Colson Whitehead and John Lewis bring about the ever-changing community of New York City. Both authors have seen the community change in different views. The one world they used to know as the norm perishes in the new world that takes its place. Colson Whitehead’s journey was based on what he witnessed and not what he hears from others. Whitehead said “ I’ve been to Canal Street, and the only time I ever saw a river flow through it was during the last water-main explosion. Never listen to what people tell you about old New York because if you didn’t witness it, it is not a part of your New York and might as well be Jersey.” Whitehead elaborates you don’t know New York unless you experience it for yourself, not what others think. There were places Whitehead wished he could see or still have but the community will always change. The world he knows will forever live in his memories and explore the new changes over time. While for John Lewis change in the community is the growth from the hardship of African Americans in the past to the modern fights for Black Lives Matter. Lewis wrote, “Though I was surrounded by two loving parents, plenty of brothers, sisters, and cousins, their love could not protect me from the unholy oppression waiting just outside that family circle. Unchecked, unrestrained violence and government-sanctioned terror had the power to turn a simple stroll to the store for some Skittles or an innocent morning jog down a lonesome country road into a nightmare.” Lewis talks about the beauty of his community as well as the hardships they must face of the outside world. He grew up in that environment and the BLM movement is a spark of hope for the future of his community.

The message portrayed in both pieces is the community will face changes and hardship whether it’s for good or bad. Us community members of any community must live with those memories of things that are lost and know the hardships that we go through come with better results in time.

I feel closer with Whitehead’s piece as I grew up seeing my world change constantly and I had to accept the faith. I hold those memories and the experience as I live every new day. Everything will change but it’s more important how I cherish and grow to the new changes.

In the article “ The Way We Live Now: 11-11-01; Lost & Found” by New York Times writer Colson Whitehead delves into life after 9/11 discussing how everyday life has changed. He approaches the crisis in a  balance of humor and pathos. He evokes emotion stating “ But look past the windows of the travel agency that replaced your pizza parlor. Beyond the desks and computers … you can still see Neapolitan slices cooling…” Whitehead explains how goodbyes aren’t a thing in the city. When you think about it you never really know how close you are to your favorite pizza spot being just a memory. The city is always evolving and thus the millions of perceptions every person in this city has. His humor comes into play when talking about what our old apartments would say if they got together “ 7J says, “ So that’s what happened to Lucy….3R says: Saxophone, you say? I knew him when he played guitar”. John Lewis’s powerful and important speech in “ Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation” goes into detail about how the movement in our current generation relates to the one in his time.  His attitude is very motivating and emotion-evoking using pathos as well. He writes    “ Emmett Till was my George Floyd. He was my Rayshard Brooks, Sandra Bland, and Breonna Taylor.” It’s disgusting, to say the least how these injustices are tolerated. I firmly agree with Lewis that it is an obligation for everybody to “speak up and speak out” and it hit close to home thinking about how we currently live in this generation where most of us can unite and fight back. Lewis also uses ethos to prove his credibility going into detail “ In those days, fear constrained us like an imaginary prison, and troubling thoughts of potential brutality committed for no understandable reason were the bars”. He, at the end of the day, survived this dread and experienced what it resembled the need to carry on with life not realizing what could befall you. This is associated with present-day on the grounds that these occurrences have been going on for quite a long time and are still happening. At the end of each piece, both Whitehead and Lewis spoke in a way of hope for the generations to come. Though Whitehead ends off by mentioning how the city would never be the same “ The cement trucks will roll up and spin their bellies, the jackhammers will rattle, and after a while, the postcards of the new skyline will be available for purchase.” This may come off as negative but I think it’s just being real, everyone lives in a different New York, and for some their New York may become unrecognizable. This opposes Lewis’s ending in a way where he sheds more optimism in our generation who he has faith will  “ laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last…”. The themes in both pieces overlapped as both talked about awful times that in our society will one day view as the past. Both articles were truly really moving and written perfectly. I did find the article by Colson Whitehead to be very relatable because as a New Yorker the city I grew up in is not the same city that I’m living in. Reading the article made me dwell on the places I miss that are gone. I don’t think I realized before how since the city never sleeps it’s always watching. In a way it’s like the really old neighbor that has watched you grow up, it’s kind of bittersweet.

