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Only people in NYC think this. NYC is still the capital of North America but even that could change.
Actually, I am not in NYC, and have never lived there :-)... I grew up in Europe, and always wanted to live in NYC, but never could (I have only visited, many times). I do hope to be able to retire to NYC in a few years.
Let’s say, just for the sake of argument, that New York is “the capital of the world. Will it remain as such for very long? I doubt it. If some city, arguably London were to be annointed the capital of the world, it will be on the huge Eurasian land mass, the Old World that again has bcome the global focal point. New York’s fortunes paralled those of its nation, seen most spectularly in the early and middle portions of the 20th century when put city and country reached their global apex. Now how is the US trendng.....although it seems a bit ridiculous to even have to ask. NYC is the big fish in the American pond, the undisputed greatest city n the land. But the pool that matters these days is the global one and in it, it has enough competition. I mentioned London, the city that generally is seen to be the global alpha juggernauts, two cities that share “the greatest” title. But London has the advantage: location. And if it is not London who could capture the unitary titlt, it will undoubtedly be a city in fthe Far East.
No, I honestly believe that NYC will retain the unitary title, and I believe this because a lot of people are moving to NYC from the Far East (or at least buying NYC properties and businesses from their headquarters in the Far East). People from the Far East value tradition, continuity and high quality - possibly even more so when these things are Western rather than their own.
We live right on the edge of Times Square where my first memories of the city involved lots of trash, daylight muggings, and every other storefront was a boob bar. The garbage is still here but I don't feel unsafe walking alone even at 5AM while collecting my car for the reverse commute. The boob bars and porn shops have been replaced by restaurants and non-boob bars.
I sympathize with some aspects of the article. New York is not as visually interesting as it was in the past and there is more of a money element than ever before.
But I also understand that change is inevitable and the same thing is happening to most prominent cities, both here and abroad. And as some of you have pointed out, not all of the change is bad.
I would guess most people believe New York began and ended with them i.e. they define by the time when they were there. Of course, this is not rational. But emotions are often anything but rational. I lived in New York for most of the 1980s and all of the 1990s. A glorious time. The era of fiscal bust and Son of Sam was over and the Renaissance had begun. But it had not yet affected the uniqueness of the place.
So it goes. New York will always be great, one way or the other.
NYC is just too neutered today, it has nothing to do with crime. There was a time when NYC was low in crime but still had its distinct flavor. Today, you go to any urban city you find the same picture. Starbucks, Chipotles, Uber, Apple Store, and not much different. Newark is trying to emulate NYC and it won't be long these upcoming cities all look alike. Pretty much the same businesses catering to the same demographics that dwell in cities across America. The one thing in common is high rents and property values those are the reasons why cities across America all start to look alike and cater to the same base that can afford these places. Of course these cities must become sanctuary cities in order to draw cheap labor. If not, it becomes like Greenwich CT where they can't find a goddam person to work the counters.
NYC is just too neutered today, it has nothing to do with crime. There was a time when NYC was low in crime but still had its distinct flavor. Today, you go to any urban city you find the same picture. Starbucks, Chipotles, Uber, Apple Store, and not much different. Newark is trying to emulate NYC and it won't be long these upcoming cities all look alike. Pretty much the same businesses catering to the same demographics that dwell in cities across America. The one thing in common is high rents and property values those are the reasons why cities across America all start to look alike and cater to the same base that can afford these places. Of course these cities must become sanctuary cities in order to draw cheap labor. If not, it becomes like Greenwich CT where they can't find a goddam person to work the counters.
It sounds like you're just describing Midtown Manhattan. Throughout the city you find all sorts of small businesses. Like could you really be in Elmhurst and think that it looks like Anytown, USA?
NYC is just too neutered today, it has nothing to do with crime. There was a time when NYC was low in crime but still had its distinct flavor. Today, you go to any urban city you find the same picture. Starbucks, Chipotles, Uber, Apple Store, and not much different. Newark is trying to emulate NYC and it won't be long these upcoming cities all look alike. Pretty much the same businesses catering to the same demographics that dwell in cities across America. The one thing in common is high rents and property values those are the reasons why cities across America all start to look alike and cater to the same base that can afford these places. Of course these cities must become sanctuary cities in order to draw cheap labor. If not, it becomes like Greenwich CT where they can't find a goddam person to work the counters.
Exactly. NYC is becoming homogenized. And sanitized. It's a corporate consensus idea of a city. It may still be a financial center, but if it's still one of the world's greatest cities, it probably won't be for much longer.
Exactly. NYC is becoming homogenized. And sanitized. It's a corporate consensus idea of a city. It may still be a financial center, but if it's still one of the world's greatest cities, it probably won't be for much longer.
Not true. Maybe Midtown Manhattan, but the city is much more than that. Nothing "homogenous" about any of the areas I hang out in.
The most "homogenous" areas to me are certain hoods where things like fast food and auto body shops are overrepresented.
Quote:
Originally Posted by McVinney
But you have to respect a man who rails against Dunkin Donuts, nail salons, and 250 million apartments in the same essay.
Don't you?
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