What happened NYC?- Page 3

[Jane2]

Posted: 6/14/12 at 3:26pm

We're on two different pages, Erik. I get the feeling from what you've posted that there isn't much choice in what people can eat and afford.

I'm of the belief that it is indeed a matter of choice, and there are all kinds of choices available to everyone.

[Jane2]

Posted: 6/14/12 at 3:33pm

Robbie, (I guess we're discussing this in this thread), again, the choice can be made either way.

As far as location goes, I live in the heart of the west village, considered the highest cost of living in the city. Four blocks from me is a large market where I buy baby bok choy for $1.49/lb. That's just one example of the price level of all their produce.

There's a plethora of street vendors selling fruits and vegs. at a fraction of store prices.

Protein?-there's an associated food store also on 14th st., west village, that sells everything at a much lower price. I buy chicken parts and meat there for very low prices.

Without going into a long story, I believe that people can eat healthy for less. If they're eating junk, they choose to.

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 6/14/12 at 3:41pm

Jane...I adore you. And I agree with you (I'm in Hell's Kitchen and feel the same). But by 'underserved urban areas', I'm not talking about our neighborhoods. I'm talking about the really impoverished areas of our city (and other cities). But there are a lot of issues that go into this, beyond price.

[Jane2]

Posted: 6/14/12 at 3:47pm

Robbie, (and thank you!), do you mean that these neighborhoods do not contain any healthy foods?

And to be clear, I'm no babe in the woods. I taught for 25 years in Jersey City. In the underserved neighborhoods.

Updated On: 6/14/12 at 03:47 PM

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 6/14/12 at 4:00pm

I think that access is more limited in those neighborhoods. There are more choices for cheap, unhealthy food. But, there are other factors that play into all of this. I would say a bigger factor is instability in the home. If a kid doesn't have a parent available to cook healthy meals, it means the child has to fend for himself. I would imagine most kids would be able to make a box of Velveeta Cheddar and Shells (mmmmmm) than some kind of tasty vegetable dish.

[Jane2]

Posted: 6/14/12 at 4:03pm

LOL! Pass that velveeta and mac!

Anyway, I'm talking in general about the widespread myth about people not being able to eat healthy because of finances.

Lately I've even watched news talk on tv debating whether or not it's even more beneficial to eat organic as opposed to regular.

But that's another whole topic.

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 6/14/12 at 4:09pm

In general, I completely agree with you. Stocking up on the veggies is not all that expensive!

[Gothampc]

Posted: 6/14/12 at 4:14pm

"Goth, typing words doesnt make you an expert."

And not reading posts doesn't make you an expert.

If you read what I wrote, the first three words are In my opinion

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 6/14/12 at 4:15pm

"Queer, kinky, weird New York is vanishing at an astonishing rate...."

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/14/12 at 5:07pm

If a kid doesn't have a parent available to cook healthy meals, it means the child has to fend for himself.

Or herself!

[Yawper]

Posted: 6/14/12 at 7:29pm

The Role of Race and Poverty in Access to Foods That Enable Individuals to Adhere to Dietary Guidelines

[Wishing Only Wounds]

Posted: 6/16/12 at 5:53pm

I think to call NYC a "Nanny State" is a huge slippery slope.

As far as the smoking ban, I think that's just changing with the times... as far as being liberal or not, the ban really isn't enforced at all. I think it's an excellent law. New York can be free spirited without being closed minded.

From an anthropological standpoint, cultural relativism. As the world continues to get smaller, New York is becoming less of gem. Granted, I love this city with my heart and soul and it sure as hell is unique; but the attributes historically given to New York can now be found in a myriad of cities throughout the world.

If New York doesn't adapt, like anything, it will suffer.

Like I said, I find this thread to be a slippery slope. Adaption is necessary... just because NYC is adapting, doesn't mean it's changing (on a larger scale).

[Yawper]

Posted: 6/16/12 at 9:51pm

NYC tolerates stop & frisk. That pretty much says all one needs to know.

[dented146]

Posted: 6/16/12 at 11:17pm

What happened NYC is that the people in this country are Fat and getting Fatter. What also happened is that is has become perfectly acceptable for people to be that way. In fact, it's politically incorrect to object or point it out.

People who have trouble living normal lives because of their obesity are now considered disabled and protected by law.

This is not about the cost of food. This is about education, advertizing, and lack of self control.

