I come by my alarmism honestly. I have learned this custom over the years as I have settled into being a true New Yorker. This is how we welcome foreigners to our shores. Because we are so often frightened by living here, we are annoyed and offended when visitors fail to show the proper signs of terror. So we try to scare the living daylights out of them.
In his essay, David Rakoff reflects on the unique demeanor of New Yorkers, particularly in how they engage with outsiders. He explains that his alarmist tendencies are a product of his environment, shaped by the anxieties and challenges of city life. New Yorkers, often overwhelmed by their surroundings, feel a need to project their fears onto newcomers.
This behavior serves as a way to prepare visitors for the harsh realities of urban existence. Rather than welcoming them with warmth, there's a tendency to instill a sense of dread, highlighting the city's intimidating nature. Rakoff captures this paradoxical approach to hospitality, where the goal is to ensure that newcomers fully grasp the city's intimidating character.
