Indian vlogger Nitish Advitiy has taken social media by storm with a video that labels New York City as “America’s Stinkiest City.” The video, which quickly went viral, shows smoke rising from manholes across the city, a common sight for locals but a surprising one for international viewers. This footage has sparked a lively debate about the portrayal of hygiene issues in Western media, particularly how it often highlights such problems in developing countries while seemingly ignoring similar issues in Western cities.

Advitiy’s video captures the bustling streets of New York City, where smoke emanating from manholes is a frequent occurrence. For many residents, this is just another aspect of city life. However, for Advitiy and his international audience, it was an unexpected and eye-opening experience. The video not only highlights the environmental and infrastructural challenges faced by major urban centers but also raises questions about media narratives.

The discussion generated by the video touches on broader themes of media bias and representation. Critics argue that Western media often focuses on hygiene and infrastructure issues in developing nations, painting them in a negative light. Meanwhile, similar challenges in Western cities like New York are either downplayed or ignored. This has led to calls for more balanced reporting that acknowledges the complexities and similarities between cities worldwide.

The viral nature of Advitiy’s video underscores the power of social media to challenge prevailing narratives and bring attention to overlooked issues. As debates continue online, it remains to be seen whether this will lead to any changes in how media outlets report on urban challenges globally.