The Colossus of New York
Throughout the book, Colson presents the idea that there are as many New York Cities as there are people living in New York City. The image of New York in any one person’s mind is different from that within the next person. All of these versions are real, true versions. It’s ones responsibility to live in a New York that he or she will enjoy.
Whitehead says something along the lines of ” when it’s raining you’re supposed to get wet”. This doesn’t mean that you’ve got to be completely submissive and allow the city to impose itself upon you, it only suggests that we not look negatively at anything that wasn’t part of the plan.
A friend of mine wants to move out of NY, he’s a college sophomore. His reasons for leaving are the same as my reasons for staying. He doesn’t like the minorities, doesn’t like the train, wants a backyard, etc. He’s focused on every unfriendly aspect that defines the city. Similar to what Edward Norton’s Character does in The 25th Hour. There are still some up-standing, bat-wielding Italians living in Bensonhurst. It’s just easier to see their flaws than anything else. What is wrong with a place will often be seen before and with more distinction than what is right with it.
