|
|
Article: Nice, but Not Normal; How should New Yorkers deal with their surplus of civility?
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- October 12, 2001
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
|
New Yorkers reportedly are being nice to each other these days,
and some are finding it strange. On a radio call-in show the other
day, a caller described the amazing scene he had witnessed on a
crowded subway car. It seems that a woman was sobbing and not just
one but two different people approached her to ask whether she was
okay. Non-New Yorkers might find the amazement more amazing than the
incident itself. And, of course, New York has witnessed many, many
acts of genuine heroism and enormous compassion on and since Sept.
11. But New York has never lacked for grand gestures. It is the
petty, everyday kindness of strangers that surprises people.
Although New Yorkers seem to be enjoying ...