The New Yorker Radio Hour

Episode 5: City Slickers and Soul Food

Date: November 20, 2015
Host: David Remnick
Produced by: WNYC Studios & The New Yorker

Episode Overview

In this multifaceted episode, David Remnick guides listeners through a range of stories at the intersection of culture, politics, and identity. The show first examines France in the immediate aftermath of the Paris attacks, delving into the lives of French Muslims and the societal consequences of terror. The episode then shifts to an in-depth look at Sylvia’s, Harlem’s legendary soul food institution, exploring themes of community, gentrification, and resilience. The emotional heart of the episode features a father working to quell longstanding violence in Harlem’s housing projects after the tragic loss of his daughter. Rounding out the program is an intimate conversation with beloved New Yorker cartoonist George Booth and a profile of efforts to preserve New York City's endangered languages.

Segment 1: French Muslims and the Paris Attacks (00:23–12:23)

Key Discussion Points

Aftermath of November 2015 Paris Attacks:
George Packer, New Yorker staff writer, discusses the climate in France following the attacks, contrasting it with reactions to the Charlie Hebdo shootings.
Shifting Perceptions & Motivations:
No longer focused on justifications; this attack felt random and united the country in fear and grief. French Muslims anticipate backlash, with increased police action affecting their communities.
Complexities of Radicalization:
The profile of French jihadis defies simplistic narratives; many are middle class, and there’s no clear “profile” for radicalization.
Politics & Security:
France is experiencing a “tidal pull” to the right, potentially putting civil liberties at risk in response to public fears.
International Dynamics:
American policy toward Syria and ISIS is examined, particularly in relation to Russia and the challenges of regime change.

Notable Quotes

On changes in response to attacks:
“There’s unity on that front. There’s massive fear. And I think Muslims are anticipating a real backlash.”
– George Packer (01:54)
On jihadi motivations:
“It’s pretty damn hard to answer that question... It’s a modern phenomenon... an ideology that says to them, you may feel like nothing... We will offer you everything, the world, a vision of the world made whole.”
– George Packer (03:56)
On political reactions:
“France is at war, which reminds me very much of the days after September 11th, and there’s almost an inevitable tidal pull in that direction.”
– George Packer (05:23)

Important Timestamps

00:23 – Introduction to topics and George Packer’s reporting
01:26 – French Muslim perspectives post-attacks
02:39 – Demographics of French jihadis
03:26 – The enigma of radicalization
05:23 – France’s political shift and risk of civil liberties
07:03 – Discussion of Russian involvement and Assad
11:04 – Intelligence failures preceding ISIS’s rise
12:07 – Obama’s pivot to Asia and the persistence of ISIS as a focal issue

Segment 2: Harlem’s Sylvia’s – Resilience Amid Gentrification (13:59–21:08)

Key Discussion Points

Sylvia’s Legacy:
Founded in 1962, Sylvia’s is an iconic Harlem soul food restaurant, now managed by the Woods family.
Surviving Upheaval:
The restaurant survived the 1967 riots, thanks to its central place in the community and its founder’s relationships.
Gentrification’s Double-Edged Sword:
Gentrification brings both increased business and the threat of displacement for long-standing cultural institutions; Sylvia’s future is preserved by owning its real estate.
Family Business:
The Woods children grew up learning every role, from cleaning tables to cooking, illustrating Sylvia’s as a true community and family institution.
Community Anchor:
Sylvia’s is described as not just a restaurant, but a social, cultural, and political center.

Notable Quotes

On surviving riots:
“That restaurant was about the only thing that was not touched. All other storefronts…”
– Van Woods (15:48)
On gentrification’s impact:
“You can look at it positively… but on the other hand, you’re losing all of these fantastic, great institutions. That’s the sadness of it.”
– Van Woods (16:40)
On family involvement:
“As soon as we were old enough to see over the height of the table, we had to be able to clean that table.”
– Kenneth Woods (18:07)

Important Timestamps

13:59 – Introduction to Sylvia’s and the Woods family
14:44 – 1967 riots and the community’s response
16:37 – The economics of gentrification
17:50 – Family’s upbringing in the restaurant business
20:18 – Sylvia’s as a community hub

Segment 3: Healing Harlem – A Father’s Fight Against Violence (21:47–36:22)

