My hotel this trip is near Times Square, and I take the subway to Queens every day for work. The first 4 stops until we hit 53rd street and Lexington are always packed, and I have to stand, hoping I'll have a pole to hold on to.
Wednesday I got on, and was holding on for dear life, when I heard a booming voice behind me.
"Women are NOT equal to men. They are meant to have babies, and should not assume that they should have the same privileges a man enjoys."
I turned around to see who was speaking, something I know better than to do. The speaker was a middle-aged African American man, round and bearded, and sat by himself in the back of the subway car. He looked up, and seemed surprised because I made eye contact. I'm not sure, but I think I saw a glimmer of glee in his eyes when he saw me see him.
This guy had a radio voice. As if he was reading from a script, he gave his opinions on women, Obama, and other assorted topics. I was crammed in the subway, so I turned to my colleague while "The Prophet" broadcast his views. I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes. My colleage, mistaking my demeanor for discomfort, asked me if I wanted to get out and take another train. I laughed and said "no, I wouldn't miss this for the world!"
At the next stop, I was disappointed to see The Prophet exit the subway. I turned around to watch him leave, and as soon as he stepped onto the platform he turned to face me again. He continued his rant even as the doors closed and the subway pulled away from him.
New Yorkers are pros at ignoring strange behavior. If you don't believe me, look at the YouTube video of the man who got on the subway with a chicken.
But as soon as The Prophet got off, previously indifferent travelers started to laugh and talk about this guy. "You can't argue with the crazies", one older lady said. We all agreed that the guy had a perfect radio voice and ought to have his own show, but then we decided that there were already plenty of shows just like it.
I love this city!
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