Crime is down, Times Square is all a glitter and clean, people are nicer to strangers, tourists are everywhere, the Yankees and Mets have new stadiums. But where are the cabbies who give the middle finger as a sign of greeting? The charismatic politicians, the investment guys who made it without having the local politicians, and federal politicians and regulators in their pockets? The New Yorkers whom you dislike and Yankee fans whom you really hate. Where's the BRING IT ON....New York attitude?
The handwringing, fear of losing, no confidence in winning reaction to the decision by AG Eric Holder to try five suspects, charged in planning the 9/11 attack, in Federal court in New York, highlights the depths of the eroded image of the tough New Yorker. How could a trial for a crime perpetrated against the people of NY be seen by some as an event which the people cannot handle? The obvious answer is that since so many New Yorkers lost multiple individuals (friends, co-workers, family) in the attack on the World Trade Center, they are still suffering from emotional scares. Although this is true, the individuals who died that day, will be missed for years to come. As someone who lost a friend I attended college with in the attack on the WTC, I know when the youngest of his four surviving children, who was 8 years old at the time, gets married, I'll be thinking of Japhet and how unfortunate it is Anteh didn't have a chance to know his father. So even though survivors are still living/coping with the scares in the wake of this act of terrorism, should we ignore or sweep under the rug anything related to 9/11? Should NYC and NYers be treated as the new baby and non-NYers the protective parents who shushes the normal din of conversation because the baby is sleeping? How will the baby learn to sleep with normal household noises if they are trained to do so only when it's absolutely quiet? I think eight years later we've been treating NYers like a new baby and individuals who just recently lost a loved one. Anyone who has survived the passing of a loved one knows that their absence will be missed for years, especially around major events such as graduations, weddings or some other major accomplishment.
Although a major factor, I don't believe this erosion in the New York attitude (larger than life, bigger and badder than anyone) began with the 9/11 attack. More revivals than original productions on Broadway, the center of the music industry now shared with other cities such as LA, Atlanta, and having gained and now sharing the center of influence for the fashion industry, have all played a part. I think a more recent contributing factor is the role of the financial industry. Greed is now out in the open, you don't have to be clever because if you have the right job, a poor performance by executives in the financial services industry is rewarded the same as a good one. NYC residents not well off, don’t believe they have a chance to "make it here", the cards are stacked against them. The "quick buck" is harder to make because you have none to spare. It feels harder to break through. These and probably countless others factors (local newspapers in trouble) have contributed to the erosion of the New York attitude. Sure, Bloomberg has helped put a new patina on Manhattan and Brooklyn is now an attractive place to live (at least to former Manhattanites). But Bloomberg should take the opportunity he bought, to bring back something of the NY swagger, shoulders back, take it or leave it, love him or hate him don’t I look good doing it bravado to the citizens of the city. Call out the corporate greed (even admit his own) and provide tangible opportunities for the residents who are treading water.
I want the annoying New York attitude back! The don’t f**k with me attitude, the if you can’t deal get the f**k out my way attitude, the are you talking to me from Taxi Driver attitude, the Louie from Taxi attitude, the you betta deal with these sick son of bitches on Wall street since you don’t want me to take care of them attitude, the I can beat you with one hand tied behind by back not having to use evidence tainted from torture and I’ll still win attitude. The BRING IT.... about this trial of GITMO detainees we can handle it attitude.
Too nasty for you?
OK, here’s a more poetic version of my feelings about New York. An excerpt from Maya Angelou’s poem, Still I Rise.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.
I want to hate, envy and admire New Yorkers again dammit!!!