Fear City

Fear City: A Memoir of New York's Lost Decade, often simply referred to as Fear City, is a pamphlet distributed in 1975 by New York City's police, fire, and corrections unions to tourists warning them to stay away. New York City was facing a severe financial crisis at the time, and the unions were protesting proposed layoffs and service cuts.

The pamphlet outlined areas of the city considered dangerous and advised tourists to avoid them. It warned of increased crime and reduced emergency services due to the planned budget cuts, painting a grim picture of a city on the verge of collapse. The pamphlet was widely publicized and generated significant controversy, further damaging the city's reputation and tourism industry.

While the unions claimed their intentions were to protect tourists, the pamphlet was criticized by many as an attempt to strong-arm the city government during a time of economic vulnerability. Opponents argued that it exaggerated the dangers of the city and contributed to a self-fulfilling prophecy of decline.

The "Fear City" pamphlet remains a significant historical artifact representing a turbulent period in New York City's history, marked by economic hardship, social unrest, and a deep sense of uncertainty about the future. It encapsulates the anxieties of a city struggling to survive and the complex interplay of politics, public safety, and economic realities.