What . . . tough? Bunk. The toughest New Yawkers left two centuries ago in Conestoga Wagons to help settle this land. Who are left are whiney, thin-skinned schmucks who think they’re tough because they’re willing to ride in gypsy cabs.
And drink burned coffee that they pay a premium for.
I had lunch today with a guy who was a cop in Bed-Stuy from 1973 to 1985. All the criminals he and his buddies caught had to go to the hospital. Those who survived were eventually taken to jail. Believe me, New York is a tough town.
I would agree that the gentrification and tourists have toned it down. I can remember when tourists wouldn’t dare come here.