When asked to call upon something beautiful, most would undoubtedly call upon some image of a beautiful sunset, a flowing waterfall, or some other natural occurrence. Though there is immense beauty in the undisturbed wilderness, true beauty can be found in the man made and in our interactions with our fellow humans. For me the most spectacular example of beauty we as humans have created is Times Square, the Mecca of commercialism and consumerism. The lights, sounds, and people create a unique atmosphere that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. It is this unexplainable uniqueness that makes Times Square a popular destination for millions and a near textbook example of urban beauty.

My first and only experience in Times Square came when I was fourteen years old and my family made an overnight stop in New York on our road trip through New England. We took a train into the city and as we began walking towards our hotel in Times Square, it became more and more apparent that walking was a poor decision. My arms ached from the rough straps on the bag I was carrying and trying to maneuver through the hoards of people seemed an impossible task, yet all pain was forgotten as the pulsating lights of an enormous Coca-Cola sign came into view. Entering Times Square was like entering another world, completely foreign to anything I had ever experienced before. Just the sheer amount of people was a phenomenal sight. As I became adjusted to my surroundings I was able to begin focusing on the details of this urban oasis. No space of the entire square has been left untouched by the hands of corporations. Billboards envelop the entire sides of buildings, featuring scantily clad models, seducing you to purchase the latest designer products. The focal points of the square are the giant television screens with streaming video of the CNN newsroom. Street level in Times Square is organized chaos as masses of people and vehicles rush to the next important event. The only people who remain in a state of rest are the police, constantly searching for suspicious and irregular, and the vendors, constantly working the crowds in pursuit of the almighty dollar. The people making their way through the bustle are a combination only New York could provide. Times Square is the only place I’ve ever seen amateur rappers, dressed in tall tees and Yankees hats, peddle their mixtapes next to Orthodox Jews and cops on horses.

When analyzed separately, Times Square appears to be a repulsive, overcrowded tourist trap that can be seen in every major city in the United States. Yet, we cannot base the beauty of this area on sights alone, the true beauty of Times Square lies within the people. It is the purest of interactions between the broad assortment of people that results in the subtle beauty of the city. There is a certain beauty in being around our own species, in intermingling with each other in perfect harmony. The strength of being surrounded by my fellow humans and the pride in seeing what we can create caused me to pause among the crowds of people in the middle of Times Square and it is these feelings of strength and pride that cause me to believe that it is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.