Who can call themselves a ‘New Yorker’?
Who can call themselves a ‘New Yorker’?
Who can call themselves a New Yorker – The question of what defines a ‘New Yorker’ has ignited a spirited discussion in a city known for its cultural diversity and shifting demographics. Jennifer Lopez, a globally recognized entertainer whose primary home is in Los Angeles, recently joined a live episode of the internet-based talk show “Subway Takes” while seated on a New York City subway. The event provided a platform for her to express her views on the concept of geographical identity, sparking debates among locals, newcomers, and even those who consider themselves quintessential New Yorkers.
A Birthright Claim
During the segment, Lopez asserted that being a New Yorker is tied to one’s place of birth. “You have to be born in New York to be a New Yorker,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of origin in shaping identity. The show’s host, Kareem Rahma, who was born in Egypt, grew up in Minnesota, and has lived in New York for over a decade, challenged this stance. He asked whether residing in the city for 50 years would suffice to claim the title. Lopez responded with a firm “no,” arguing that while long-term residents may adopt the traits and sensibilities of New Yorkers, “being born in the city is when you’re really a New Yorker.”
Lopez’s perspective aligns with her personal background, as she was raised in the Bronx and built her career around a hit song celebrating her borough. When Rahma pointed out that he also paid New York taxes, Lopez remained resolute. “The birthplace criterion is essential,” she said, suggesting that the city’s cultural and historical roots are best captured by those who were born within its borders. This stance, however, raises questions about the inclusion of prominent figures who, despite their contributions to New York’s identity, were not born there.
Excluded Figures and Historical Nuances
Lopez’s definition excludes several iconic individuals who are often seen as embodying the spirit of New York. For example, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who was born in Kampala, Uganda, and director Spike Lee, raised in Atlanta, both have deep ties to the city despite not being born there. Similarly, writer Fran Lebowitz, actress Chloë Sevigny, and artist Andy Warhol, all hailing from different regions, have left indelible marks on New York’s cultural landscape. The debate even extends to the Harlem Renaissance, a pivotal era in American art and literature. Figures like Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, and Louis Armstrong were born in the American South but moved to New York, contributing to its vibrant cultural identity.
The discussion also delves into the historical evolution of the term ‘New Yorker.’ Before the city’s modern identity took shape, the original inhabitants called the area Lenapehoking, a region encompassing the Lower Hudson to the Delaware Bay. The Lenape people, who lived there for centuries, were later displaced by Dutch traders, who “purchased” the land in a disputed transaction. At that time, the area was known as New Amsterdam, and briefly as New Orange during a power struggle with the English. When English settlers took control in the late 17th century, they renamed it New York, honoring King James II, who was then the Duke of York and had never lived in the territory.
The Oxford English Dictionary traces the earliest use of ‘New Yorker’ as a term for an inhabitant to 1738, when Benjamin Franklin employed it in his “Poor Richard’s Almanack.” The variant ‘New Yorkian’ emerged in some publications during the 1800s but has since become less common. ‘New Yorker,’ however, has remained the preferred designation, even as the city’s population has grown increasingly diverse. This historical context complicates the modern debate, as the city’s identity is now intertwined with immigration and cultural exchange.
A City of Contradictions
New York City is a paradox—a metropolis that is both internationally connected and deeply rooted in local traditions. Its identity is shaped by the millions of people who have migrated there over the centuries, yet the idea of a ‘pure’ New Yorker persists. This contradiction has led to heated arguments, with some residents clinging to traditional definitions while others embrace a more inclusive view. Lopez’s statement, while firm, has prompted counterpoints from those who argue that the city’s essence is built on the contributions of all its inhabitants, regardless of birthplace.
For instance, critics question whether a child of immigrants, raised in New York, should not be considered a New Yorker. Similarly, they challenge the exclusion of everyday workers like Bangladeshi cab drivers or Yemeni bodega owners, who have built lives and communities in the city. Some even draw parallels between Lopez’s stance and the nativist sentiments seen in political discourse, suggesting that her criteria might reinforce a sense of exclusivity rather than unity.
Despite these disagreements, there is a shared understanding that New York’s identity is fluid. As Xochitl Gonzalez, a Brooklyn native and author of the novel “Last Night in Brooklyn,” noted, “I would never tell anybody who’d been here for longer than 10 years that they’re not a New Yorker,” but she would still classify them differently. For Gonzalez, the distinction lies in whether someone was born and raised in the city or arrived as a child and grew up within its five boroughs. Others argue that even adults who moved to New York from other parts of the country can be considered New Yorkers, while transplants from other U.S. states may not qualify.
Ultimately, the debate reflects the city’s dynamic nature. With a population of nine million, it’s no wonder that definitions of New York identity remain contested. The discussion is not just about birthplace or residency but also about what it means to belong to a place that has continually evolved through the lens of its people. As the city continues to welcome new residents, the question of who can call themselves a ‘New Yorker’ will likely persist, shaped by the ongoing interplay of history, culture, and personal experience.