This piece is poignant, sensitive and ends optimistically.“Life swings like a pendulum backward and forward between pain and boredom“.”( A. Schopenhauer) And it can be a constant struggle against ignorance and/or indolence.
It was never like this before. In the 70s, 80s, and 90s people were cool, there was peace, there were mixed communities, always moments, hours of joy. Insidious racism , extreme bias, hatred of the other —these things were repugnant or just not cool. Never heard it said by leaders or on a basketball court. Now its mainstream culture poisoned more by corrupt politicians. No leaders. Just killing time.
New York is another country. America today is an empire of illusions.I don't live there anymore and I won't grow up my kids there. Too toxic, too many problems, and yeah, too much suffering. Not enough joy. Have to wait till this is over.
But America was always center right. That’s not going to change. Either you accept the system or take your marbles and go play in another yard. People are too angry. Unfettered capitalism. Hyper-consumerism. Economics over politics. Like Bourdain said travel wide and far while you can before the pain becomes intolerable.
