E.B. White stated that New York is composed of three groups of people who make New York what it truly is. There are the native New Yorkers, immigrant New Yorkers, and commuter New Yorkers. According to White, commuters are the “queerest” and I agree with his reasoning. As a commuter from Queens myself, I can certainly relate to the point that I “discover[ed] nothing much about the city except the time of arrival and departure of trains and buses, and the path to a quick lunch” (White 27). As a city characterized by so much energy, New York is home to many people who are always rushing and working. We do not slow down and appreciate the activities we can do without scurrying around like subway rats. Sometimes, it is best for us to be unhurried and venture to explore other regions of New York.
I have never thought about this, but I find it so true when White states how well New Yorkers deal with overcrowding issues. It happens on subways, where people are packed like sardines without getting claustrophobic. It also happens on highways and bridges, where cars are clogged. Yet, we find ways to deal with these problems and proceed on with our daily lives. In return, White says that we are given a “supplementary vitamin – the sense of belonging to something unique, cosmopolitan, mighty and unparalleled” (33).
One thing I did not know was that some people prefer to live in villages and small towns compared to the city. I always thought that the majority of people would rather live in the city. However, these individuals think New York is just hustle and bustle, where life did not include close knit communities and neighborhoods. White pointed out that these individuals have the wrong concept, and I agree. New York is actually composed of “tens of thousands of tiny neighborhood units” (34). In fact, most of these neighborhoods are self-sufficient, an area where particular ethnicities cluster. There is a sense of community in certain residential areas such as Flushing, Queens and Jackson Heights, Elmhurst. These places act like cities within the actual city.
White also discussed how despite their busy lives, New Yorkers live with the fear of annihilation. Because of the population density and attractiveness, New York is a made target. Although this work was written way before, E.B. White paints 9/11 in my mind. “A single flight of planes no bigger than a wedge of geese can quickly end this island fantasy, burn the towers, crumble the bridges…” (54). I believe that New Yorkers today certainly have that fear in the back of their minds.
He also mentioned the willow tree, which he described as a symbol of life in New York. I would like to know how he came upon this willow tree and if it has any personal significance to him. I would also like to know if that same willow tree is still alive and present.
