NYC in the 70s: A Concrete Jungle Where Dreams Went to Die (Or at Least Take a Nap)
Let's talk about a time when New York City was less "concrete jungle where dreams are made of" and more "concrete jungle where nightmares were birthed". I'm talking about the glorious 70s, baby! A decade so gritty, it could give sandpaper a complex.
How Bad Was Nyc In The 70s |
A City That Wasn't So Fine
Now, I know what you're thinking. "But [Your Name], New York is amazing now! How bad could it have been?" Well, buckle up, buttercup, because it was bad. Like, "walking down the street with a sandwich and getting mugged for your rye bread" bad. It was a time when people didn't just lock their doors; they barricaded them with old refrigerators and copies of the Daily News.
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Crime Rates Through the Roof (and Probably Through the Floor Too)
Crime was the city's unofficial mascot. There were more detectives than streetlights, and even they were scared. You could get robbed for your shoelaces, and if you were lucky enough to have a pet pigeon, you'd better invest in a tiny bulletproof vest. The subway? A lawless frontier where you were more likely to see a fistfight than a fare inspector.
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The City That Never Slept... Because It Was Too Scared
Let's not forget about the general ambiance of despair. The city was a dimly lit stage for a never-ending horror movie. Graffiti was so prevalent, it was basically considered public art. And don't even get me started on the garbage. It was like a landfill with sidewalks.
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But hey, amidst all the doom and gloom, there was a certain charm to it all. People were tougher, more resilient. And let's face it, the fashion was kind of awesome (if you ignore the questionable polyester).
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So, while I wouldn't exactly recommend time traveling to the 70s, it's definitely a fascinating chapter in New York City's history. Just remember, if you do go back, pack a helmet, a taser, and a really good attitude.
How To Survive the 70s (If You Must)
- How to dress like a 70s survivor: Embrace bell bottoms, platform shoes, and anything with a psychedelic pattern. Bonus points for a questionable mustache.
- How to avoid getting mugged: Walk with purpose, avoid eye contact, and carry a really convincing brick in your pocket.
- How to find a decent pizza: Look for places with questionable hygiene and even more questionable grammar on their signs.
- How to survive a blackout: Learn how to make a campfire in your bathtub, and stock up on candles and canned goods.
- How to appreciate the irony: Remember, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Or at least gives you a really good story to tell.
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