Individual desires and needs take precedent. But during something like Mardi Gras or the subway series, instead of being one ant out of millions running serpentine through the day, everyone is focused on the same thing. Everyone s desires and plans are immediately validated by every other person they pass on the street. You can forget about keeping up with the Joneses and worrying about your own neuroses and life trajectories. You and the rest of the city are going to the French Quarter to see a parade, or going to the corner bar to watch Roger Clemens throw a bat at Mike Piazza.
Individual lives unite into one trajectory for a short period.
Singular consciousness unites into one collective. In large Orwellian terms, this can be scary, but for three days, it is a welcome escape from individual ruts and frustrations. And this simple change in outlook is exactly the mood I felt in the gritty New York streets and avenues. Please e-mail to Editor with any thoughts on this article.