As a resident of New York, I have witnessed the recent effects of neoliberalism. The pandemic has exposed just how present neoliberalism in our society. For instance, the covid-19 tests. At first, all tests were free of charge; regardless of which type of test you requested. This was encouraging New Yorkers to get tested and stay safe. More recently, however, I noticed how many tests now come with a price. In order to get tested to travel, for example, you usually have to get tested within a certain time frame, such as 48 hours before your flight. In order to get the results within that time frame, many testing sites charge you an amount of money. This shows how something that was once open to the public for free, has been privatized to those who could afford it. Since I’ve lived here, I’ve seen New York change in many ways. Certain parks have become closed to the public, and only those who have status or money can have access to those parks. People with money buy land like this just to limit access, so that people with power are surrounded by other people with power. I believe New York is a great example of how power wants more power.
Another public service that has been limited is Medicaid in New York. Recently, certain laws were added that make it more difficult for New Yorkers to get Medicaid benefits for long-term care. Medicaid was made to help out New Yorkers and make healthcare more affordable for them, but these laws do the opposite.
In Dickinson’s article, she argues that the government in New York had privatized public spaces not only to limit graffiti, but also to make a profit. This is exactly what goes on today, as an attempt to make certain areas in New York appeal to the upper class. The people doing this wanted to make sure the people in business had everything they wanted – which is what happened with the example of the park I previously stated. Overall, I feel like neoliberalism in New York City is growing day by day.
