I was on the subway in New York (yes, I do leave the computer) and this young girl was walking around introducing herself to everyone on the train. She extended her hand to each one of us saying: “Hi, My name in Anna, what’s your name?” The lady on one side of me said to her, “I am sick, I don’t want to give you germs.” She held her hands firmly in her lap as she recited her name. Anna made direct eye contact and her smile revealed braces.I thought about chicken viruses for a brief moment but gleefully extended my gloved hand when she got to me (hey, I am from Florida remember, it was cold down there). Everyone else shook her hand, but all were perplexed as if waiting for a shoe to drop.
When a new batch of people came on board Anna did the same thing. A woman, who had just boarded the train, sat on the other side of me and looked at me in horror as the girl in the pink coat introduced herself. I said: “It’s okay, she is doing this to everyone.” The woman relaxed and she shook hands with Anna and even smiled. Anna continued on down the car making the rounds with her greetings and her extended bare hand. Everyone waited for the request for funds. It never came. It was just a young girl doing her thing, trying to break through those icy stares.
I took her picture, she took mine. I got off at 34 Street never to see her again.
11 comments:
Maybe you're on her blogspot now.
The subway is very much a performative space. Some people, like the young girl you encountered, can afford to make non-profit performances.
I myself take on this optimistic view of commuter spaces in New York City. Any fatigue, automation, monotony, ennui or other byproduct of an ailing modern society becomes an ideal backdrop for raw displays of human expression.
That's the way to rock the boat; gently, and where you feel it.
It's sad that one's first reaction is "what's the con"?
Maybe she was fulfilling a dare, or working on a school psych project, or maybe just trying to spread some sorely needed good feeling in a society grown cold. A beautiful thing, really.
Even if it were a dare, it was fun to watch. She is from Connecticut btw. I had figured she was from State that produced cheese but i was mistaken.
LOL. What lovely kid!
Practice random acts of kindness.
Some one(wink wink) told us about this He thought she was a pageant girl who was doing this incase one of the pageant judges were there. Then another person thought that maybe she was doing this in case an agent or a director were to come onto the train. Both are good answers but a dare is the way I go.
I think this girl has the right idea. It is the holidays and how wonderful to share her smile with others.We need peace and here is a young girl who shows no fear and rejoices with people she does not know.How can anyone be afraid of a good gesture made by an innocent sweet girl. I know that many people she touch must off felt some kind of warmness and affection.
Happy Holidays.
cheeda - i doubt this girl is pagent material. I think your last remark is most accurate. last anon...i agree.
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