Key Discussion Points

The Story of Tayshana “Chicken” Murphy:
Jennifer Gonnerman profiles the aftermath of the 2011 murder of Tayshana Murphy, a beloved basketball star, and her father’s community activism.
Decades-Old Feud Between Projects:
Persistent rivalries between Grant and Manhattanville Houses in Harlem result in recurring violence, often with little clear motive beyond identity and turf.
A Father’s Compassionate Outreach:
Taylon Murphy now acts as a “street social worker,” working with youth from both sides to defuse conflict and provide mentorship.
Collective Parental Action:
Parents who have lost children to violence band together for mutual support and provide comfort to others facing tragedy.
Vision for Renewal:
Efforts are underway to convert an abandoned social club into a crisis management center, symbolizing hope and forward movement.

Notable Quotes

On defusing violence:
“You being angry is not going to bring her back. I had to stand in the middle of that, and I’ve been standing in the middle of that from then till now.”
– Taylon Murphy (25:07)
On the feud’s roots:
“When you have this ideology that it’s us against them... Instead of saying that we’re all people in the same community...”
– Taylon Murphy (27:58)
On poverty’s many forms:
“Poverty means a lot of things. It’s not just economic... Poor resources, poor outreach, poor parenting, poor mental health, poor services...”
– Taylon Murphy (28:13)
On symbolic hope:
“If I come back and see you in five years... I see a wall full of computers, about 20 young people... doing something positive.”
– Taylon Murphy (32:42)
On loss and remembrance:
“I wear these every day… I look at them as being my yoke. I’ve been wearing these every day for four years.”
– Taylon Murphy, on his memorial necklaces and laminates (36:13)

Important Timestamps

21:47 – Introduction to Tayshana Murphy’s story and her father
22:17 – Tour through Harlem and the rivalry’s legacy
25:07 – The father’s role in tempering retaliation
27:58 – Analysis of feud origins and adult responsibility
29:53 – Parental support network, including Monica’s story
32:08 – Vision for the community crisis center
33:39 – The ongoing trauma of concentrated violence
36:01 – Personal tributes and keeping memories alive

Segment 4: The Art of George Booth – Cartoons, Country Roots, and City Slickers (38:25–47:14)

Key Discussion Points

George Booth’s Style & Legacy:
Booth is celebrated for his “dog cartoons” and depiction of quirky, down-to-earth characters.
Cartooning from Life:
Finds inspiration in the everyday, often drawing from observed reality and his rural upbringing.
Spontaneity and Technique:
Embraces accidents and improvisation in his work, physically piecing together different sketches to capture the perfect moment.
The Greek Chorus Dog:
Dogs and cats in Booth’s cartoons act as silent witnesses or comic counterpoints to human behavior.
Mentorship & Influence:
Fellow cartoonist Matt Diffee recalls Booth’s impact and their shared country backgrounds.

Notable Quotes

On authenticity in cartoons:
“I believe greatly in drawing in cartoons what I see in life. People recognize it and they love it. They laugh at themselves.”
– George Booth (39:15)
On country vs. city:
“Do you still consider yourself a little bit of a country boy?”
– Matt Diffee
“No, I’m a city slicker.”
– George Booth (39:31)
On drawing dogs and their narrative role:
“If you put a dog sitting there to look at you... the dog becomes a Greek audience... suffering some of the shrapnel that’s going on.”
– George Booth (44:06)
On loss and humor:
“Jokes are getting bad.”
– George Booth (46:53)
“Oh, no, listen, I’m being sincere now. I’m saying that you’re my favorite cartoonist.”
– Matt Diffee

Important Timestamps

38:25 – Matt Diffee recalls meeting Booth
39:07 – Real-life inspiration behind cartoons
41:23 – Booth’s creative process and childhood beginnings
42:52 – On cartooning spontaneity and editing
44:36 – Why dogs are essential in his comics
45:53 – Booth’s pets and their inspiration
46:53 – Sincere praise exchanged between the cartoonists

Segment 5: Endangered Languages in New York City (47:56–53:58)

Key Discussion Points

NYC as a Linguistic Mosaic:
Daniel Kaufman of the Endangered Language Alliance describes NYC as home to 800 languages, with roughly a third endangered.
Everyday Encounters with Rare Languages:
Many city residents come from small language communities; daily interactions can reveal hidden linguistic treasures.
The Challenge of Documentation:
Efforts to record and preserve languages, ensuring children continue to learn them, are urgent but daunting in their scale.
Cultural Significance:
Linguistic diversity represents beauty, unique knowledge, and an irreplaceable “mosaic of what it means to be human.”

