The transatlantic artist and co-founder of God Save the Scene Elizabeth Dimitroff weighs in on the inconclusive New York vs London debate. If you’re new here, hit subscribe for weekly recommendations.
When I’m asked where I’m from – a daily occurrence due to the ambiguity of my accent – my answer is usually ‘transatlantic’. This inevitably prompts the inconclusive New York vs London debate. I’m no ethnologist but here’s my best attempt at assessing what the people I see and speak to tell me about the people I do not see and speak to in both cities.
☞ London is too big. New York is too small
☞ London has more exciting music and theatre. New York has more exciting movies and nightlife
☞ Everyone in New York is an aspiring big shot but too hungover to do anything about it. Everyone in London is miserable and feels morally superior for it
☞ Londoners are authentically mysterious. New Yorkers are authentically curious
☞ It’s easier and faster to make things happen in New York, but the urgency might be due to the short period of time people tend to live there. It takes longer to integrate in London, but only because they don’t care whether you like it or not
☞ Rats are much worse than foxes
☞ Londoners don’t like change and tend to stick to the status quo. But they have free healthcare and a better work/life balance
☞ Differences are an advantage in New York and a disadvantage in London
☞ Londoners speak when they have something to say. New Yorkers always find something to say
☞ The subway runs 24/7 but flying around Europe is very affordable
☞ There are more cool people in New York, but the cool Londoners are cooler
☞ New Yorkers are more ‘about’ being from New York than Londoners are ‘about’ being from London. However, only a London-based newsletter would write about this, since this debate would never cross a New Yorker’s mind
☞ New Yorkers (or Americans?) are unproductively extreme and hysterical about their views
☞ College education is cheaper in the UK, but you get what you pay for
☞ New Yorkers are hotter but Londoners don’t waste as much time on being hot (which is hot)
Ultimately, it’s a privilege to be in a position to compare the two. Whichever city you’re reading this from, consider yourself lucky and make the most of it.
See you Monday, when our next guest will be revealing their recommendations ☞
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ugh, i disagree with so much BUT not without wanting to debate...classic NYer trait. idk, the foxes are creepy as hell. just found your substack x a fellow transatlantic person