Both writings lend themselves strongly to change. Change within a community and even outside of it. How one day somethings are “normal” yet at a second, minutes, hours, days, etc. notice things can get worse. Both pieces eventually do signal a sort of hope that is within the community and gives examples of each. When Whitehead explains how the twin tower skyline will eventually fade from our memories and a new one will be erected in its place. “Naturally we will cast a wary eye toward those new kids on the block, but let’s be patient and not judge too quickly. We were new here, too, once.” This shows that although we may remember New York a certain way doesn’t mean that those who come in to New York will remember it and although there is skepticism, we were also those same people who came into this city after parts of it were destroyed or lost and we painted the city how we saw it not by what was there. This same method of thinking is in Lewis’ speech towards the end. “When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war.” Again, the world the old generation grew up in is one that is slowly crumbling and dying and it is the new generation or the new people who will soon paint the picture of the future one without hate where everyone is equal and you are not judged solely on the color of your skin. Yet where I feel the points drastically differ is in the impact or scale of each situation. New York will always be viewed a certain way by those that visit and live there, but it is just that a city in which people live in. Racism is a much grander scale when it comes to change and justice. For change to occur in one, one must simply tear down and rebuild a concrete structure, one that has no emotions or feelings. The other requires to tear down a system that’s been in play and destroying the minds of millions if not billions of people and their thoughts and ideals that led to them treating others based solely on race. Between both pieces I feel the one that describes how others think and feel based on changes is whitehead which forms a basis or small look into how others may view certain things as opposed to how you may view them.

Both articles were writing in difficult moments. In the article “The Way We Live Now: 11-11-01; Lost and Found” by Colson Whitehead, he is talking about how New York City is continuously changing just in front of our eyes and we most of the times not noticed. People came and moved into New York, the city that lures so many people for a better future, job education. We have many beautiful things that we do not appreciate. The bodega in the corner, people we meet later, and we find out later he/she just lived next to our door. New generations change and make NYC their own. On the other hand, the article “Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation,” by John Lewis, the author is encouraged others to keep fighting in a peaceful manner the same way he was inspired by Dr. Marting Luther King Jr.  There is a guy who joins to fight for civil rights “The role is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society.” 

Colson’s article is talking about who New Yorkers made this city their land. Every generation made their own version of NYC. “Never listen to what people tell you about old New York because if you didn’t witness it, it is not a part of your New York and might as well be Jersey.” Also, how a catastrophe made him reflect that every day when we lock our door it could be the last time. Just like what happened with 9/11. To appreciate more the unique NYC in what you are living in. Lewis’s article is a call to people, to make a positive change in our environment “Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.” he did indeed until the end of his life, he did his part and he motivated other generations to do their part as well.  

When I read Colson’s article even though it was quite long, I did enjoy, because it makes me reflect on my every single day. I am living in The Big Apple, the capital of the World and I sometimes do not see and appreciated, the people in my community. Especially now in the pandemic. There is much business that is close, because the owner died or because they can pay the rent anymore. If I had known what was going to happen, my treatment of them would have changed, because I would know that I would never see them again. Nevertheless, 19 years apart from these two articles. Lewis’s powerful message is like he is passing the torch to the new generations. I admire his work and legacy. And when he is saying “When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war. So, I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.” The call is to me, and I honestly believe that our generation can write a new chapter in history. Therefore, I stick with both.  

I didn’t think these articles would move me, but they did. The writers were so sincere in their conversations that it feels natural to read their work all the way through with intrigue for their next points. Starting with Whitehead, it doesn’t matter that he wrote his article 19+ years ago, I can relate to it today. In aspects even greater than your hometown or city, people come and go, and many other things change. However, that’s okay. Accepting that there will be change and accepting that those once treasured- or not treasured enough- things can disappear in an instant, is relieving a burden off your future self. Why? The person we were yesterday knew less than the one we are today. So it isn’t wise to torment ourselves about the past, the what could’ve been or the what should’ve been. The tragic crisis, the Twin Towers’ 9/11, came unexpectedly and brought grief and sudden change. Whitehead’s attitude and proposal to the community is that it is okay to accept that there will be a new skyline. He says, “[…] let’s be patient and not judge too quickly. We were new here, too, once.” There is more meaning to this: the city we once knew, the life we once lived, was new when we arrived, too. There were many neighborhoods before the one we came to know and live in. There will be many more, and it is okay to embrace change, it is healing.

Lewis wrote about a different kind of change. Social changes, justice and injustice. It is not a recent discovery that racism and discrimination exist. Lewis fought injustice all his life, coming to a realization at the age of 15 that the world was oppressive. However, he urges his community to take action and fight for change. He stated how proud he was of the achievements he’d seen, and he hopes the rising generation will be known for destroying hate with peace.

