With rare exception, again I make the yearly pilgrimage to pay homage to Manhattan, the cosmopolitan capital of the world, and showcase highlight of modern civilization at its ostensible zenith: The massive edifices stand imposingly glistening in the sun, the masses in fine couture and accessories roam the streets; where, by day, multi-billion dollar commerce is transacted in split-second, and by night, myriad lights ignite the skyline in suffused halos. Having just returned from the Third World, this unapologetic show of wealth is in grand contrast to, say, the El Alto district in La Paz, Bolivia. Yet most of the middle and upper class in First World societies as represented by 5th Ave. of New York are largely oblivious to the suffering of the vast majority of the earth. For all the charitable hearts amongst the people here, sadly there are also many who feel a sense of superiority and entitlement over their fellow citizens of this earth merely due to disparity in material advantage. Surely, this is against the natural order of things, and I suspect, as history has proven time and again, the poor shall revolt one day. Somewhere in the distance, ever assuredly, the tocsin tolls of impending decline, presaging an ineluctable end to this conspicuous consumption to excess. Seemingly, the foundations of the entire institutionalized system seems to be trembling at the foundation.
However, cynicism aside, this is a beautiful city with infinite charms. To a mind at ease there seems New York should just be enjoyed for what it is: a lot of things going on, but nothing is happening. All the beautiful and the ugly of humanity can be found in one small little place, a mere dot on the map bulging with massive foot traffic.
