I Love NY (I Think)

Okay, this post really isn't about my new job, but I'll comment quickly on it. Three words: I Love It! It's going great. I'm feeling like I really fit in and am so excited about the work that I'll be doing. I haven't really done much except for attending meetings and getting to know the company, but I'm lovin' it. More on the job next week when things start happening.

So now for the real reason I'm posting this. I'm upset, a little scared and somewhat disappointed in the rest of humanity. I really felt that post-9/11 NY was a place where people helped their fellow man. Today on the train on the way home, I watched a young man get viciously attacked by three punks. As the beating/mugging began, the young man yelled out HELP! I'll admit, I was scared and confused and didn't know what to do. But I was under the assumption of power in numbers and was hoping that someone would step in to help him. His crying for help only angered the punks more and they continued to hit him, sending all of the passengers on their side of the car to my side. When the train stopped, everyone in my car jumped off and called out for help. During this time the punks continued to attack the young man and no one stepped in to stop them. It is possible that the punks were carrying some sort of weapon, which I'm sure scared the bystanders. Unfortunately, the punks ran away (or more like slowly jogged) and still no one stopped them. Where were the camera phones? Where were the big strong men to break up the fight? Where were the police officers or the MTA employees? Granted, I didn't step in either, but at least I was willing to give a description to the MTA employee. Luckily the young man was not badly injured and seemed more embarrassed than anything else.

This incident really scared the shit out of me. I felt personally violated and fearful of the fact that if I were in danger, no one would come to my aide. I was shaken for the rest of my trip home and during my walk to the apartment. This really opened my eyes and will teach me to be: a) more observant and b) more willing to help out. I'm a social worker for G-d's sake. I just feel disappointed in myself and in those around me. But to be honest, if any of them were as scared as I was, I see why they didn't step in. Maybe their way of stepping in was to call for help and exit the car. They could have remained on the car and just ignored the beating. I hope that they catch the punks (I think I gave a pretty accurate description) and I hope that the victim is not seriously hurt.

So, a lesson to all of you - be more observant in situations such as these. Be aware of everyone around you and where you can go for help.

Take care...