Having lived in NYC briefly I learned the exact opposite.
Also I was taught to hold up a particular finger while crossing a redlight as a courtesy to the drivers.
I visited NYC two months ago for the first time—as someone who doesn’t drive it was incredible how pedestrian-driven the streets were. Cars would stop for me even when it was clearly their light.
Did you expect them to run you over instead?
That's what they'd do in suburban Philly.
I manage just fine in Europe and cross wherever is convenient, just like everyone else (except the Germans!). The concept of jaywalking is pretty alien to most of the world.
Ditto in Australia.
That's poor consolation when a car mows down your dog... or toddler.
This is the polar opposite of my experience in NYC.