The Extinction of Authenticity

I hate New York right now. It’s crazy because I never thought I would say those words. I used to walk around, feeling so inspired and drunk in wonderment at it all–the people, the buildings, the lure. Really, I was a fish on a hook. New York had me swimming toward it, full force. Recently however, I woke up and realized that the allure–that’s all it is. That’s all everyone here is, attractive, shiny, eye-catching. But underneath? I don’t know.

Maybe I’m just being too harsh, too judgmental. It’s like some authenticity Grinch has broken in and stolen from everyone. Like he’s taken all the special bits that could never be replicated and swapped them for cheap stock–the shit lining every aisle. Everyone looks the same and acts the same, ridiculously perfect and successful–but takes effort to appear modest and incredulous. I just don’t have the patience for it anymore. I miss realness. Crave it, even. I think we all do.

Social media, social media, social media, I’m sure it’s to blame. But we have engineered it to do so. So really, we’re all to blame. Every time we log on, comment, interact with it, we’re unconsciously inflating it and allowing it to take over our world. It’s like this one small Baybel cheese that’s spun itself into a gigantic monstrous wheel and we’re all stuck inside, spinning round and round in this dumbass cheesy and fattening existence. Cheese is really good in moderation, but you can’t survive off it.

I don’t want to just complain about it, I want to incite change.. but how? These people are all in competition with each other. No one can truly shine, because then it will mean that it’s taking something away from everyone else. People can’t allow each other to win here, that’s what it feels like. Isn’t that ridiculous? While there’s an extinction of authenticity, there’s a rising of self absorption. They call it the selfish generation, don’t they?

I want to live in a place where everyone is happy for each other. Where everyone listens and is genuinely excited about life and opportunity and the only competition that exists is the one with the mirror. Where people are present, compassionate, empathetic, curious, and where no one boasts. Those who are truly impressive, don’t need to constantly inform everyone or draw attention themselves. I want to live in a place where actions speak louder than words, where appreciation is given not panhandled and demanded of.

I think I need to move out of New York. Sadly I just resigned my lease.