NYC + Subway + 4:00 AM = nothing good.
Its a clear sign our civilization is in decline that we accept this as normal.
I've lived in several Asian cities. If you are out late (or very early) its common to see businessmen in suits, after a night of drinking, sleeping on a park or subway bench, waiting for an early train. Or women strolling with friends. No one would think of beating and robbing them.