one thing I really love about NYC is how easy it is to deflect attention and get what you want
exhibit A: "tech workers" make the same amount in NYC as they do in the Bay Area, they fly completely under the radar and the inequality warriors point fingers at finance instead, serving to highlight the fickle nature of an unorganized protest where the cause/perpetuator of inequality is so easily interchangeable to whoever is the richest. Granted, these cities don't really know much about each other's struggles, so you see a lot of the same arguments rehashed and evolve in different ways ie: Austin recently dealt with a cultural appropriation uproar over a "Bodega", and not cultural appropriation from NYC lol, its just whoever is the loudest.
exhibit B: Walmart is practically banned from NYC in an effort to save/protect local businesses, while every major, minor, and luxury retailer enjoys larger than life flagship versions of their stores positioned in space constrained Manhattan.
exhibit C: The way tax breaks are made relevant news at all. Hudson Yards isn't the only place getting it.