Reminiscent of revolutionary cafes in the Old World, the forums of Greenwich Village in the early twentieth century seemed an incredible break with the prudish Victorian Era. The open discourse and daring lifestyles of early 1900s figures shock me when I consider how they are still viewed as socially unacceptable. What disappointed me, however, is the relative ease with which the bohemian era petered out and its main players faded into obscurity. However, the effects of bohemian ideology, from free love to free speech, remain in society today.

When we consider the forces that wound down the bohemian era of Greenwich Village, it is apparent that there is a negative reflection cast on our society. I found it disheartening that political dissent could be suppressed to such an extent as to deport citizens and turn newsletters out of business. Even worse, however, was the fact that commercialization and popularization of the bohemian scene degraded its original goals of an avant-garde to a mere scene of “culture” that now puts a high price on access to its venues. This seems to mirror American culture overall. The founders of the US began with ideals, as did Emma Goldman and the other bohemians, and both tried revolutionary new forms to put them into practice. But in the end, the freedoms prized by both sets were taken away by money and the priorities of a few privileged, monied people. Greenwich Village is now a place of expensive food and clothing, a disappointing shell of the real life it formerly housed.

One thing that remains the same since the early 1900s, however, is the presence as NYC as the mecca of artists and creatives. It is heartening to see how this city draws the best and brightest globally. But, unfortunately, it seems that the opportunities offered previously have largely closed off — where immigrants could rise to social leaders is now where well-backed people land opportunity through value of connection and money.