New Jersey: Give it a Chance, Outsiders

           Dave and I live similar lives as New Jersey natives now residing in the Bronx.  Growing up in a suburban New Jersey town much like Dave’s hometown provides me with a very consistent perception of the state in relation to his blog statements.  While outsiders perceive New Jersey as a bottomless pit of filth due to lack of information and little knowledge of the state’s beautiful areas, we New Jersey-ians share the common attitude that we would not want to mold our lives anywhere else in the world.

            Prior to enrolling at Fordham, I spent the majority of my life in New Jersey.  I live in a typical suburban town named Hillsborough, and rarely leave the state for reasons other than attending Fordham.  Nonetheless, the overall animosity that others have for my beloved state is shocking upon traveling to the Bronx for the school year.  This animosity is appalling because a huge portion of these critics with condescending statements and stubbornly arrogant positions have spent little or zero time experiencing the beautiful area of the US.  From a New Jersey native’s point of view, it almost seems exhausting to spend so much time spewing out criticism about a state that one knows very little about.  These critics only have one point to support their arguments, which is the smell of Newark.

            To address the argument that negatively stereotypes New Jersey, I will firmly state that Newark is one city within an entire state.  Those who point towards the smell of Newark as an indicator of the state as a whole have obviously only been within the state grounds for flying purposes.  While I admit that the city smells terribly awful, it cannot be used as a sample of the whole state itself.  If an outsider just holds his nose, and sucks up his pride for a while, he will see that New Jersey has all kinds of different landscapes to offer.  He will see that our state has small cozy towns, urban areas, college towns, farmlands, beaches, and a variety of other visual luxurious.  A whole state cannot be categorized as “smelly” or “grimy” because of one specific location.  I invite these critics to visit New Jersey for a weekend.  If their time spent within the state’s borders is unenjoyable, I understand.  However, I feel that the state has too much to offer for one to not give it a chance. 

Ne-Wark State of Mind

Living in North Jersey, I am exposed to my fair share of stereotyping. Not only from people living in neighboring states but also from people across the country. However, after thinking it over I believe I have found one of the roots of all this stereotyping. That root just happens to be the largest city in New Jersey, Newark. Newark is a very industrious city and was a booming, up and coming place in the early 1900’s, however in the mid 1900’s a long series of race riots forced many Newarkians to move out. Newark then entered its own sort of mini-depression. Fast-forward about 50 years and Newark is still a shell of what it used to be, industry has returned but the same charm the city once had has disappeared.

            Now, Newark is home to the largest airport in New Jersey and one of the largest airports in the tri-state area. Every day thousands of people from all across the world fly into Newark airport. As they fly in they quickly see a lot of trash and uncleanliness, they also see a bunch of smokestacks, and run down buildings. For most people this is their only exposure to New Jersey. After they fly into Newark they either head into New York City or travel out of the state on whatever mission they may be on.

            Seeing only Newark has painted a picture in traveler’s minds that New Jersey is this widely overpopulated and massively polluted state. However, if people stick around they will notice the beauty and variety New Jersey has. From the homely suburbs of New York City, to the wonderful beaches of the Jersey Shore, New Jersey has quite a bit to offer. One city, does not define a whole state.

-Roman Herman

Pork Roll

There is one thing that when I came to Fordham University I had no idea was just a New Jersey thing.  Pork roll and Taylor ham.  Ever since I was a Kid, I can remember going to the local deli and grabbing a Taylor ham, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich. But when I was in New York I came to the realization no one knows what this is.  I was thinking about my latest topic and decided to take a poll of how many people on my Football team knew what this type of food was. I asked about 20 guys who are not from New Jersey and 2 of them knew what Pork roll or Taylor ham was.  So after this shocking fact I just wanted to tell everyone out there.  Taylor ham is kind of like Canadian bacon and it is glorious.  If you are ever in New Jersey and looking for a breakfast sandwich ask for a Taylor ham or Pork roll, with egg and cheese, and I promise you will not be disappointed.
 just look at this and tell me you don't want to jump right in....