Notable Quotes

On scale and urgency:
“We need a team of 800 people if there’s 800 languages here. And even then we’re not sure we can do it.”
– Daniel Kaufman (52:51)
On the value of preservation:
“The beauty that is lost, the cosmologies that are lost, and the sense of difference… These little pieces of the mosaic of what it means to be human, those are extremely precious.”
– Judith Thurman (53:10)

Important Timestamps

47:56 – Daniel Kaufman introduces the Endangered Language Alliance
48:20 – The unprecedented linguistic diversity of NYC
49:15 – Everyday example: a deli worker and a rare Nepalese language
52:51 – The preservation mission’s colossal scale
53:10 – Judith Thurman on why language loss matters

Additional Episode Highlights

Closing:
Upcoming Events: Preview of next week’s episode with Patti Smith and literary guests (37:17).
Music and Credits: The episode features the signature New Yorker Radio Hour theme by Meryl Garbus of Tune-Yards (54:43).

Conclusion

This episode artfully weaves together global and local themes of violence, survival, cultural identity, and artistic expression. The discussions—from terror and assimilation in France to neighborhood transformation in Harlem, the healing work of parents scarred by loss, the quirky genius of a cartoonist, and the preservation of human language—offer a nuanced picture of cities, communities, and individuals facing change, adversity, and the imperative to remember.

For more stories, images, and articles mentioned in the episode, visit newyorkerradio.org.

The New Yorker Radio Hour

Episode 5: City Slickers and Soul Food

Date: November 20, 2015
Host: David Remnick
Produced by: WNYC Studios & The New Yorker

Episode Overview

Segment 1: French Muslims and the Paris Attacks (00:23–12:23)

Key Discussion Points

Aftermath of November 2015 Paris Attacks:
George Packer, New Yorker staff writer, discusses the climate in France following the attacks, contrasting it with reactions to the Charlie Hebdo shootings.
Shifting Perceptions & Motivations:
No longer focused on justifications; this attack felt random and united the country in fear and grief. French Muslims anticipate backlash, with increased police action affecting their communities.
Complexities of Radicalization:
The profile of French jihadis defies simplistic narratives; many are middle class, and there’s no clear “profile” for radicalization.
Politics & Security:
France is experiencing a “tidal pull” to the right, potentially putting civil liberties at risk in response to public fears.
International Dynamics:
American policy toward Syria and ISIS is examined, particularly in relation to Russia and the challenges of regime change.

Notable Quotes

On changes in response to attacks:
“There’s unity on that front. There’s massive fear. And I think Muslims are anticipating a real backlash.”
– George Packer (01:54)
On jihadi motivations:
“It’s pretty damn hard to answer that question... It’s a modern phenomenon... an ideology that says to them, you may feel like nothing... We will offer you everything, the world, a vision of the world made whole.”
– George Packer (03:56)
On political reactions:
“France is at war, which reminds me very much of the days after September 11th, and there’s almost an inevitable tidal pull in that direction.”
– George Packer (05:23)

Important Timestamps

00:23 – Introduction to topics and George Packer’s reporting
01:26 – French Muslim perspectives post-attacks
02:39 – Demographics of French jihadis
03:26 – The enigma of radicalization
05:23 – France’s political shift and risk of civil liberties
07:03 – Discussion of Russian involvement and Assad
11:04 – Intelligence failures preceding ISIS’s rise
12:07 – Obama’s pivot to Asia and the persistence of ISIS as a focal issue

Segment 2: Harlem’s Sylvia’s – Resilience Amid Gentrification (13:59–21:08)

Key Discussion Points

Sylvia’s Legacy:
Founded in 1962, Sylvia’s is an iconic Harlem soul food restaurant, now managed by the Woods family.
Surviving Upheaval:
The restaurant survived the 1967 riots, thanks to its central place in the community and its founder’s relationships.
Gentrification’s Double-Edged Sword:
Gentrification brings both increased business and the threat of displacement for long-standing cultural institutions; Sylvia’s future is preserved by owning its real estate.
Family Business:
The Woods children grew up learning every role, from cleaning tables to cooking, illustrating Sylvia’s as a true community and family institution.
Community Anchor:
Sylvia’s is described as not just a restaurant, but a social, cultural, and political center.

