On the Cover of New York Magazine: Sin City

On the cover of New York Magazine’s November 23–December 6, 2020 issue, Brock Colyar reports on the underground Brooklyn party scene that has emerged in the wake of the pandemic, and the nihilistic (or at least risk-tolerant) streak shared by many 20-somethings as they live through a global catastrophe. Colyar’s feature is accompanied by a collection of reports assembled by James D. Walsh of New Yorkers from various areas of the city about their relationship to partying right now.

Colyar found that the most salient factor driving pandemic socializing is that everyone is creating their own personal calculus, based on their perception of danger and inclination to have fun. “For some young people, the fun is worth the danger, and the danger might even be a part of the fun,” they say. Though Colyar is quick to point out that it’s not just young people partying right now: “The underground scene is wide and varied. This is just one story.”

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