A review by racismsolver
Times Square Red, Times Square Blue by Samuel R. Delany

5.0

This book captures the rapid increase of gentrification in NYC at the expense of those who are marginalized, scrutinized, and often get pushed away whenever it is convenient for those in power. Delaney's description of gay culture at the time when AIDS epidemic, crack-cocaine, and all other drugs were at the corner of Times Square, is vibrant, honest, and most importantly deeply gut wrenching. It highlights how the beauty (if you consider it beauty) of modern day NYC, specially midtown, at the expense of gay sanctuary theaters and cultural centers. It also highlights how developers, real estate businessmen, and politicians use homophobia, xenophobia, racism to push away people from their neighborhoods by using drugs epidemics or cultural values as excuses. This book is not for everyone, specially if you are not used to reading descriptive masturbations, oral sex, and many other heart breaking experiences. Many suggested that Delaney romanticized a horrible period of NYC (he didn't). It was may be horrible for those who were privileged, but he highlights fact in such a New York City way.