Notable Quotes

On surviving riots:
“That restaurant was about the only thing that was not touched. All other storefronts…”
– Van Woods (15:48)
On gentrification’s impact:
“You can look at it positively… but on the other hand, you’re losing all of these fantastic, great institutions. That’s the sadness of it.”
– Van Woods (16:40)
On family involvement:
“As soon as we were old enough to see over the height of the table, we had to be able to clean that table.”
– Kenneth Woods (18:07)

Important Timestamps

13:59 – Introduction to Sylvia’s and the Woods family
14:44 – 1967 riots and the community’s response
16:37 – The economics of gentrification
17:50 – Family’s upbringing in the restaurant business
20:18 – Sylvia’s as a community hub

Segment 3: Healing Harlem – A Father’s Fight Against Violence (21:47–36:22)

Key Discussion Points

The Story of Tayshana “Chicken” Murphy:
Jennifer Gonnerman profiles the aftermath of the 2011 murder of Tayshana Murphy, a beloved basketball star, and her father’s community activism.
Decades-Old Feud Between Projects:
Persistent rivalries between Grant and Manhattanville Houses in Harlem result in recurring violence, often with little clear motive beyond identity and turf.
A Father’s Compassionate Outreach:
Taylon Murphy now acts as a “street social worker,” working with youth from both sides to defuse conflict and provide mentorship.
Collective Parental Action:
Parents who have lost children to violence band together for mutual support and provide comfort to others facing tragedy.
Vision for Renewal:
Efforts are underway to convert an abandoned social club into a crisis management center, symbolizing hope and forward movement.

Notable Quotes

On defusing violence:
“You being angry is not going to bring her back. I had to stand in the middle of that, and I’ve been standing in the middle of that from then till now.”
– Taylon Murphy (25:07)
On the feud’s roots:
“When you have this ideology that it’s us against them... Instead of saying that we’re all people in the same community...”
– Taylon Murphy (27:58)
On poverty’s many forms:
“Poverty means a lot of things. It’s not just economic... Poor resources, poor outreach, poor parenting, poor mental health, poor services...”
– Taylon Murphy (28:13)
On symbolic hope:
“If I come back and see you in five years... I see a wall full of computers, about 20 young people... doing something positive.”
– Taylon Murphy (32:42)
On loss and remembrance:
“I wear these every day… I look at them as being my yoke. I’ve been wearing these every day for four years.”
– Taylon Murphy, on his memorial necklaces and laminates (36:13)

Important Timestamps

21:47 – Introduction to Tayshana Murphy’s story and her father
22:17 – Tour through Harlem and the rivalry’s legacy
25:07 – The father’s role in tempering retaliation
27:58 – Analysis of feud origins and adult responsibility
29:53 – Parental support network, including Monica’s story
32:08 – Vision for the community crisis center
33:39 – The ongoing trauma of concentrated violence
36:01 – Personal tributes and keeping memories alive

Segment 4: The Art of George Booth – Cartoons, Country Roots, and City Slickers (38:25–47:14)

Key Discussion Points

George Booth’s Style & Legacy:
Booth is celebrated for his “dog cartoons” and depiction of quirky, down-to-earth characters.
Cartooning from Life:
Finds inspiration in the everyday, often drawing from observed reality and his rural upbringing.
Spontaneity and Technique:
Embraces accidents and improvisation in his work, physically piecing together different sketches to capture the perfect moment.
The Greek Chorus Dog:
Dogs and cats in Booth’s cartoons act as silent witnesses or comic counterpoints to human behavior.
Mentorship & Influence:
Fellow cartoonist Matt Diffee recalls Booth’s impact and their shared country backgrounds.

