When meeting someone new for the first time, the first thing they always ask is where I’m from, which is probably because of my “funny” accent. I’m a New Yorker and have been for 25 years. Usually after they hear New York, they respond with a grunt or a roll of the eye. We are obviously all arrogant, rude, pushy, selfish, and most of us have no morals, in fact we are just  “all about the Benjamins.” Than I’ll be asked  “ but what’s your nationality?” and I reply American, and still that’s not good enough. The next question is, “ But where’s your family from?” Everyone always wants to know your entire history right from the start. I am an Italian-American girl, from New York. My question is why does it matter where I’m from or where I live, so you can make stereotypical assumptions about me right from the start. Growing up I hated being called a “guidette” just because my hair is black and skin is olive toned. There were many times I felt like I had to prove to people that I wasn’t a cast member of  The Jersey Shore and actually had a brain and some self-respect. There were even times I was actually ashamed  to say that I was Italian, because I hated being put in that category. As I got older I started to care less about what people thought about me and started to realize how wonderful it is to be an Italian-American girl, who got to grow up in one of the greatest cities in the world. Yes, I’m an Italian, but no I don’t use the phrase “ bada bing.” Yes, I’m an American, but I’m not lazy. Yes, I’m a New Yorker, but I’m in no hurry.