Times Square Dead or Alive?

Boyer's discussion about the loss of old Time Square didn't seem to convince me of any sort of "loss". I think this is mainly because I only know Time Square as what it is today, the commercialized, disnefied center of New York. The "old Time Square" seems to be described as a place with lots of character and history. "...Prostitutes, pimps, or hucksters rubbed shoulders with out-of-town conventioneers, theater audiences, and corporate secretaries." The new Time Square is free of any prostitutes and pimps for the most part. It is a fairly safe, well-lit area that wouldn't scare to many people away. It seems to me that this is a positive change for the city of New York. The removal of this "old character" may be seen as a positive thing. More people then ever are coming to this landmark spot in North America, more than would have before.
When I went to Time Square I was impressed with the grand spectacle. Without knowing what it was originally, I would say that I was impressed with what Time Square is today. I am constantly bombarded with thousands of advertisements telling me to purchase the newest sweater and watch the coolest television show. To me, Time Square spoke directly to me and was sort of a narrative as to what we go through, growing up in the 21st century.