Lady New York
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to the free”
-Emma Lazarus, The New Colossus, 1883
When thinking of New York, one cannot help but have certain images come to mind. For example, the Empire State Building, Broadway, Times square, and maybe even Taxis just to name a few. But none of these images better represent New York than the Statue of Liberty. She connects over half the population of all of America to the infamous city that never sleeps. When immigrants from all over the world began arriving to America seeking a better way of life, The Statue of Liberty and New York were both right there to greet the weary travelers. And eventually many tourists, as well as New Yorkers, pay Lady Liberty a visit because of the profound connection they feel towards her.
She stands 46 meters tall, with broken shackles at her feet, serving as a colossal reminder to all who see her that this is the land of the free. This majestic woman has seen the tired ancestors of millions of Americans, and since 1886 she has been one of the first glimpses of America for immigrants from all over the world as they entered the New York harbor, seeking a new way of life. The Statue of Liberty has looked down upon the fallen and destitute offering a simple promise. She has stood watching over the dark harbor never lowering her emblematic torch. As a result she has been embedded into the minds of millions as a symbol of freedom, acceptance, hope, and new beginnings linking millions of Americans to New York with her powerful message.
New York has long been one of the most popular destinations for people trying to reach their dreams, whether it is becoming a business executive, model, or doctor. A popular saying commonly linked with New York is, “Anything can happen”, and the Statue of Liberty is one of the many things that contributes to New York’s “All is possible” atmosphere, because it too represents change and following your dreams. All of the people who arrived in America came with one main purpose: to change their lives for the better. They all had dreams which they hoped they would be able to achieve. Similar to the big apple with its ever-changing fashions, buildings, and streets, the statue represents all the changes these travelers hoped for as they embarked on a journey to improve their unfulfilling lives. Like the immigrants who came to America years ago, people are drawn to New York as their ancestors were drawn to America, because of its promise.
Another one of New York’s most alluring features has been its ambiance of diversity. New York City is irrefutably, one of the most multifarious places in the United States, and rightfully so, especially with a population totaling well over 8 million people. The Statue of Liberty is quintessential New York because, parallel to the big apple, the Statue of Liberty has no exclusions, all people are welcome. If New York had a synonym it would be the magnificent statue herself. Like New York she welcomes all, whether they are poor, rich, week, strong, timid, or bold. Besides being one of the most nationally recognizable symbols, she also is partially responsible for the giant melting pot that is New York City. In fact, in 1984 it was recognized as a world heritage site.
Although the Statue of Liberty and New York may mean different things for different people, one of its most prominent and strongest features is its symbol of freedom, which was expressed through the broken shackles around the statue’s feet. It is almost impossible for people to describe the Statue of Liberty without the word freedom coming up, and for many, New York is a place where you are free to be yourself. Both the statue and New York embody freedom. There is even a tablet in the statue’s right hand with July IV MDCCLXXVI inscribed on it, which says July 4th, 1776, the year of American independence. When looking at the Statue of Liberty thoughts of liberty and democracy arise. Lady Liberty serves as an incessant reminder, for all who look upon her, that they are free to pursue their hearts desire.
The Statue of Liberty invites you into the land she silently stands watch over, the world she is guardian for, but says nothing. Instead she leaves liberty and freedom in the hands of those who seek it, and acceptance and understanding for those who crave it. So silent and stoic, the Statue of Liberty is there, day and night, keeping constant vigil over the millions of dreamers who grasp the heartstrings of hope. She stands as an unwavering reminder of endless opportunity and limitless dreams to wake to. Lady Liberty has seen all those who have contributed to the delectable melting pot of New York, a tasteful blend of hundreds of unique cultures each standing out in its own way on the stretches of New York streets.