Ah, New York City—a vibrant metropolis known for its skyscrapers, Broadway lights, and apparently, according to some, thriving danger. To hear one city resident tell it, living in the Big Apple is akin to starring in your own personal thriller movie, complete with shadowy figures and suspenseful train rides. This TikTok user shared her harrowing experience of a train ride turned horror flick, spotlighting a reality many New Yorkers might find themselves in. But as our video’s commentator points out, the tale of urban woe comes with a side of irony and a heaping dose of political reality.

So, picture this: a woman finds herself being trailed from one train car to another, starring in an all-too-real game of city hide-and-seek. Feeling uneasy, she decides to change her plans, disembarking beyond her intended stop just to escape her unwanted shadow. It’s a chilling scenario, but for those residing in urban jungles like New York, not entirely foreign. Yet, here’s where things take a bemusing twist: our commentator couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at the hubbub.

The first point of contention? Location, location, location! Let’s be real—cities like New York practically come with an asterisk in the guarantee of sunshine and safety. When you live in a sprawling urban landscape, tales of dodging seedy characters are almost as common as hot dog vendors on every corner. However, recent data indicates that major subway crimes have significantly declined, showing reductions in major crimes like robberies and assaults.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a robust commentary without a dalliance into the realm of politics. The suggestion is made that perhaps those voting habits have consequences. New Yorkers—a city famously painted in shades of blue—voted in leadership that aligns with progressive ideals. But in reality, police deployments in transit areas have increased, contributing to a noticeable drop in crime rates across the subway system.

But alas, actions beyond complaints take center stage. Our lively commentator muses on the classic American action plan: perhaps donning new political affiliations or hitching a ride down south to places like Florida, where different political winds blow. There’s a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that if one’s present reality doesn’t align with one’s ideals, perhaps it’s time to seek a new setting—or at least, diversify one’s voting strategy come next election.

In this city tale wrapped in irony, the message is delightfully clear. While no one deserves to feel unsafe, it’s essential to base our perceptions on current realities. As our candid commentator wraps up: until there’s a shift in either geography or voting habits, it might be wise to check one’s own track record before lamenting the urban track runs.