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First reactions on the London terror attacks in New York

As I was riding the subway to work this morning there was something different. I noticed policemen standing at the subway stations in the Bronx. Usually there are no policemen visible. I thought that they might look for someone or have some sort of a campaign for commuters to feel safer on the subway (although I never feel unsafe on it).

I then didn't know about the terror attacks that took place in London today. I heard about it as soon as I came into the office of Magnum were I read the online edition of newspapers and talked to a co-worker of mine who had just arrived from London 6 hours ago. All of her friends and family are alright.

What I found interesting was the fact that nobody either seemed to know about what happend while on the train or they just didn't feel uncomfortable. While getting lunch I was walking through the streets of Chelsea a bit and observed the people. Nothing special... While going home by subway I observed the people again and tried to notice a difference in their behavior but I couldn't find any. I didn't even hear people talking about it, newspapers haven't yet reported about it. I had expected to see, feel or hear a difference in New York daily life since the attacks on the World Trade Center are still very present in peoples lifes.

My experience stands in total contradiction to this New York Times article which describes it completely different. I might just not have the right feeling for the behavior of New Yorkers after only 2 and a half months of my stay here.

(The photo above was actually not taken today but last weekend. I choose it because I think it is a very moody image, well and probably one which has been seen quite often. But anyway...)

Posted by Martin Fuchs on July 7, 2005 09:56 PM