Fear City: When New York Was a No-Go Zone (and We're Not Talking About the Subway)
New York City, the Big Apple, the city that never sleeps... or so they say. But back in the 70s, it was more like the city that gives you nightmares. Crime was rampant, the streets were grimy, and the only thing bigger than the rats were the headlines screaming about the city's impending doom. It was so bad that even the cops were telling people to stay away!
The "Welcome to Fear City" Pamphlet: A Tourist's Guide to Not Getting Mugged
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In 1975, things were so dire that police and firefighter unions took matters into their own hands. They printed a pamphlet titled "Welcome to Fear City: A Survival Guide for Visitors to the City of New York." It was basically a how-to guide on not getting murdered or robbed while visiting the Big Apple.
The pamphlet warned tourists to stay off the streets after 6 p.m., avoid public transportation (especially the subway), and basically just stay in their hotel rooms and pray for morning. It was like a horror movie disguised as a travel brochure.
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Why Was It So Bad? Blame the Budget Cuts (and Maybe a Few Other Things)
So, what turned the city that never sleeps into Fear City? Well, a lot of it had to do with the city's financial crisis. Budget cuts meant fewer cops on the streets, which led to a spike in crime. But it wasn't just about the money. The 70s were a rough time for New York, with social unrest, economic decline, and a whole lot of other problems.
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From Fear City to Fun City: How New York Bounced Back (and Became a Tourist Trap Again)
Luckily, New York eventually recovered. The city cleaned up its act, crime rates went down, and tourists started flocking back. Now, the biggest danger you face in New York is getting trampled by a crowd of people trying to take a selfie in Times Square.
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But Let's Not Forget the Time When New York Was So Dangerous, Even the Cops Were Scared
The "Fear City" pamphlet is a reminder of a time when New York was on the brink of collapse. It's a dark chapter in the city's history, but it's also a testament to its resilience. New York bounced back from its "Fear City" days and became the vibrant, bustling metropolis we know today.
FAQs: How to Survive a Trip to New York (in 2025)
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How to avoid getting mugged?
- Just be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in dark or deserted areas. And maybe leave your Rolex at home.
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How to ride the subway without getting lost or assaulted?
- Download a subway map app, don't travel alone late at night, and try not to make eye contact with anyone who looks like they might be plotting your demise.
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How to find a decent slice of pizza without breaking the bank?
- Just walk into any pizza place. Seriously, they're all good. And cheap. It's New York, after all.
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How to get tickets to a Broadway show without selling your soul?
- Check out TKTS booths for discounted tickets, or try your luck with the TodayTix app.
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How to avoid getting run over by a taxi?
- Look both ways before crossing the street, and don't assume that taxi drivers can see you. They're usually too busy yelling at each other or talking on their phones.
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