What you see in New York is a matter of perception. It's Human Beings and the human condition that needs repaired. New Yorkers actually stick together like glue - There are millions of people, who when asked their nationality say "New Yorker".
September 11th, 2001 the entire city, nay - Northeast - Came together to help people out. People were welcomed into apartments of strangers, food was given, everyone gave aid. The city quietly evacuated.
The Southern hospitality during Katrina where people were being killed, eaten and gangraped in shelters shocked us all.
So I've seen the proof, not just evidence, that New York isn't that bad a place.