First, a classic scene of Upper East Side arrogance:
Seen by Joshua F. Madison on a mailbox in the East 60's on a cold, snowy morning:
"Dear Mr. Postman, I accidentally dropped a videotape in this mailbox that was supposed to go back to the video store. When you empty it, can you please drop the video off at Champaign Video down the block? Thanks."
But then, in a surprise move, a tale of gallantry, along traditional gender lines, in Chelsea:
Dear Diary:
As I was waiting to cross 17th Street at Seventh Avenue, I spotted a well-dressed woman in heels across the street. A recent snowfall had left huge banks and giant puddles, and she was negotiating how to proceed without getting her feet wet. All of a sudden, as if out of nowhere, a burly construction worker scooped her up and carried her to dry ground. As she moved through the air, her feet dangling, she let out a gleeful "Wheeee." When he had set her safely down, she thanked him with a giggle, and they went their separate ways.
Margaret Siegel
Typically, a well-dressed woman walking around Chelsea--hell, a naked woman walking around Chelsea--wouldn't register on any man's radar.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Metropolitan Diary, less predictable than usual
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1 comment:
1) What arrogance? New Yorkers, including postal delivery agents, often do nice things for strangers. The note was obviously written by a New Yorker, who like many New Yorkers, is dependent on the kindness of strangers.
2) Once again you are objecting to a story about one New Yorker helping out another New Yorker. Was your New York City experience so unkind? I've had people help me get over snow banks, and I have helped others. Something much like the encounter in the article happened to my grandmother. In her early 80s she wasn't quite as giddy, but she was glad to have some help.
3) The reason you think that New York City men don't notice what New York City women are or aren't wearing is that they try not to be too obvious. My girl friend often points out the best, but as a woman she can get away with pointing. I just smile and cooperate.
(Actually there was a funny blog entry on this in which the male blogger often waited at a particular corner for a glimpse of a good looking female jogger on her regular route. He made a point of using a store window to catch her reflection, and to only look directly after she had passed. One day he was caught a bit off guard. She looked back and teased him, "Caught you!")
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