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[mhnyspring2014-blog]

New York's "Identity Problem"

Royall Tyler’s The Contrast is a comedy of many comparisons, showcasing juxtaposed characters with opposing personalities, as well as highlighting the differences between the countries America and England. Through the characters of Dimple and Colonel Manly, Tyler is presenting a contrast of the European and the American way of life. Dimple is shown to be an egotistic and pretentious man who is a firm believer in the superiority of everything that is European. Dimple’s character suggests that a European lifestyle was sophisticated, tasteful, and reflected that one belonged to the upper strata of society. In comparison, Manly is portrayed to be a simple yet brave and courageous war veteran who feels strongly about American values. Similarly, the characters of the servants of Manly and Dimply, Jonathan and Jessamy, are noteworthy as they reflect the personalities of their bosses.

Set in 18th century New York, The Contrast can also be used to reflect on the identity problem that existed in the city. During the 1700s in America, there were a large number of Europeans who had migrated to the country, and with New York being the port of entry for those who had travelled across the Atlantic, the city was amass with people of new and different identities. Deep-rooted feelings of American patriotism had not yet been established, and amongst the many new identities that were being formed in New York, there was a struggle to form a comprehensive “New York” identity. In Tyler’s play, this problem of unknown identity can be seen in Dimple’s embracing of everything that is foreign and European and dismissal of everything American. Dimple was quick to proclaim that in comparison to the “brilliant exhibitions in Europe,” he despised the “amusements of this country [America]” (28). Those who were well versed and had travelled to Europe were considered “polished” in contrast to the “unpolished” Americans. Through Manly’s character, Tyler seems to encourage Americans to take pride in the American middle class values and identity. As with Dimple’s character that borrows European identity, New York seems to borrow from the different identities of the many people who live here.

Even today, some might say that New York has an identity problem. Composed of one of the most diverse and vibrant mixes of people of different races and religions, New York is like an amalgamation, a cultural melting pot. Within this huge blend of identities, does the identity of New York get misplaced? Or is the identity of New York a reflection of its parts? I believe that to a large extent, New York does not have an identity problem—New Yorkers find some sort of cohesiveness in the diversity of this city. The identity of New York becomes a dynamic one—a sum of its parts, composed of many different cultures and identities.

Sources: 

Tyler, Royall. The Contrast. New York: 1787.