One of the oddly puzzling, and secretly gratifying, things about being a native New Yorker, is the surprise that meets you upon declaring this fact. According to transplants, we are a rare species. And artist Nathan Pyle‘s new animated book, NYC Basic Tips and Etiquette, has me begging the question: are people impressed because while they consider their pilgrimage to the state an act of courage and chalk up their ability to stay here to sheer will power, while those of us indigenous to this land, are naturally unphased?
Whether or not, as native New Yorkers, we come innately equipped to handle NY’s…’quirks’, anyone living here for even a short time, can attest to the accuracy of Pyle’s cartoon portrayal. His hilarity packed and well illustrated tips on how to lessen the likelihood of being bulldozed over are uncannily accurate. I’m actually not sure which is my favorite: “staying focused is the key to avoiding unnecessary contact” or how to seek refuge behind a parking meter among an onslaught of crowds. The quip about seeing your potential soul mate boarding a train on the opposing track, and riding away never to be seen again, was poignant, painful, and all too true. This book is a reminder of how all should behave here; tourists and natives alike. Take a peak, it just might save you from death by rotting garbage odor.
via Imgur
