Like why do I feel like I’m supposed to be able to name the seven boroughs? I can’t tell you anything about L.A., Chicago, Boston, etc.
Edit: to clarify: I mean that everyone in America are expected to know NYC. Not just New Yorkers. Obviously everyone should know the layout of where they live.
Oooowkay! So sorry for my surprised comment. I totally get, and agree with, what you actually said.
Being from not-the-capital-city of my country but living there, I struggled with the uttermost self-centeredness of its inhabitants.
I do think knowing topology and geography of things and places is much more than basic general information. For me it relates to “feeling” a place, and belonging somewhere. But what do I care where the upper east whatever is…
Also, culture production might have something to do with all of this : An open letter to NYC - The Beastie Boys