Some people reacted to the death of bin Laden with hooting and cheering and raucous celebrations, as if this serious and somber event was like their home sports team winning a big game. But not everyone, even in New York City, responded this way.
I was not sure if this was a hoax video, in which a normal subway ride taken at some other time had had the voice added. It looked like the person doing the shouting had also taken the video and I was not sure why he would post a video that made him look foolish, unless he thought that the apathetic response of the people revealed the lack of patriotism of people living in the bicoastal areas who, as we are repeatedly told, are not ‘real’ Americans like those in the mythical ‘heartland’.
It was the non-reaction of almost everyone in the subway car to someone shouting about anything that was surprising to me and made me suspect a possible hoax. If I had been there, I would have at least looked around to see who was making such a ruckus.
But I am not a New Yorker. Maybe this is how they react to anyone trying to get their attention in a public place.
I have lived in Manhattan for two years, just recently. It happens all of the time that someone in the subway starts shouting something, or asking for money, or just creating some kind of nuisance. In fact, the whole subway is a nuisance: it is extremely dirty and noisy. So noisy, in fact, that as a daily commuter I would use a noise cancellation headset (other commuters I know simply use earplugs). In the end, the normal reaction to any random guy shouting in a subway car is to simply ignore the crazies.
I’ve lived in New York City for over 10 years. I’d bet the video is real. Note the traditional Brooklyn Salute at :40.
Vincenzo is spot on -- most people ignore anyone making any sort of a public announcement in the subway. To engage is to risk an unwanted situation.