30.) Times Square

Times Square, affectionately known as the Crossroads of the World (though I would have thought that would be somewhere in the mid-Atlantic), is an area in Midtown Manhattan known for bright lights, a giant slow-descending ball, and a nauseating amount of tourists (the #1 tourist destination in the entire country, in case you were wondering). If you've never been, it's one of the most wonderful, fascinating places in the whole world... for about 10 minutes. After that, it suddenly becomes a giant, tangible example of American consumerism (I actually love consumerism, but here, it's kind of just disgusting).

Yes, it is remarkable that you could almost get a suntan at 3AM because of all the lights, but when you really think about, it's just a giant pile of corporate vomit, the wet dream of every marketing director in the world. It's a place completely devoid of soul or culture. Sure, it's the center of the theatre world, but what are "The Lion King" and "Spider-man" if not corporate money-vacuums? Look up Times Square sometime, and you will notice that listed under "Notable Landmarks" are such gems as The M&M Store, Forever 21, and the Coca-Cola Sign.

So, what is Times Square really? About 15 square blocks of blinking signs, confused people, trash, homeless, smelly hot dog carts, chain restaurants, and people trying to scam you. It is extremely unpleasant to be in for more than a couple minutes. And for some God damn reason, it's where every fucking tourist wants to go to "experience New York City." Shoot me.

By Joe Lankheet 
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