I have a degree from Douglass (Rutgers).
   
   It's the home of people who emigrated from all over the world, it's a melting pot, even today.
   
   Jersylicious and the Sopranos stereotyped our state, making it out to be frivolous on one hand and diabolical on another. Jersey is neither. It's just a place that people call home. Granted, it has its problems.
   
   Write that Hub.

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   1. 0

      Arlene V. Pomaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I have not been to New Jersey, but as a traveler from way back, I do not make fun of where a person is from or where they live.  That is rude. 
      
      Will I explore New Jersey one day?  Of course.   
      
      Don't worry, be happy.  I come from California, also know as the state of Fruits and Nuts.  We grow plenty of happy green crops, here.  And our former governor was the first Conan the Barbarian.  On film and in real life.

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      1. 99

         Sally's Troveposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I had the pleasure of living in your beautiful state for a year or so, in Arcadia. I loved every minute of it and hope I have the opportunity one day to do it again.

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   2. 58

      Ancient Aviatorposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      My family and I rented a car at Newark Airport and drove down the New Jersey coast . We were amazed how pretty the coastline was.

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5. 83

   manlypoetrymanposted 13 years ago

   That's terrible! Folks shouldn't bash your poor state...just cause it is smaller then the whole Houston, Texas Metropolitan Area...there is no reason for anyone to be mean about it!
   
   •The Houston Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area covers 8,778 square miles, an area slightly smaller than Massachusetts but larger than New Jersey.
   
   http://www.houstontx.gov/abouthouston/houstonfacts.html

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   1. 60

      Repairguy47posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Houston? Now there's a place I avoid like the plague, just kidding.

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      1. 83

         manlypoetrymanposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Probably...a wise thing to do !

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6. 60

   Disturbiaposted 13 years ago

   "As you have heard, New Jersey is recently emerging to be the butt of many jokes. So why do you think people outside the state where I was born hate it?"
   
   I can't imagine, you might want to ask Snooki or The Situation, or maybe any of the Jerseylicious crew. Personally, I think Jersey hates are just plain jealous.

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