Friday, January 15, 2010
In a cosmopolitan city like New York, the rich and the disadvantaged pass each other by everyday.
They have inseparable interaction in the society: one gives, one takes. Without grass-roots contribution, the upper class cannot stand alone. Likewise, without upper class’ consumption and support, grass roots has no way to live.
Weeks ago, in the metro carriage in New York, silence filled the air. Then, three cheerful men entered.
They took deep breaths, and released a melodious stream of a cappella music through the space.
Unfazed New Yorkers were used to this phenomenon but, as tourists, my friends and I were not.
To us, this pleasing performance earned the musicians both our attention and money.
The next day: same place, different souls.
Three men with guitars, good voices and warm smiles provided us more visual-auditory enjoyment on the way to Central Park.
Again, I couldn’t help to contribute some money to show my appreciation.
While we were queuing up for the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, an old violinist played a Chinese anthem when he saw us.
When we pretended we were Japanese and Korean, he switched to play their anthems with great ease.
He respected every nationality equally and played each anthem for his livelihood. I thought he could have been a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Metro Station was the transition that we couldn’t avoid to go through when we spent a week in New York this winter break.
Inside the dim and chilly space, I barely heard any joyful chatters among those pent-up looking passengers. Apparently the space is not a cozy place for passengers to hang around.
However, it sets a unique stage or workplace for tons of unfortunate talented artists: whenever the metro train departs, it’s show time.
Performers play their music with soul, dance with effort. They look for appreciation and hope to be discovered by talent scouts.
But, do not underestimate disadvantaged people’s ability to earn their livings; I saw their genuine effort to make ends meet.
Many of them know how to use limited resources to achieve the greatest benefits.
I’d dare say, they even know more about what matters in life.
I remember an all-round middle-aged performer who could play guitar, drum and harmonica at the same time.
That embodiment of art and achievement of human extremes was nothing short of awesome.
From their slow movements and worn clothing, I didn’t see weariness or desperation. Instead, I saw they had simple eagerness to let their art be appreciated.
The street musicians I saw with true passion saw every performance as the real show time.
They entertained passers-by and satisfied themselves at the same time. They didn’t beg for money brazenly. They were just open to any amount of tips.
They don’t need much to live as long as they feel content in their artistry.
New York is known for being a competitive arena. No one spares any effort to earn their bread tactically.
If someone fails to keep pace with the mass, they are simply and spontaneously dragged out of the game— reality is cruel.
Yet, I believe the artists I saw discovered the secret to survival. They were optimistic and maintained pride in their workmanship. To them, cruelty was of no significance, as long as they had their music.
“I have nothing to lose, but time and soul to burn,” said a violinist who always pushes a grocery cart of belongings.
“As long as the city needs my entertainment, I will keep doing it.”
— Ho is a Macau, China junior in journalism.
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