Why Do Some Dislike the New York Accent?

It's often an ignorant act to criticize others' regional or national accents. Are the people who do so truly your friends? If you ask and they claim to be your friends, explain to them that true friends do not pick on accents.

Accents and Perception

To a Californian ear, a distinct New York accent might sound aggressive and uneducated. It's just different from what one is used to. This difference in sound can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or negative perceptions.

Is It Just a Mocking?

If you sound like Fran Drescher, it might be too nasal if you talk through your nose instead of your mouth. I, as a Yankee in the south, know firsthand how such accents can make an impact. However, the perception isn't universal; some people might see a thick New York accent as a sign of being working-class. For example, my father, despite his thick Brooklyn accent, was a college graduate and a successful engineer.

The Impact of Accents in Social Settings

For me, a sleep-away camp in 1980 taught a valuable lesson. A bunkmate suggested that I should change or modify my Brooklyn accent. My first reaction was that she was being a snob and offering unsolicited advice. However, reflecting on this later, I realized that such attitudes are common and can influence one's behavior. By carefully listening to other American accents in college, I was able to modify mine somewhat.

Embracing the New York Accent

Am I a real New Yorker and care about who likes my accent and who doesn't? My answer is yes, I am a true New Yorker. I have come to embrace my accent and realize that it's not something to be ashamed of.

Aggressive Personalities and the New York Accent

Perhaps it's not so much the actual accent that some people dislike, but rather the often aggressive personalities associated with being a New Yorker. Such individuals might feel free to interrupt and talk over others. This reflection might stem from a combination of jealousy and negative perceptions of the city that are often not based in reality.

As a true New Yorker, I advocate for understanding and accepting the diversity in accents and personalities. It's important to recognize that everyone has his or her unique voice and that these differences should be celebrated rather than criticized.