Notable Quotes

On authenticity in cartoons:
“I believe greatly in drawing in cartoons what I see in life. People recognize it and they love it. They laugh at themselves.”
– George Booth (39:15)
On country vs. city:
“Do you still consider yourself a little bit of a country boy?”
– Matt Diffee
“No, I’m a city slicker.”
– George Booth (39:31)
On drawing dogs and their narrative role:
“If you put a dog sitting there to look at you... the dog becomes a Greek audience... suffering some of the shrapnel that’s going on.”
– George Booth (44:06)
On loss and humor:
“Jokes are getting bad.”
– George Booth (46:53)
“Oh, no, listen, I’m being sincere now. I’m saying that you’re my favorite cartoonist.”
– Matt Diffee

Important Timestamps

38:25 – Matt Diffee recalls meeting Booth
39:07 – Real-life inspiration behind cartoons
41:23 – Booth’s creative process and childhood beginnings
42:52 – On cartooning spontaneity and editing
44:36 – Why dogs are essential in his comics
45:53 – Booth’s pets and their inspiration
46:53 – Sincere praise exchanged between the cartoonists

Segment 5: Endangered Languages in New York City (47:56–53:58)

Key Discussion Points

NYC as a Linguistic Mosaic:
Daniel Kaufman of the Endangered Language Alliance describes NYC as home to 800 languages, with roughly a third endangered.
Everyday Encounters with Rare Languages:
Many city residents come from small language communities; daily interactions can reveal hidden linguistic treasures.
The Challenge of Documentation:
Efforts to record and preserve languages, ensuring children continue to learn them, are urgent but daunting in their scale.
Cultural Significance:
Linguistic diversity represents beauty, unique knowledge, and an irreplaceable “mosaic of what it means to be human.”

Notable Quotes

On scale and urgency:
“We need a team of 800 people if there’s 800 languages here. And even then we’re not sure we can do it.”
– Daniel Kaufman (52:51)
On the value of preservation:
“The beauty that is lost, the cosmologies that are lost, and the sense of difference… These little pieces of the mosaic of what it means to be human, those are extremely precious.”
– Judith Thurman (53:10)

Important Timestamps

47:56 – Daniel Kaufman introduces the Endangered Language Alliance
48:20 – The unprecedented linguistic diversity of NYC
49:15 – Everyday example: a deli worker and a rare Nepalese language
52:51 – The preservation mission’s colossal scale
53:10 – Judith Thurman on why language loss matters

Additional Episode Highlights

Closing:
Upcoming Events: Preview of next week’s episode with Patti Smith and literary guests (37:17).
Music and Credits: The episode features the signature New Yorker Radio Hour theme by Meryl Garbus of Tune-Yards (54:43).

Conclusion

For more stories, images, and articles mentioned in the episode, visit newyorkerradio.org.

Episode 5: City Slickers and Soul Food

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Summary

The New Yorker Radio Hour

Episode 5: City Slickers and Soul Food

Episode Overview

Segment 1: French Muslims and the Paris Attacks (00:23–12:23)

Key Discussion Points

Notable Quotes

Important Timestamps

Segment 2: Harlem’s Sylvia’s – Resilience Amid Gentrification (13:59–21:08)

Key Discussion Points

Notable Quotes

Important Timestamps

Segment 3: Healing Harlem – A Father’s Fight Against Violence (21:47–36:22)

Key Discussion Points

Notable Quotes

Important Timestamps

Segment 4: The Art of George Booth – Cartoons, Country Roots, and City Slickers (38:25–47:14)

Key Discussion Points

Notable Quotes

Important Timestamps

Segment 5: Endangered Languages in New York City (47:56–53:58)

Key Discussion Points

Notable Quotes

Important Timestamps

Additional Episode Highlights

Conclusion

Summary

The New Yorker Radio Hour

Episode 5: City Slickers and Soul Food

Episode Overview

Segment 1: French Muslims and the Paris Attacks (00:23–12:23)

Key Discussion Points

Notable Quotes

Important Timestamps

Segment 2: Harlem’s Sylvia’s – Resilience Amid Gentrification (13:59–21:08)

Key Discussion Points

Notable Quotes

Important Timestamps

Segment 3: Healing Harlem – A Father’s Fight Against Violence (21:47–36:22)

Key Discussion Points

Notable Quotes

Important Timestamps

Segment 4: The Art of George Booth – Cartoons, Country Roots, and City Slickers (38:25–47:14)

Key Discussion Points

Notable Quotes

Important Timestamps

Segment 5: Endangered Languages in New York City (47:56–53:58)

Key Discussion Points

Notable Quotes

Important Timestamps

Additional Episode Highlights

Conclusion