Here is New York is dated in its references to business and sights that are no longer in existence and in its mentions of prices around the city. In everything else, however, the book remains relevant. White’s profiles of the “three New Yorks” are all still significant, as is the ever-changing/changeless nature of the city, and the conflicting feelings of loneliness and belonging within a community that New York evokes. His statement that native New Yorkers don’t seem to appreciate the city in the same way as non-natives do also still holds true.
The author says that New York City is a city that is the product of the coming together of people from all walks of life and that every person brings a different thing to it. White also says that every thing in the city is critical–that even if one of these things were not present, the city would be completely changed. Although this book was written over 60 years ago, New York is still thought of in this way.
If I were writing this book in 2014, I would only update it by including current changes and additions to the city, such as the dramatic financial changes that have taken place in Greenwich Village since 1949 and the overwhelming amount of chain business that have taken over the city.
Hi Stephanie,
I thought your post was very interesting. I think White’s statement about native New Yorkers not appreciating the city in the same way non-natives do could certainly vary in different situations. I think native New Yorkers appreciate different things than do non-natives. Native New Yorkers might not appreciate the typical attractions that intrigue non-natives but they might have a strong appreciation for traditional, local New York sites. It is a very interesting topic to explore.
I agree with your discussion of the influx of chain stores as I have seen many local shops being replaced by larger chains. I agree that this would need to be included in the updated version as it is beginning to redefine many neighborhoods of the city.
What are the direct consequences of chain businesses invading NYC? Good and bad?
I think chain businesses can go both ways. While they may offer residents of a particular neighborhood more variety and better prices, they stifle small local businesses, and therefore change the entire dynamic of that neighborhood.
I think White could have never imagined local businesses being replaced with chain ones. Though it is good that you can buy relatively cheap items/foods at chain businesses, there are downsides: many people work for the minimum wages and people including children in developing countries work at factories mostly overseas to meet the consumer demands of chains, sometimes being abused of their human rights.