Why Does New Jersey Get No Respect?
The Story.
After taking a look at a slew of articles, I found one article in particular, from CBS News, that caught my attention. In this article, "Why does New Jersey get no respect?", CBS describes many of the main prejudices held against this northern state. The article includes the idea that many of these harsh views stem from the MTV reality show, Jersey Shore. These reality shows taking place in the state are one of the main causes of its bad reputation. People automatically assume that the actors on the tv shows are a direct representation of those living in New Jersey.
The article includes a quote from George Carlin, stating, "I say let them put it right on the license plate, 'NJ, the Tollbooth State.' What does it say now, the Garden State? Sure if you're growing smokestacks, yes." This is only one of the numerous negative beliefs associated with New Jersey. CBS explains that one of the main causes of these prejudices is the fact that New Jersey is stuck between two major cities: New York and Philadelphia, so many of these negative influences become associated with their sister state.
New Jersey has become associated with the idea that it is filled with strip malls, tollbooths, and factories, leaving not much to be visually appealing. Many people associate it with being a state "filled with knuckleheads." CBS also describes it as a state known for their rudeness and those who speak "unfiltered." These many common beliefs associated with this state have given it a bad rep for may years, although that is not even half the truth.
The article includes a quote from George Carlin, stating, "I say let them put it right on the license plate, 'NJ, the Tollbooth State.' What does it say now, the Garden State? Sure if you're growing smokestacks, yes." This is only one of the numerous negative beliefs associated with New Jersey. CBS explains that one of the main causes of these prejudices is the fact that New Jersey is stuck between two major cities: New York and Philadelphia, so many of these negative influences become associated with their sister state.
New Jersey has become associated with the idea that it is filled with strip malls, tollbooths, and factories, leaving not much to be visually appealing. Many people associate it with being a state "filled with knuckleheads." CBS also describes it as a state known for their rudeness and those who speak "unfiltered." These many common beliefs associated with this state have given it a bad rep for may years, although that is not even half the truth.
My View.
As you may know, if you have taken the time to read my About Me page, you are aware that I had grown up in New Jersey and spent most of my life there. Because of this, I am sure that you have guessed by now how angry this article made me upon reading it. Of course, CBS was not personally bashing on New Jersey, but only describing many of the reasons it has a bad rep.
I have been familiar for the majority of my life, all of the harsh views and prejudices associated with my home state. These views anger me only because I am well aware that most of them are the farthest thing from true. Of course New Jersey has many tollbooths and factories, as well as people who live life faster paced than many others, but this is only a small majority of the state.
What many people are unaware of is the fact that there are miles upon miles of beautiful farmland, unpopulated forests, and some of the cleanest lakes in the country. It is an absolute shame that people jump on the bandwagon of believing that New Jersey is just a trashy state filled with rude people and high taxes.
New Jersey is filled with beautiful beaches, open land, amusement parks, lakes, forests and farms that not many visitors get to witness. But trust me, they're there. Of course every state will have their fair share of people who are not very friendly, as well as areas that you want to steer clear of, but I don't believe that my home state gets enough credit. So make sure before you jump to conclusions about a state, you know the real story behind what most people will have you believe.
I have been familiar for the majority of my life, all of the harsh views and prejudices associated with my home state. These views anger me only because I am well aware that most of them are the farthest thing from true. Of course New Jersey has many tollbooths and factories, as well as people who live life faster paced than many others, but this is only a small majority of the state.
What many people are unaware of is the fact that there are miles upon miles of beautiful farmland, unpopulated forests, and some of the cleanest lakes in the country. It is an absolute shame that people jump on the bandwagon of believing that New Jersey is just a trashy state filled with rude people and high taxes.
New Jersey is filled with beautiful beaches, open land, amusement parks, lakes, forests and farms that not many visitors get to witness. But trust me, they're there. Of course every state will have their fair share of people who are not very friendly, as well as areas that you want to steer clear of, but I don't believe that my home state gets enough credit. So make sure before you jump to conclusions about a state, you know the real story behind what most people will have you believe.