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I'm willing to bet that most of us who have never been to New York City have still heard songs about it, like 'Empire State of Mind,' or seen movies, such as 'Taxi Driver.' But how can we know if these representations are accurate? Well, there's a way to find out even if we can't tour the place in person.

The social media project WhatIsNewYork reveals how it looks through the eyes of its residents by sharing user-submitted pictures and videos taken in the Big Apple.

One quick glimpse at its content and you'll see a shirtless guy strolling on a snowy street, a pack of dogs posing for a picture with bunny ears, and many more vivid 'postcards' that capture the diverse and unfiltered essence of NYC.

More info: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

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    WhatIsNewYork is actually a spinoff of another cool online project. "I created SubwayCreatures back in 2012 to document all of the funny, crazy things I was seeing. When that got big, I decided to expand the content outside of the subway into the streets of NYC," Rick McGuire, the man behind these Instagram accounts, told Bored Panda.

    Now, McGuire receives close to 200 submissions per day, "but a lot of them are not worthy of being posted."

    "I don't exploit the homeless or those who appear to be mentally ill and I try to spotlight people who are doing something intentional or funny to bring attention to themselves," he explained.

    #3

    How Does One Get On The Mailing List For This Easter Card?

    How Does One Get On The Mailing List For This Easter Card?

    whatisnewyork Report

    #4

    You Ever Just Be Sitting There And The Dude Next To You Falls Asleep On You?

    You Ever Just Be Sitting There And The Dude Next To You Falls Asleep On You?

    whatisnewyork Report

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    Hugo A-niro
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My friend woke up in a woman s lap after drinking. The woman was very nice and did not wake her

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    Rick said that the warm weather and people being able to dine out late have resulted in all sorts of crazy submissions. "Pet owners still bring their weird, exotic animals around the city with them and Washington Square Park has always been a hot spot for interesting activity."

    "Another popular submission is photos of funny NY vanity plates. I posted a bunch of them and didn't realize how much of a 'thing' it was. My inbox was filled by the end of the day."

    #5

    Notes In The Lobby

    Notes In The Lobby

    whatisnewyork Report

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    LuckyL
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I kind of would wait for the message on the pillow, just to find out if he's really doing it

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    "More than half my followers are NYers and that number might be underestimated because there are people who move away and still follow because they miss it so much," Rick said.

    According to him, the NY followers are quite easy to spot in the comment section. They're the ones who identify areas in the videos and can relate to a lot of what the page posts. "They are also not shocked or surprised by what they see most of the time," Rick added.

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    #9

    Imagine Being High And Seeing This Today

    Imagine Being High And Seeing This Today

    whatisnewyork Report

    This doesn't come as a surprise. Rather, it's a testament to New Yorkers' colorful everyday life, a sentiment echoed by Adrienne E. Adams, Speaker of the New York City Council.

    "Our city is home to a mosaic of cultures," she said. "As a lifelong New Yorker and native of Queens, where we speak more languages than anywhere in the world, I consider anyone who calls our city home a New Yorker."

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    "Whether lifelong residents, immigrants, transplants, or recent asylum seekers, the shared joys and struggles we uniquely experience as New Yorkers unite us. Our historic women-majority and most-diverse City Council reflects this diversity to help everyone find success," Adams explained.

    #11

    Snowball Fight!!!

    Snowball Fight!!!

    whatisnewyork Report

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    Catlady6000
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nothing to see, just a bunch of complete strangers having a wholesome good time. smiles

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    #12

    Got A Bunch Of Late Submissions So Here’s A Final Halloween Weekend Roundup

    Got A Bunch Of Late Submissions So Here’s A Final Halloween Weekend Roundup

    whatisnewyork Report

    Because of its massive diversity, New York City is commonly referred to as the 'Melting Pot' of America.

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    There are over 8 million people currently living in the city who speak over 200 different languages!

    #15

    Notes In The Lobby

    Notes In The Lobby

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    Vasana Phong
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What the heck, lots of packages being stolen in apartment buildings, it’s like porch pirate’s Xmas, I ship mine’s to may job

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    #21

    With Indoor And Street Dining Closed Last Night, Rocco, The Owner Of @trattoria_lincontro, Had Dinner With His Staff To Make The Best Of The Storm That Hit The Tri-State Area

    With Indoor And Street Dining Closed Last Night, Rocco, The Owner Of @trattoria_lincontro, Had Dinner With His Staff To Make The Best Of The Storm That Hit The Tri-State Area

    whatisnewyork Report

    #24

    What Are You Asking?

