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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

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?

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Friday
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m impressed that they all still have the bunny ears on!

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#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?

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Hugo A-niro
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2 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."

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"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

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LuckyL
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2 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

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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."

"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!!!

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Catlady6000
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2 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

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Kira Okah
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If this wasn't NY, I'd swear this was my mate. Lovely fursuit.

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

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

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#15

Notes In The Lobby

Notes In The Lobby

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Vasana Phong
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2 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

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#24

What Are You Asking?

What Are You Asking?

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#25

Notes In The Lobby

Notes In The Lobby

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Vasana Phong
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2 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
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2 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

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#30

So, Michelangelo?

So, Michelangelo?

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#32

Notes In The Lobby

Notes In The Lobby

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Julia Atkinson
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2 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

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A B C
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2 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

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#40

Notes In The Lobby

Notes In The Lobby

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Note: this post originally had 130 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.