New York, New York

In all of man’s years of constructing and destructing, never a city emerged like New York
in terms of peculiarity. I am not sure what to make of it. A profoundly idiosyncratic city with a
sharp twist of complexion in which it lures one into an intangible reality with unfeasible
possibilities and promises. Visiting as an outsider, I saw how misfortune in the city masqueraded
as an opportunity. New York’s miserable extravagant appearance, falsely charismatic white-collar figures, and gruesome abandoned alleys, only made it explicit to a foreigner how hideous and compulsive the city is. Yet, I loved it.

‘The Big Apple’ has a formidable tendency of building or demolishing one’s character. It either empowers or enslaves you. You might enter wealthy in respects of money, knowledge, character…etc, and feel substantial, but the huge likelihood of impoverishing you is still existent. As I was walking through the narrow streets of New York, I was fascinated by the low inclination of the people with regards to self-indulgence. I thought it might be independence, but apparently, it was loneliness consuming each and every one of them slowly. I'm not attempting to write about something I don’t understand, but instead, I am simply describing what I saw. Imitating a New Yorker's lifestyle spectacled to a newcomer the enclosing skyscrapers of Times Square, the gradually surfacing cesspit smoke, and the turbulent noise of vehicles. The potent smell of tobacco cigars, the loud cries and laughter, the discourteous conduct of the preoccupied, all force your head to spin a thousand times before acknowledging your being and whereabouts. New York’s reputation and the meaning behind the nickname ‘The City That Never Sleeps’ unfold in the city’s daily intense encounters and rush hour. It is as if the city is insomniac and immune to drowsiness. In deliberating this notion, I found my self pondering why is this hectic and manipulative city loved by many? Or what compelled Jon Hendricks to call NYC ‘The City So Nice, They Named It Twice’?

As I dive deeper into the psychology and anatomy of New York, I realize the reason behind its popularity and prominence. The city was originally built to entice trailblazers and newcomers into pioneering it to become the first capital of the United States. Immigrants were first admitted into the US through Staten Island then eventually to New York. After hundreds of years, NYC has been the center of America and the destination of many tourists. The activity of immigrants coming into the States promoted cultural diffusion and the appearance of places like Little Italy and Chinatown. These two recognizable areas exemplify the city’s ability to disguise as many different regions across the globe.

The myths and the stories that were told in the corners of Wall Street, Trinity Church, Broadway, and many more are nothing but spoken beliefs. Conflicting as it is, the ostentatious New York is an ideal place to admire humankind. It tends to ignite a fire in the lonely soul and an earnest desire to follow the uncertain. New York City is your guide to experience cynicism, idiosyncrasy, hypocrisy, and might even get the chance to have a good laugh with fate. But in the end, I’m only sixteen years old, so what the hell do I know? ◆

Basma is a lil kid with a big dream. For inquiries, contact her via Twitter, @BSulaim or via email, basmaalsulaim@hotmail.com