A huge theme park this is, with a theme bears nothing more obvious than the city name itself, simply New York. You can see the loud slogan of "I Love New York" or " I Heart NY" printed on souvenir tees, mugs, pens, snow globes and everything you can think of, to get into the tourism money. The New Yorkers are proud people, proud of where they happen to be, the most happening city in the world, arguably.
This city displays more diversity than anywhere else in the world, as a short walk in the streets and you'll be readily bombarded by numerous languages spoken, skin colours and attires worn. The city itself which made up of tall concrete architectures, some most recognisable sky-crappers, parks, fashion, brands, street advertisements and billboards and the unmistakable Time Square, you’ll be simply amazed by the feeling of how lucky you are to be here. You just begin to partake in the slice of the New Yorker’s life, if not culture. To experience the heighten consumer market is to be here in New York, where merchandises are ever so tempting, sustained by the ever so eye-catching displays and surrounded by an atmosphere of euphoric consumer power.
One of my memorable encounters was not so pleasant one though. I actually felt being treated differently by the look, body language and some sinister remarks made by the people who were actually earning my dollars. From queuing up for food in a pizzeria to having a hearty breakfast in a typical New York hotel, I felt that my presence was not appreciated sometimes. Was I being too pampered from where I came from? Was it because of my skin colour that bears some culture stereotype traits? Was it because they are so readily to believe that I would not tip them sufficiently?
I begin to ponder, in the city that lives and breaths diversity, may be just a façade advertised to obtain a belief of what is the society encompassing exteriorly. The more important realisation may be how enlightened the people are in dealing and addressing diversity, in my opinion. Is by just displaying societal make-up qualifies the title, "City of Diversity" or does it want to be, real respect and deep understanding engraved in the consciousness of its people towards diversity? Hmm… this has changed a little of my impression of New York. Perhaps, I should be more open minded in accepting this, by behaving more like a New Yorker than being “different”. At the end of the day, whatever the oxymoron New York offers, I will still place New York as a place like nowhere else I would want to be. This, I salute the power of New York branding.
