Thanks to Marcus for his post on New York, although I admit some sadness that it was prompted by his impending departure. New York is so many things to so many people. My life-long love affair with the city has caused me to view it as some sort of enigmatic personification of our deepest inner desires (which makes the love-hate relationship so many have a bit more understandable - but in no less need of therapy). The New York of the movies and songs is a place that is full of hopes and fears, where you are alone while surrounded by the crunch of people, and where anything is possible but you must work hard to survive long enough to get it. While city life may not be for everyone, those embittered New Yorkers might want to take a look at why they hate it. This city represents the world of possibilities; just as I think anything is possible for my life, anything is possible in New York. But like so many of the great things in life, you have to work hard for it. But when you get it - it is great, and worth the struggles along the way. Sure, living here is hard, but that makes it that much sweeter (note: I'm not claiming New York smells sweet...)
Okay, so I see two ways that one can "work hard for" NYC. And I think that may be part of the problem, especially for non-native NYers.
So many Midwestern people work hard to get to NYC at all. To arrive, after that work, and find that it's just as much work to sustain life in the City -- that can generate resentment.
And you shouldn't underestimate how much of the work of getting to NYC is being different from your peers in the Midwest. Wanting to live in NYC is like a goofy cape that teenagers wear to set themselves apart. But that setting-apart is hard, even when it's within a familiar, very American script.
Posted by: Will B | 10 February 2007 at 01:33 PM
very interesting, but I don't agree with you
Idetrorce
Posted by: Idetrorce | 15 December 2007 at 10:32 AM