    What Are You Asking?

    whatisnewyork Report

    #25

    Notes In The Lobby

    Notes In The Lobby

    whatisnewyork Report

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    Vasana Phong
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are these owners to cheap to put up security cameras? I’m sure this wasn’t the first complaint, now it’s vigilante times

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    #26

    Notes In The Lobby

    Notes In The Lobby

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    Tim Fischer
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Weird thing anyway, that the delivery guy doesn´t have to give it to you in person or to a neighbour

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    #27

    Notes In The Lobby

    Notes In The Lobby

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    #29

    Always Pay Attention To Your Surroundings In NYC. Never Know When A Creeper Is Gonna Be Staring At You

    Always Pay Attention To Your Surroundings In NYC. Never Know When A Creeper Is Gonna Be Staring At You

    whatisnewyork Report

    #30

    So, Michelangelo?

    So, Michelangelo?

    whatisnewyork Report

    #32

    Notes In The Lobby

    Notes In The Lobby

    whatisnewyork Report

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    Julia Atkinson
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you're stuck in a New York apartment but would prefer to live in a cabin in rural Montana

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    #34

    Notes In The Lobby

    Notes In The Lobby

    whatisnewyork Report

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    A B C
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd really like to see that picture. Or are there multiple, different ones?

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    #35

    Friendly Reminder To Keep In Mind What Delivery People Will Be Going Through The Next Couple Days So Tip Well! Also, Try To Avoid Using Delivery Apps And Call Businesses Directly

    Friendly Reminder To Keep In Mind What Delivery People Will Be Going Through The Next Couple Days So Tip Well! Also, Try To Avoid Using Delivery Apps And Call Businesses Directly

    whatisnewyork Report

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    #40

    Notes In The Lobby

    Notes In The Lobby

    whatisnewyork Report

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    #41

    My Fellow White People, What We Doing?

    My Fellow White People, What We Doing?

    whatisnewyork Report

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    Hugo A-niro
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I doubt a white person wrote this but in any case whst does this have to do with race? Who knows this dudes story ? Maybe he is just nuts

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    #42

    Yes, There Is Currently A Massive Borat Barge Floating Down The Hudson River

    Yes, There Is Currently A Massive Borat Barge Floating Down The Hudson River

    whatisnewyork Report

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    #48

    Notes In The Lobby

    Notes In The Lobby

    whatisnewyork Report

    #50

    Just Be Lucky It Wasn’t An A/C Unit #whatisnewyork (@emiliosubia @izzyraye_)

    Just Be Lucky It Wasn’t An A/C Unit #whatisnewyork (@emiliosubia @izzyraye_)

    whatisnewyork Report

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    #54

    Got A Bunch Of Late Submissions So Here’s A Final Halloween Weekend Roundup

    Got A Bunch Of Late Submissions So Here’s A Final Halloween Weekend Roundup

    whatisnewyork Report

    #55

    Notes In The Lobby

    Notes In The Lobby

    whatisnewyork Report

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    Chris
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Could be like a modern day Cinderella... go around the building seeing who it fits.

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    #58

    Notes In The Lobby

    Notes In The Lobby

    whatisnewyork Report

    #59

    They Really Booted The Whole Block

    They Really Booted The Whole Block

    whatisnewyork Report

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    Dave P
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey, traffic enforcement takes their job very seriously in NYC, those guys are ticket hungry and agressive when giving them out. But with good reason.

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    #62

    Dogs In Goggles, That Is All

    Dogs In Goggles, That Is All

    whatisnewyork Report

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    Terry Tobias
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love that all these people protect their doggies' eyes! That's love!

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    #64

    Notes In The Lobby

    Notes In The Lobby

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    Anyone-for-tea?
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What’s a “boomer” jacket? Sounds like the English policeman from Allo Allo is on the case! Good moaning!

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    #65

    Sinkholes Swallowing Up Cars As 2020 Continues

    Sinkholes Swallowing Up Cars As 2020 Continues

    whatisnewyork Report

    #67

    Dogs

    Dogs

    whatisnewyork Report

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    Catlady6000
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He is a Boston Dynamic robot. Look him up dancing with his buddies to "Do You Love Me?" It's awesome

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    #69

    NY Student Driver

    NY Student Driver

    whatisnewyork Report

    #70

    I Thought Those Lyrics Sounded Familiar!

    I Thought Those Lyrics Sounded Familiar!

    whatisnewyork Report

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    Cain Hargreaves
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thinking about this sign and thinking about the music video for the song at the same time is giving me cognitive dissonance.

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    #71

    Effective Park Attire When You See Your Ex

    Effective Park Attire When You See Your Ex

    whatisnewyork Report

    #73

    Got A Bunch Of Late Submissions So Here’s A Final Halloween Weekend Roundup

    Got A Bunch Of Late Submissions So Here’s A Final Halloween Weekend Roundup

    whatisnewyork Report

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    #75

    Out Here Celebrating It

    Out Here Celebrating It

    whatisnewyork Report

    #76

    Just A Bunch Of Grown Kids Living Out Their Childhood Dream

    Just A Bunch Of Grown Kids Living Out Their Childhood Dream

    whatisnewyork Report

    #77

    Notes In The Lobby

    Notes In The Lobby

    whatisnewyork Report

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    #83

    Ok, Fine...