Both messages speak of change and healing. Whitehead’s writing feels more indirect, making the reader arrive at the conclusions of his statements as they read his piece. Lewis was very direct, telling his readers what his last hopes and wishes were: “Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.”

I think that both writers come from a very valid place. Whitehead had his own NYC and his own stories of change. He wasn’t forcing his point of view on the reader, but very tactfully persuading the reader with his imagery and anecdotal style of writing, as if inviting the reader to experience his story together. Lewis also grew up understanding and living the injustices he fought for. He wrote, “In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.” That is why he was in the right position to ask the next generation to do the same. Personally, both pieces resonate with me because I feel where they’re coming from, and they move me to analyze my inner-self. What am I doing today to contribute to a better future? Will I remain stuck in the past way of life, or move on and embrace changes? The whole world has been affected by covid-19 in one way or another. How will we move forward? I think it’s important to not let reminiscing on the past keep you from growing your future self. Also, everyone may not have the same beliefs, but there is something we can all think of to contribute to a better future. That is something the reader can meditate on.

Whitehead’s disposition is more nostalgic about New York City, remembering a time before.  A time before his favorite pizzeria was closed and a time before September 11th. “ But look past the windows of the travel agency that replaced your pizza parlor.” The author uses a more general tone, sharing the experiences of many. Whitehead also says that each individual experience of New York City is unique, giving a lifelike quality to it. “ And they never got a chance to say goodbye to me. I think they would have liked to; I refuse to believe in their indifference.” The author gives the city an opinion on the circumstances related to September 11th. John Lewis writes more specifically about his own experiences, of being a teenager when fourteen year old Emmett Till was murdered and hearing Dr. Martin Luther, Jr. preach non violence philosophies. “Emmett Till was my George Floyd. He was my Rayshard Brooks, Sandra Bland and Breonna Taylor. He was 14 when he was killed, and I was only 15 years old at the time.”   In  Lewis’ text his disposition is more demanding and reverent. It is meant to act as a reminder that we have a moral obligation to speak out against injustices and do our part to enact change.
In the two articles, both Whitehead and Lewis are having reflective conversations about their communities in crisis. They are two different types of crisis yet they both call for people to come together and remember the times before and how history will be written. Both of the authors are sharing their personal experiences through their own perspectives. What I took away from these two articles was the importance of a sense of home and community. Another idea that I believe is present in both articles is both a meaningful and emotional crisis that both of the authors experienced.
I personally identified with the “Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation” more because of the opinion of getting into “good trouble”. I believe like Dr. Martin Luther King that we have a moral obligation to stand against injustices in our communities and use our abilities to make change. We must vote, in order to change the outcome of who is elected and what laws are made. I believe we all should care for and defend one another in our democracy.

1. Both authors are having conversations surrounding the community during a time of crisis, but each is approaching it from a different angle. The article “Together, you can redeem the soul of our nation” by John Lewis, talks about having a voice in a Black American community, leading the society today with less violence and more kindness. As well as speaking up for what you believe, not being afraid of what will happen. Lewis says that It’s about time to stop hate crime, violence, and hating others, hate will not fix anything except cause a bigger crisis, guiding with love and kindness will result in peace. Lewis is very direct about his community and approached it in a way of giving someone advice who is very young, for example when Lewis said, “While my time here has now come to an end, I want you to know that in the last days and hours of my life you inspired me” (Paragraph 1). This quote helped me understand that Lewis is trying to inform the readers why he still has hope. However, In Colson Whitehead articles, “The way we live now: 11-1101, Lost and found” approached it from a very different angle than Lewis, I think Whitehead is trying to say that nothing lasts forever, things changes over time and in Whitehead article he said, “Maybe we become New Yorkers the day we realize that New York will go on without us.”(Paragraph13). New York City is a city that will not wait, it will evolve and everyone will have a different perspective or experience from it. What is interesting about both the articles the authors wrote is that, in their last paragraphs they both end it with positive and hopeful messages but have different values.

1.  I think the overlapping themes between these pieces would be time, that is because Lewis talks about a historical movement that has been taking place for a long time, black lives matter, and Whitehead talks about New York City which is evolving from how people used to know and how it is now. What I took away as their “message” is to always value what you already have and value the small things in life because there will be a time when that valuable thing is gone, you would miss what you had. Speak up for what you want and believe, life’s pretty short and it’s worth it if you do not regret it.
2. The piece I found myself closer to is Whitehead’s article, that is because I liked how he started the first paragraph and progressed on by talking about his experiences or memories he missed out on saying goodbyes. To me, the piece was very realistic and something I can also relate to.