I was on the NYC subway the other day heading to a meeting in a big corporate law office at Times Square. As I left the Metrocard machine, I noticed a backpack wearing individual practically on the subway floor as he knelt down to interpret the subway route map of Manhattan. The short-haired individual was not wearing sandals, but regular shoes. Probably due to the colder weather, and the distance that he traveled. He appeared to be heading to some type of a cause, some type of a protest, he was traveling lightly. I walked over to him and said “Where are you heading? Can I help you?”. He came to his feet, and replied that he is looking to get to Zuccotti Park; the site of the Occupy Wall Street protests. I said “Where are you from?”, as I noticed an official Press pass around the front of his neck, in a leather casing. He said that I am coming from the Occupy protests in Phoenix, and then Detroit; Phoenix is where he is from. He said that the Occupy NYC protests are where the action is now. I noticed the sincerity and enthusiasm in this young man’s self, as he travels across the country to support his cause.
He and I referred to the Subway wall map together, and he said that I think its south of here; we were on 34th street. I pointed to the map and explained to him the concept of Uptown and Downtown, to supplement his knowledge of North and South. It appeared to be the first time that he heard the concept that New Yorkers refer to everyday. I pointed to the map and explained to him the route that he will need to take to get to where he is going. As I shook his hand, I said “Be careful with the NYC police, show them respect”, he eagerly replied, “They are with us, the cops are with us”. I said “Good luck, and be safe”. We parted ways to our very different destinations, destinations that are worlds apart. Worlds apart, but yet in the same city. The nomadic traveler from Phoenix wants the same as I do; the same as you do, the same as the lawyers in the conference room overlooking Times Square do. We want fairness.
The following day, I was grabbing a slice of pizza at a local restaurant. As I waited in the booth for my food to cook, I noticed that CNN was on. CNN was broadcasting live from Zuccotti Park, broadcasting violence between the NYC police and the Occupy NYC protesters. The banner under the picture read “300 arrested in violent clashes at Occupy NYC protests”. I then thought of my fellow American who I met yesterday from Phoenix, who arrived in NYC yesterday to join the movement. I could not help but feel concern for his safety and well-being. We are all in this world together.
Tommy Fitch
December 10, 2011
©Copyright, 2011 All Rights Reserved