Curious onlookers spotted, gathered, cheered on, and then ignored pseudo-Michael Jackson at the 34th Street Herald Square station as he returned from the dead to perform his Valentine’s Day classic, “Billie Jean.” Although my goal was to make it home early, I stayed for the entire song. When my fellow onlookers thought I could not see the “King of Pop” well enough (short people problems), they nudged me towards the front of the crowd.
Pseudo- Michael Jackson at 34th Street Dances to Billie Jean
Street performers, or in this case subway performers, are a significant part of NYC culture. Like everyone else, they gather at places of high density and even subtly contribute to NYC being an information hub, as Glaeser suggests. These performers transmit and showcase innovative ideas, ranging from new music genres or fresh dance moves to improving upon old ones. Even Mr. Jackson added a fancy clap before his moonwalk.
Nevertheless, subway performers also unify us. In a city where everyone constantly hurries, or avoids eye contact with each other, witnessing a street performer connects us in a more spiritual way. It is the moment when nothing else matters, not even dirty subways- just the level of talent that performer exhibits. Whether you laugh about it, roll your eyes, or try your best to ignore it, you bet someone has the same reaction as you do. We need more creativity, art, and music that brings us together, no matter socioeconomic class or race.
