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Lisa Laplante
The New York City Subway
Lisa Laplante emerges from the subway.
Photo: Dean Keesey |
Life in New York City's subway is my vision of America.
Even after years of living in Manhattan, the mix of people in the city's
underground gives me awe. Sitting on the "1", "A" or maybe even the "L"
train, I like to look around.
I note all the people, sitting elbow to elbow regardless of race, religion,
nationality, gender, age and class... and really any other distinction you can
think of. A formally dressed Hasidic Jew alongside a young black student
reading a school textbook next to an aged white woman with her dog next to
an Asian man in a business suit next to teenage Latina girls chatting... I
could go on and on because the possible combinations of people are endless.
I mean, the scene changes every minute in every train car.
Crammed together, often the only thing we have in common is that we are in a
hurry to get somewhere. Despite our differences, for the most part we live
together peacefully.
Lots of days I am discouraged when hearing about violent conflicts that
arise out of these same differences not just in far off countries, but also
in the U.S. Riding the New York subway gives me back my hope.
I appreciate -- am even deeply grateful -- when the subway reminds me that
differences do not always divide. I think here in the City we choose to let
differences distinguish, not define us.
For me, the New York subway is the vision of America dreamed of by those in
history who have taken a stand for a peaceful, integrated and free America.
Not just the famous freedom fighters like Susan B. Anthony, Martin Luther
King and other civil rights leaders of the past, but also just the ordinary
New Yorkers who accept their neighbors just as they are and wouldn't have it
any other way.
Lisa Laplante
New York City
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