I think what Bloomberg did was silly but at least it shines some light on a very serious problem.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 6/17/12 at 12:01am

WishingOnly. New York is very much changing! Gone are the individual communities. They are vanishing quickly to be replaced by a universal Mall Mentality. I moved here in 1973, and the city at that point was an amazing patchwork quilt. You could cross a street and suddenly you were in a completely different environment. It was a wonderous place. I have often lamented the demise of the 42nd street I once knew before the Disneyication. It was a harbinger of things to come.
Of course New york is becoming less of a gem as it is constantly rounding off it's facets that at one time gave it it's sparkle.
Why come to New York when you can visit a mall in the Midwest and get the same vibe?

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 6/17/12 at 8:19am

I think Bloomberg is a fool. He always needs a cause to fight and a way to grab headlines and now it's soda and 'obesity'. I won't rehash much of what has been said, but the regulation is foolish and ultimately will do nothing but punish businesses. It won't DO anything to effect meaningful change, but I don't think that he genuinely wants to create change at all.

Personally speaking, I hate Bloomberg, I hate the third term, I watching his "speak Spanish", I hate his crusades, I hate his disconnect with the people of the city and pandering to billionaires while forcing everyone else out of the city to create a playground for the rich.

As a resident of Astoria, I will not forgive him for his handling of the Christmas blizzard. It was angering to watch him a.) be away from the city and just not CARE what happened and say that where he was and why he didn't return to his city (that was in a declared state of emergency) is none of our business and b.) his press conference where Times sq was perfectly cleaned and midtown / tourist areas were cleaned enough to get around with little effort, but the rest of the city was buried and abandoned - in some cases for days - and he has the NERVE to say "the city is cleaned and open for business, go see a show.

As far as a Mall city goes, why does every corner need a bank and a Duane Reade?!?

[Jane2]

Posted: 6/17/12 at 8:32am

The soda thing is silly but I imagine Bloomberg is doing a small thing to try and combat the obesity epidemic of the entire country. What he's doing is silly, but I don't hate Bloomberg.

[Wishing Only Wounds]

Posted: 6/17/12 at 4:47pm

Snafu, while I completely get (and partially agree) with your point... what you describe is still very much present: take Noho for example... from there, you're at the crossroads of many different parts of the city (all filled with different culture that still shape them). While finding these locals may be more difficult, think about it, if it were easy, it wouldn't be New York. And unless we're talking exclusively about Manhattan... from Lower Manhattan, you can easily cross into Brooklyn; I find DUMBO to be like going through a Time Machine.



My stance isn't that NYC is maintaining itself as it has always been, it's that the whole world is moving towards this glitzy lifestyle. Realistically, it would be stubborn and adverse not to move with the world.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 6/17/12 at 5:59pm

I work and live in DUMBO. I am sadly seeing it rapidly becoming like the rest of Manhattan. It is losing it's uniqueness quickly! As the Gentry move in and the artists are forced out because of rising rents. See how soon we have an Olive Garden, Duane Reade (we already have a Starbucks) down here once the Condo goes in where the old Saint Anne's Warehouse was.
I am well aware that a "Living City" must be able to change, howevert the change always seems to be toward the Mallification of America. Bland and comfortable.

MOre on topic, I really despise the Nanny State tactics of our present MAyor. I am all for labeling foods and Education. (Recently Montague BAgels stopped selling cigarettes due to the fact that they were required to display by law, the current anti-smoking ads. They found that the ads were distasteful to their patrons and that the amount of money they made on cigarette sales didn't warrent them continuing selling them). I am fine with that. However for the City Government to make it illegal to sell the Supersized Drinks and snacks stepping a bit over the line. Bloomberg old man, I for one will be glad to see your ass out of office come next election!

[dented146]

Posted: 6/17/12 at 6:39pm

I don't live in your city but I'm a frequent visitor and have been for three decades. Your city is more fun, more diverse, more exciting, more safe, and since 911, more friendly than any other I know.

I love NYC.

The changes you see are happening everywhere. Every time we send a text and every time a new immigrant does the same we become more alike. Compared to most of Asia, NYC is virtually the same as it was twenty years ago.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 6/17/12 at 7:28pm

Compared to NYC however it is nowhere near where it was 20 years ago. Has it changed for the better? Some think so, I think NY has lost a lot of the qualities that once defined it.

[Jane2]

Posted: 6/17/12 at 7:46pm

All I see now in NYC is a sea of bowed heads looking at their cell phones. I'm sure this is one scenario which is not only happening in NY.

I can't stand it, personally.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 6/17/12 at 7:58pm

Bowed heads crossing against the light and not even looking. These people are so self absorbed they assume even a speeding car will stop for them.