    Ok, Fine...

    whatisnewyork Report

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    #84

    Do You Think You Have The Worst Apartment In NYC? Send Me A Photo And You Could Make Some Money If It’s Accepted For An Upcoming Campaign #whatisnewyork (@luna.nova)

    Do You Think You Have The Worst Apartment In NYC? Send Me A Photo And You Could Make Some Money If It’s Accepted For An Upcoming Campaign #whatisnewyork (@luna.nova)

    whatisnewyork Report

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    Mimi M
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've seen worse. At least it has all the components (except oven, but you could put a toaster oven or microwave in a tiny cart on the side, or under-mount).

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    #85

    Notes In The Lobby

    Notes In The Lobby

    whatisnewyork Report

    #86

    Gotta Love NY Vanity Plates

    Gotta Love NY Vanity Plates

    whatisnewyork Report

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    Manta
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    who knew a license plate could give off such a ✨vibe✨

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    #88

    The Best (Worst) 911 Calls On Citizen App

    The Best (Worst) 911 Calls On Citizen App

    whatisnewyork Report

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    Catlady6000
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And 1.0K know about it, yet I was not told until now. Sniff

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    #89

    The E! True Hollywood Story Of Big Bird Looks Sad

    The E! True Hollywood Story Of Big Bird Looks Sad

    whatisnewyork Report

    #90

    “Oopsies!”

    “Oopsies!”

    whatisnewyork Report

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    I I
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    my brothers car did that while i was learning to drive in it , didn't crash thankfully

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    #92

    Dogs In Goggles, That Is All

    Dogs In Goggles, That Is All

    whatisnewyork Report

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    #95

    Prob Find A Few Bodies Before His Cell Phone

    Prob Find A Few Bodies Before His Cell Phone

    whatisnewyork Report

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    #100

    Missed Connection

    Missed Connection

    whatisnewyork Report

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    Terry Tobias
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If he or she looked disgusted, why would you want to meet them?

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    #103

    Gotta Love NY Vanity Plates

    Gotta Love NY Vanity Plates

    whatisnewyork Report

    #105

    “I Don’t Care Where It’s Going As Long As It’s Not My House” -This Guy Probably

    “I Don’t Care Where It’s Going As Long As It’s Not My House” -This Guy Probably

    whatisnewyork Report

    #106

    That Apartment Cost What??

    That Apartment Cost What??

    whatisnewyork Report

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    Vasana Phong
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guess not short people friendly, my face will only reach bottom of sink

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    #107

    Some People Just Want To Watch The World Burn [swipe]

    Some People Just Want To Watch The World Burn [swipe]

    whatisnewyork Report

    #109

    That Apartment Cost What??

    That Apartment Cost What??

    whatisnewyork Report

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    #110

    That Apartment Cost What??

    That Apartment Cost What??

    whatisnewyork Report

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    Lorrie Rothstein
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    thats not an apartment. That's where people are chained up and sold to trafficking

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    #111

    Gotta Love NY Vanity Plates

    Gotta Love NY Vanity Plates

    whatisnewyork Report

    #113

    Keep Shooting

    Keep Shooting

    whatisnewyork Report

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    #115

    That Apartment Cost What??

    That Apartment Cost What??

    whatisnewyork Report

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    Catlady6000
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How come we never saw the Kitchen/bathroom esthetic in any of the Law & Orders?

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    #117

    Gotta Love NY Vanity Plates

    Gotta Love NY Vanity Plates

    whatisnewyork Report

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    #119

    Currently Flying Over NYC #whatisnewyork (@lukem2201)

    Currently Flying Over NYC #whatisnewyork (@lukem2201)

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    #120

    ‘Post No Bills Pizza’ > ‘Duct Tape Banana’ #whatisnewyork

    ‘Post No Bills Pizza’ > ‘Duct Tape Banana’ #whatisnewyork

    whatisnewyork Report

    #121

    That Apartment Cost What??

    That Apartment Cost What??

    whatisnewyork Report

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    I I
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    seen prison cells bigger .....................on TV of course

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    #123

    Gotta Love NY Vanity Plates

    Gotta Love NY Vanity Plates

    whatisnewyork Report

    #124

    Gotta Love NY Vanity Plates

    Gotta Love NY Vanity Plates

    whatisnewyork Report

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    #127

    Gotta Love NY Vanity Plates

    Gotta Love NY Vanity Plates

    whatisnewyork Report

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    #129

    Gotta Love NY Vanity Plates

    Gotta Love NY Vanity Plates

    whatisnewyork Report

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    #130

    Gotta Love NY Vanity Plates

    Gotta Love NY Vanity Plates

    whatisnewyork Report