New York City, the city that never sleeps, recently earned a less glamorous title – at least according to one Indian vlogger. Nitish Advitiy’s viral video, showcasing plumes of smoke billowing from city manholes, has sparked a lively online debate about the perception of urban hygiene, both domestically and internationally.
The footage, which initially shocked many international viewers, depicted a scene seemingly commonplace for New Yorkers. This stark contrast highlighted a fascinating point: While Western media often focuses on sanitation issues in developing nations, similar problems often go unnoticed within their own urban landscapes. Advitiy’s experience, captured and shared on social media, forced a reconsideration of this double standard.
The video ignited a flurry of comments and shares, prompting discussions about the complexities of urban environments and the varying perceptions of what constitutes “clean.” The incident serves as a compelling reminder that challenges regarding sanitation and infrastructure are not limited to any one region or socioeconomic status.
What started as a personal observation by a visiting vlogger has unexpectedly turned into a larger conversation about how we perceive and report on global issues of hygiene and urban planning. It’s a reminder that there’s always more to the story, even in the most well-known cities.
