Although written in 1948, E.B. White’s “Here is New York” paints a modern picture of New York City. Aside from the references to things that no longer exist, including the book elevator in the New York Public Library, haberdasheries, and the Queen Anne, White captured how ahead of its time the city was, even during the time at which he wrote this particular piece.
There are parallels to the New York City of the past and of the present in White’s prose. He captures the essence of modern New York in 1948 by describing the fast-paced living, the various blend of cultural groups, as well as the wide array of opportunities available to residents and visitors alike. White also speaks of a particular incident during lunch when he was “eighteen inches” from Fred Stone although White never took the opportunity to speak to him. White uses this story as a metaphor for both the closeness and the isolation that New Yorkers feel on a daily basis. In 1948, New York was comprised of about 8 million people. Despite the millions of people contained in one city, people in the city do not take the time to interact with each other, much like it is today on the streets or in the subway. This is and was the nature of New York, as people are presented with various opportunities that they can chose to be part of or not. This is what White meant when he said that people can “choose their spectacle.” Everything in New York is optional unless someone voluntarily chooses to participate in it. The “city of opportunity” is available to anyone who wants to take advantage of it.
If this book were written in the present-day, there would not have to be many changes to White’s prose other than minor details. Speakeasies would become the trendy bar in the East Village and the “Consolidated Edison Company” would be shortened simply to “Con Ed.” However, the picture that White paints of New York City still rings true today in both attitude and spirit.
To say that “everything in New York is optional” justifies what White argued as part of the gift of privacy.
But the gift has changed. The idea of participation has changed over time through social media and other advances in media. Now, people can enjoy their privacy and still participate, from their cell phone or computer, in an event happening on the other side of town or around the corner. People can view pictures being uploaded at an event as it’s happening.
One person, on a social network, may follow others who are posting from an event that that one person doesn’t want to participate in during the privacy of his or her own social network viewing. Conflict arises when people post their opinions and others don’t want to see it on their newsfeed or dashboard.
This is one way that Here Is New York would be updated. Privacy is constant, but participation may not always be voluntary anymore.
Hi Jenna,
I enjoyed reading your post and agreed with many of your points. The lack of abbreviation when referring to Con Ed. also caught my attention. I also agree that individuals have great freedom in choosing which spectacles to participate in, allowing people to form their own, individualized city experiences. When discussing “the ‘city of opportunity’ [that] is available to anyone who wants to take advantage of it,” I think we should incorporate White’s idea that “luck” plays a large part of the city experience. Although the opportunity might exist, its availability to some might have to do with the “luck” White discusses.
I think you made a strong point concluding the article with the attitude and spirit of 1948 that remain alive in the city today.
Why do you think the pace of life is so fast in NYC? What’s the rush?
I think that because the neighborhoods in New York City are so self sufficient and equipped with the conveniences that people desire, they become a sort of cul-de-sac where the people who live become so comfortable. They don’t feel the need to venture out into other neighborhoods and interact with people if it’s not necessary. Because of this, life is so fast paced in the city; people wake up, go to work and school, and go home oftentimes.
Also, the nature of transportation in the city and the sheer volume of people in NYC that makes life fast paced as well. There’s the crowded train or bus that people have to catch after maneuvering around the millions of tourists and individuals who are walking at an almost glacial pace. After a long day at the office, people are in a rush to just get home and escape to their familiar surroundings.