In recent days, social media has been abuzz with a peculiar phenomenon occurring in the bustling streets of New York City. Videos and photos capturing a fluorescent green liquid oozing out of manholes and sewers near the World Trade Center have sparked a frenzy of speculation and theories.
The Viral Video: Green Slime in the Big Apple
The saga began when Daniel Pantelo, a curious New Yorker, captured the surreal moment on video and shared it on social media platforms. The footage showed the green liquid bubbling up from a manhole and flowing onto the street. Pantelo’s caption, “Can anybody explain this or are we just living in full-blown Gotham rn,” set the stage for a wave of imaginative theories and witty remarks from fellow users.
What looked like bright green slime was spotted oozing from sewers onto the streets of New York City, leaving residents puzzled ???? https://t.co/HWmi6Fsbjz pic.twitter.com/xMoJqrQ27S
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) November 7, 2023
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Connection
Among the most popular comparisons drawn by social media users was the resemblance of the green slime to the iconic ooze featured in the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” franchise. The fictional turtles, known for their martial arts prowess, were transformed into humanoid reptiles after encountering a mysterious green substance. The connection between the viral video and the beloved childhood heroes captured the imagination of many online.
One user humorously suggested, “If you see some turtles and a rat practicing karate, get some film,” highlighting the whimsical association between the green slime and the Ninja Turtles. The reference to the pizza-loving heroes struck a chord with fans of the franchise, further fueling the viral nature of the video.
Unmasking the Truth: Harmless Dye or Radioactive Ooze?
While the social media frenzy continued to grow, a “community notes” disclaimer was added to the post, aiming to clarify the nature of the green slime. According to the disclaimer, the substance was actually “water full of green dye” rather than a mysterious, radioactive ooze. This revelation led to a divide among those who believed the official explanation and those who remained convinced of an otherworldly origin.
Plumbers in New York City frequently use harmless, fluorescent green dye to detect leaks in the city’s plumbing and sewage systems. This dye, when introduced into the system, helps highlight any irregularities or potential issues that need attention. The presence of the green liquid in the video can thus be attributed to this common practice.
However, some skeptics, like Pantelo, remained unconvinced by the official explanation. In a follow-up post, he declared, “Contrary to the community note, I think the sludge is radioactive ooze. Source? Divine intuition.” While the notion of divine intuition may seem far-fetched, it highlights the enduring allure of mystery and the human fascination with the unknown.
Beyond the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles connection, other imaginative theories emerged as social media users sought to make sense of the green slime phenomenon. One user jokingly commented, “I’m pretty sure that’s Surge,” alluding to the popular soda from the 1990s. The humorous remark played on the vibrant green color shared by Surge and the mysterious liquid, further adding to the online banter surrounding the viral video.
The Role of Social Media in Spreading Speculation
Social media platforms have become breeding grounds for speculation and theories, often fueled by viral videos and images. The green slime incident in New York City is a prime example of how quickly information spreads and gains traction online. With the ability to share content instantly, users can contribute to the collective imagination and create a digital echo chamber of speculation.
